James Robert Davis letter to Mother and Others - March 2, 1919
Transcript
March 2 1919 Montierchaume France Dear Mother &Others. Your letter 13 came yesterday - I havent missed very many that you have written and think that the percentage that got there is very good - 13 - must have been a blue day for you for some cause or other or else my letter started a train of thought that I didnt intend it to. Now as for Frank - I feel that you took my statement entirely to literal the statement was merely aroused by the sanctimonious, guess that offered more or less correct feeling that his parents have. I really believe that the mothers of the USA havent much to worry about. Only they sent boys away and they arent going to get them back. Glad you got the allotments Iam sorry to have raised such a howl about it but as I tryed to explain if they werent being paid Iwanted to find out why - as I remember Imade out the blank the night we left Upton. Probably about 9\00
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that evening and things were not exactly settled around there as we were moving hurriedly and always at the last. There is a lot to be done. - It was a cold dreary night too no moon - and none of us knew just what was being pulled off. If I remember rightly we started to move about 1.30 A.M. to en train and we were marching out about 3000 of us. Then a big camp that was as still as death and all we could see was the long shadow of moving men and shadows of building and the only noise was the sound of feet and occasionally a command. Well as Istarted to say that allotment was made - under those conditions and Inever was sure just what I put down or whether it was sent to the right place or not - alright thats settled and I’ll make out a new blanket next month as Ithink Imade this for only six months. Alright here rest of the allotment question. Igot [William’s] letter or card telling about his wheels
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glad he got it and if it gets out of box have him take it to a repair man and if possible have him watch when the work is done so next time he will know what to do. Iwant Bill to learn a few things that I didnt learn - and it has often been rather a handicap. guess I’ll send Joe the card Igot from Bill. Ihad some little sliver angels for her that I got in a French grave yard but one of them got her legs broken on the last move so I guess she is done for - However Ihavent forgotten her and I’ll be on the out look for something especially for her. I think Joe is right to get out of here and go home personally I see no chance for me to get home any time soon. I cant be worried about that tho and in fact Iam not worrying any. Iwas surprised to get a letter writing from [Kansas City] hope your eyes are still holding out tho you forgot to tell me anything about yourself.
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Iwant this to go to day so I’ll close and get it in the mail - Hope you keep well - goodbye love to all. Jim Iam in good health - Lt JR Davis 816 Pioneer Infantry. A.E.F.
Details
| Title | James Robert Davis letter to Mother and Others - March 2, 1919 |
| Creator | Davis, James Robert |
| Source | Davis, James Robert. Letter to Mother and Others. 02 March 1919. James Robert Davis Collection, 1918-1919. 1994.41. National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | James Robert Davis wrote this letter to his mother and other relatives from Montierchaume, France on March 2, 1919. Davis discussed an allotment his mother had received from the army. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--Military life--United States; World War, 1914-1918--Occupied territories; Camp Upton (N.Y.) |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; 816th Pioneer Infantry |
| Site Accession Number | 1994.41 |
| Contributing Institution | National World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the National World War I Museum and Memorial: (816) 888-8100. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | March 2, 1919 |
| Language | English |