James Robert Davis letter to Mother and Others - May 18, 1919
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May 18 - 1919 Dear Mother and all others your letter no 20 received a day or two ago also one from Ethel and William glad william seems to be feeling better and is able to have so much fun. We are still at Montierchaume but the indications are that we wont stay here long - may go home and again we may not glad the books finally came - I was pretty sure Turner would take good care of them but Iwas getting a little worried - glad to that Leaker
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finally saw fit to send in his statement. It was just about what I had counted on. Idont remember whether Burnsworth is in that picture or not and Idont know just where the one I kept is so Icant find out now. sure wish Ihadnt sent my Kodak home but the way conditions were where we came over made it doubtful if Icould use it and no one could see the break coming so soon
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dont worry about me not getting in a hospital Idont believe Iwant in one - Id rather do just what Iam doing. Ihavent learned much medicine but I’ve learned a lot of stuff that I think is just as valuable. It has been my observation that these guys that write about their wonderful jobs - to the home papers - really havent got any thing of great value. Idont know what I’ll do when I get back
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except to take some post graduate work for about a month. Thats onething I absolutely have to do. Thanks for sending the cut glass to Carrie Turner - Isure have had to ask you people to do a lot of stuff for me - but when one is 4000 miles from home he just naturally has to get some one to help him out every so often. Major Blaine was called back to Verdun yesterday to take charge of the Regiment we did hate to see him go. But that didnt do any good
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that meant that he and I would not get to take our England trip - and things are so unsettled over here that we dont dare take a long trip away from our company. I’ve been lucky tho and have gotten in on a lot of long auto trips Just went out and took a good hot bath. I sure do long for a tub. these showers are better than nothing Idont believe Iwill ever be real clean again tho. This
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French dirt goes in clear to the bone - and what the sunshine and wind does to our faces is a plenty these caps are absolutely no protection Idont know whether Iam tanned sun burnt or just dirty faced. So Bill is playing 1st base that fine tell him to try his darnest so he can play on his college team some day and first base is one of the best places on the nine. Is he learning to play the piano too I’d sure like to get home
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while all the kids are there but I guess it cant be done - Wayne and Ella should be coming home pretty soon at least that would be my guess. Well look for me when you see me and not before thats the best I can say and dont worry because Ihavent a swell job. I keep clean - and do my work just the same - and have been recommended for a Captiancy and what more could you
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Iwont get the Capt. unless we stay over here a month or two longer than we think we will and I dont mind telling you Iwant it enough to be willing to stay think fates agin me tho this time. guess Ive written enough love to you all - all the kids included - Lovingly Jim Lt [James] R Davis 816 Pion Infantry Why the addresses stuff still in France?
Details
| Title | James Robert Davis letter to Mother and Others - May 18, 1919 |
| Creator | Davis, James Robert |
| Source | Davis, James Robert. Letter to Mother and Others. 18 May 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 May 6, 1919. Davis discussed the possibility of returning home soon and that he had been recommended for a promotion to captain. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--Military life--United States; World War, 1914-1918--Occupied territories; United States. Army--Promotions. |
| 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 | May 18, 1919 |
| Language | English |