James Robert Davis letter to Mother - December 5, 1918
Transcript
Rec. [December] 31 [1918] [Bouzy] France [December] 5 1918 Dear Mother Received a letter from you a few days ago - and I imagine there are several more from you floating somewhere in France that I’ll never see. There isnt much news. The weather is beginning to get rotten and we are all rather home sick. Just at present I have a good house to live in and a good bed to sleep in. tho Icant say that we always get enough to eat yet at that I’m getting fat. Havent heard anything from Prigmore - suppose his letter got lost or else mine to him was lost - glad you got things settled with James that squares me with that outfit as I wrote you before use any of that money you need - dont hesitate to do so. and there’ll be more coming
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that you can put with it. If you think best you can put some of it in on a saving account. I also made an allotment of 72 dollars a month to be sent to you - let me know if you are receiving that money - you should have received $142 - to date - as pay is due me for - [October] & [November] Iam flat broke as I havent been able to get my pay voucher cashed and Ididnt bring very much money with me - thats alright tho for it Ihad Iwould have spent it and as it is Icant get any to spend that how ever is a good thing as I want all Ican get to start on when Iget back. Iwant you to be sure and take out the $125\00 I still owe. I want to go to New Orleans to school awhile when Iget back and as long as Icant spend any money the chances look good. Didnt send you any Xmas tag as we couldnt get them just send plenty of letters Ill get
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some of them and - as long as you are well - I dont worry - I could go to Metz from here but I hardly think Iwill - it wouldnt do any good except that Icould say Ihad been there - But I tell you Ihave had enough of sight seeing under the present condition. When I travel Iwant a regular Pullman and a regular hotel to stay in, and you dont find those things on this side of the pond - no indeed. These people really dont know what real comforts are, I have even lost all desire to go to Paris. Isuppose I’d get to see some fine old building but I’ve seen enough old building - Iwant to see some real up to date U.S. houses. Some place where you can turn the water on in the tub - and get a regular bath - about 4 turns a day. and have real chair to sit in and toast my feet in from of a real fire - and Iwont be wearing hob nail shoe either. At that I am glad I got over - and - I’ll be glad to get back too.
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guess Ive told you everything that Iwanted to there wasn’t anything of importance except. about the money and dont forget to let me know about the allotment and use any of it you need Pay Ethel when her interest is due. almost dinner time so I’ll stop and go see what there is for us to feed on. give Mrs Lankford my regards also Mrs Nehard call her up when ever you get a letter from me and tell her Iam alright even tho I dont tell you to - Oh yes I want Amy to see about getting that wheel for williams - the boy has to have it and so go ahead it will help to develop his muscles and then Iwant him to have it as probably some of his friend have them. Oh - yes pay who ever I owe for waynes wedding present and tell them Iasked about each and everyone Did my books come - These were shipped some time ago - better inquire at depot if you havent received them. guess Ive gotten in everything. I’ll think of something else after this is mailed - most of the officer have fleas hope Idont get any. love to all and a Merry Xmas to all - Try and Keep well - address letters as before - love to all Jim 816 Pioneer Inf - A.E.F. via N.Y.
Details
| Title | James Robert Davis letter to Mother - December 5, 1918 |
| Creator | Davis, James Robert |
| Source | Davis, James Robert. Letter to Mother. 05 December 1918. 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 on December 5, 1918. Davis described how he was tired of France and ready to come back to the comforts of home. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--Military life--United States; World War, 1914-1918--Medical care--United States; World War, 1914-1918--Occupied territories; Christmas; Fleas |
| 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 | December 5, 1918 |
| Language | English |