James E. Henschel letter to Folks - January 1, 1919
Transcript
Lt. J.E. Henschel M.T.C. School #1 A.P.O. 772-A A.E.F. January 1st/ [1919] - Dear Folks - There are just about one million letters to be answered. While I was away - Santa Claus must have come around - for all of the mail that has been chasing me at last caught up. There was also my Christmas box (I am using the pen now) and the letter from Dad, with the handkerchief, ear-keep-warms and Ivanhoe pin. Everything was
Transcript
fine - couldn't have been better. I can't thank you all enough, nor let you know how much I will appreciate the things this winter. Christmas Eve and Christmas day I was in Paris; certainly had a wonderful time. We were pretty well tired out by our rather extended trip, and so were in a position to appreciate the gay-brightly lighted city more than ever. All Paris (and a lot of America, too) was on the streets, for Christ-
Transcript
mas is a holiday season here as everywhere. I can't describe it to you; suffice it to say that the color and crowds and smiles and bright, cheery talk did me as much good as a week leave. Christmas eve I went to the Opera (Aida) and afterwards had supper at the most expensive restaurant in all "gay Paree". My only splurge - but it was worth it. We had everything from snails on up, and a
Transcript
bottle of very old red wine. Christmas day was devoted to seeing Paris in holiday mood - so we walked most all day along the boulevards - more beautiful it seems, than ever. The next day I shopped. Did not buy a great deal, but spent a day seeing things and meeting people that I knew. Paid a visit old "21" - the Field Service headquarters, where a club has been established for all fellows of the service. The next morning we re-
Transcript
turned to Decize. By virtue of strenuous pleading, I was granted a three day leave to visit Harvey. Because of the time necessary for train connections, I had only a morning to spend with him, but enjoyed that morning immensely. Harvey is up and about, but I don't think he has received his full strength yet. From what his C.O. told me. I gathered that he had had quite a lot of serious trouble
Transcript
with his case of appendicitis - but is coming along fine now. By the way - Harvey took some Kodak snap shots of your most humble, so some time soon you may receive a picture of me. Also - he is expecting that the hospital will return to the States before long. That would be fine. On the way back, I learned that an American special would allow me to stop off at Floyd Duncan's station and still be able to reach
Transcript
Decize in time. It was only a chance in a thousand that I could find Speed, but luck was with me - and we had a few mighty enjoyable hours together. If only I could in some way or other manage to see Ramsey - why everything would be fine. I don't care if I never get a leave - for there aren't many people with whom I would care to "pal around" a while, if I have
Transcript
such good fortune meeting those whom I would like to see. And so here I am again - awfully tired out - but equally as happy. Almost went to sleep writing this. Gee - I could sleep a week! My love is always at home - Ned. Once more - my thanks for all the letters and the good things.
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Folks - January 1, 1919 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Folks. 1 January 1919. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated January 1, 1919, Henschel wrote his family and thanked them for the Christmas mementoes. He noted that he was in Paris for Christmas Day and that he had been granted a three day leave to see his brother, Harvey, but hoped to be able to see his brother, Ramsey, as well. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps; Christmas |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | 1996.51 |
| 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 | January 1, 1918 |
| Language | English |