James E. Henschel letter to Friend - January 15, 1918
Transcript
Private J.E. Henschel - American Mission. Motor Transport A.E.F. Reserve Mallet. France - January 15/1918 - My dear Friend - The package containing the "knee-ups" came today as a delightful surprise - even though I know that they were on the way. Now see - after a certain indefinite period a time has passed, we give up packages as lost - so you see - I was doubly pleased when my name was on the list today. It was mighty good of you to knit them, the "knee-lets" or "caps" or whatever they ought to be called. I certainly appreciate your going to so much trouble for me - and am certain that they will be might useful.
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[page 2] Also - herein should be included an apology - in the interests of strict honesty. The suggestion in my letter to Mother was more or less of a joke - at first - and I did not really believe that it would be taken seriously - but as things have turned out, I am mighty glad that it was regarded in that light. I had seen so many "wristlets" and read so much about them - but the other thing was something unknown to me, at least. The only thing that I was certain of was that my knees were about the coldest part of me when driving on a cold day - not my wrists. Hence - my horribly poor attempt at
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[page 3] humor. Now that you have been so thoughtful of me. I feel just a little ashamed of myself. You understand? I am mighty glad, however, that "knee-lets" actually appeared - for the pair sent from [Kansas City] have already proven of great value. You won't think me too selfish for keeping both pair? We had a beautiful day today - the first for many weeks. If this weather keeps up - my only trouble - a rather annoying cold - will possibly become only a memory. That seems really too much to hope for. Our work remains much the same as it has always been - its chief char-
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[page 4] acteristic being usually enough to go around. Which is best for everyone concerned for idleness for any length of time does not improve dispositions at all. More than this and that it is usually interesting - is about all that I am permitted to say about the work. I am afraid that this will not prove a very interesting letter. At best, all that I can hope is that it will take with is just a little of my extreme gratitude for your kindness to me. If it does that - I shall be more than pleased. Sincerely your friend - Ned. (My Regards and best wishes to Emmet).
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Friend - January 15, 1918 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Friend. 15 January 1918. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated January 15, 1918, Henschel wrote to his friend about receiving the "knee-ups" that had been sent. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps |
| 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 15, 1918 |
| Language | English |