James E. Henschel letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - February 11, 1918
Transcript
Private J.E. Henschel American Mission - Motor Transport - A.E.F. Reserve Mallet. France - February 11/1918 - Dear Mother and Dad - Two letters from home came yesterday morning - and a few copies of the Star. I have fully recovered from the effects of a misplaced camion - have been back in the barracks since the sixth in fact. Since then - as further proof that I am again marked "Duty" - I have driven on two convoys, pounded rock one whole day, have been on numerous fatigue details, indulged in the delights of kitchen police, and give Dynamite the second a thorough bath with water and gasoline. Since then (this time, the infirmary visit) she had been driven a lot, and certainly needed one badly.
Transcript
What is the proper thing to say on the Junior Warden - or to him? "Congratulaions - Dad. Great Stuff; I always knew you had it in you." Seriously - I'm awfully glad to hear of your election, and feel quite "stuck up". The best things that's happened in the lodge for the good of the lodge in the almost-a-year of my membership. There couldn't have been a better choice. The pictures came through all right - as did that of both of you some time ago. Do you remember the little "photo-memory" book that came to me in a Christmas box from home? It is in use now holding the Kodak prints that come in your letters - so you must not stop sending them. Nothing is more welcome - except the letters themselves.
Transcript
We are not permitted to photograph anything of course, and cannot even send our own likeness through the mail. Hence I can not recipricate - not even with the Biarritz snapshots. Notice that Mother's letter of January second is numbered one - to start the New Year - and that her one of the eighth - also is most decisively minus a numeral." Like mother, like son" - but I lasted until about eleven or twelve. The last two days have been so beautiful that it's a delight just to be alive. Crispy - a sort of chilly-warm - just like one of our early spring days at home. Why even working greasy pan and picking spuds all-day yester-
Transcript
day was pleasant. I have been enjoying my self immensely. "Five minutes more for light" - A hateful sound. So I must close this in a hurry. ("Bob" Clark asks if I am writing a love-letter - as I am using his shelf. He calmed down when I assured him it was - and told him to whom - of course it is). Ned.
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - February 11, 1918 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel. 11 February 1918. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated February 11, 1918, Henschel wrote to his parents about his recovery from the camion accident. Henschel reminded his family that he was not permitted to take photographs. |
| 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 | February 11, 1918 |
| Language | English |