James E. Henschel letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - November 11, 1917
Transcript
Private J.E. Henschel - American Mission - Motor Transport A.E.F. Reserve Mallet - France - November 11/1917 - Dearest Father and Mother - I chanced to meet one of the boys who came over in our unit but did not enlist and he gave me a letter from Mother dated October tenth - much to my surprise and pleasure. Also he informed me that my [Kansas City] Stars were being enjoyed immensely. Newspapers, it would seem, are not forwarded; hence I have not received a copy - yet. However, it is good to know that some one enjoying them. What do you think of this horid stationery? It is the best that I could get hold of in this place, in spite of the envelope, so you must stand it until it is gone.
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The Y.M.C.A. has established itself at this place - opened last night with a "movey". You should have been there. memories of one-reelers! You can believe that it was enjoyed by all of us. Even "Poilu". our shaggy mongrel sat up on a seat by himself and seemed to take the keenest interest - barked and growled at quite the proper moments. As for us - we cheered at the sight of a [ms illegible: 1 wd] or dress suit and howled frantically when a good-looking girl was on the screen. We are mighty glad the "Y" is with us. Among its attractions are a rather limitted library and a Victrola (which of course - is badly overworked). Also it has bathing facilities. I can not tell any news. The censorship is very strict and every
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letter is censored. However, we are permitted more letters per month now - as you know. Once again, I wish to acknowledge receipt of tobacco and money order. (In case all of my past four letters fail delivery). And now something that I have been thinking for quite a while. You know - whenever I see the men coming back from the line - all worn out - or going up - knowing just what is ahead of them - it makes me feel just a bit uncomfortable. This business of relieving the "aged and decrepit" to do our little job up front isn't exactly pleasant - for after all - it is the job of us young fellows - if we are perfectly healthy and able bodied. Mind - I'm not feeling unduly patriotic - just "duly" so - and a little small. It was all right. I guess - to do this sort of thing (our work)
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before we got into the war - but there are too many who would be satisfied with just that and nothing more. What would you say to my transferring to the infantry? I know just what it would mean - and of course it would have to be as a private - but I think I could be doing a little more by so doing. In my mind - it is only a question of whether the time for training would be lost. What do you folks think? At that - though - I might not pass the physical - so this may be all a "pipe-dream". Will do nothing until I hear from you. My thoughts and love are always at home no matter where I may be. (This is letter number eleven since I started numbering them) Ned.
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - November 11, 1917 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel. 11 November 1917. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated November 11, 1917, Henschrl wrote to his parents about receiving mail and the strict censorship on outgoing mail. Henschel also mentioned the presence of the Y.M.C.A. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps; World War, 1914-1918--Censorship; World War, 1914-1918--War work--Y.M.C.A. |
| 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 | November 11, 1917 |
| Language | English |