James E. Henschel letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - December 8, 1918
Transcript
Verdun- December 8th/1918 - Mother Dear - This trip may turn out to be longer than we expected. After being with this outfit for a week - there is a chance - a possibility - that we start in doing what we came to do. Since Thanksgiving day, my time has been taken up with little save eating and sleeping. Of course - that's one way to grow fat, but this business of doing nothing at all is hard on the nerves, to say the least. In the meantime, as I say, I am becoming fatter and lazier every day. There is absolutely nothing to do. We have one copy of Munsey's a year ancient - and I believe that I could recite the copy in it. Sometimes I wish that some of those persons
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who scatter wild tales throughout the States of the "pernicious influences beretting our boys' foot-steps" in France were stationed here a year or two - that they might taste the vicious life we lead. Why - a rumour floated around that there was beer to found in a neighboring village. Another lieutenant and I walked eight kilometres to investigate - and found that it was all wrong; there wasn't even Pinard! Then we walked sorrowfully back again. So you can see - there is little of interest to write. The food is the most remarkable feature of my existence nowadays. Steaks and dough-nuts and cake! It's certainly wonderful. You see - this outfit was one time attached to
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the Field Service for training purposes - just about a year ago, and they liked us so well that now nothing seems to be good enough for an old Field Service fellow - even if he's an officer. One more interesting bit of knowledge. Last spring - who boiled me (when it wasn't "cooties" the dear little things) it was scabies. It may be inhabitants too - but if so - you can't see 'em. None the less - they form one of the causes for insanity; I used to wake up bleeding from slumbering scratching. Alors - the reason I mention this (I say it hopefully, but trembling) is that I think I'm "getting" 'em again". The doctor thinks so too, which is sad. Have I told you that friend Lucille sent me her annual letter?
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It came a few days before leaving Decize (here of course, I receive no mail). It pleased me immensely to hear from her again. She's the most regular correspondent I have; once a year - about this time - she sends me a letter a good long one, full of news. Also some snapshots - Just as good to look at (a little more so - perhaps) as always. Like everything else - writing paper is "not" up here. Therefore my note book suffers - C'est la guerre paix. Give my best Christmas wishes to my friends. I can't write them all. There's lots of time now - but the letters would read like boiler-plate. Also - thanks "Min" for her letter. It traveled a long way 'round - but finally came home. My love to all of the home folks. Ned. (Address letters to Decize of course)
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - December 8, 1918 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel. 8 December 1918. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated December 8, 1918, Henschel wrote his mother about his current trip taking longer than expected. Henschel also mentioned the presence of "cooties". |
| 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 | December 8, 1918 |
| Language | English |