James E. Henschel letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - November 18, 1917
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Private J.E. Henschel - American Missions - Provisional Co. "A" - Motor Transport A.E.F. Reserve Mallet - France - November 18/1917 - Dearest Mother - Obtained church leave - and so ensured having time to write home. Your letter of October sixteenth was delivered yesterday - thereby raising me to the pinnacles again. Am pleased to know the things from Biarritz arrived; I had serious doubts as to whether it (the package) would get through. Hope that they did not charge you too much duty. We had a "show" at the Y.M.C.A. last night. The stunts - whether good or not - were at least diverting. The "talent" was remarkable. Baldrige - an artist pretty well known in the States did some sketches that were fine.
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We attempted football Friday. The casualities were great - at least three being out of duty. It was a very enjoyable though somewhat gray hour. This afternoon we play another game. The Frenchmen can't conceive of there being any pleasure in such a game - but thank goodness Major - can. I read in a newspaper that turkey was being sent for the American forces in France - for Thanksgiving. Hope that the report is correct - and the Boche pick the wrong ship. It would make the dinner seem a little more like Thanksgiving at home. It seems ages since we left home - Some time ago I wrote a letter to Floyd Duncan (erstwhile
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"Speed") and Friday he replied - not with a letter - but with a big package of tobacco and cigarettes - and I had not mentioned them to him - if I remember correctly. Isn't that just like Speed? I wonder just what he is doing now - and if he received his commission. Also - in the same mail I received a card from a boy at school named Davenport, who is now a lieutenant in aviation and a letter from one of my old professors who I thought had forgotten me completely. Needless to say all of this pleased me immensely - and to top it off your letter - which was far more important than the others - came yesterday. All kicks - grumbles - complaints etc, as
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regards postal difficulties and disappointments are hereby recalled. Of course - it would be nice to be able to tell a little news - but that's obviously impossible; even diaries are "defendu" Unpleasant, but necessary. Please not a slight change in the address. I have to date received only one of your packages, the tobacco - and no newspapers - save those sent by you personally. So you must not trouble to send me things. Don't even bother for Christmas - save perhaps a letter. I will appreciate your thoughts just the same. My love to you and to Father. Ned.
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel - November 18, 1917 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Mrs. Leopold H. Henschel. 18 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 18, 1917, Henschel wrote his mother concerning the football game that had been attempted in camp and the upcoming Thanksgiving Day arrangements. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps; United States. Army--Sports; Thansgiving |
| 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 18, 1917 |
| Language | English |