Ramsey C. Henschel letter to James E. Henschel - October 10, 1918
Transcript
With the American Army in France [October] 10th 1918. Sgt. J.E. Henschel M.T.D., Am.E.F. Prov. Co. "A", American Mission Convois Autos, Par B.C.M., Paris Dear Brother, Yours of [August] 13th rec'd sometime hence but have been unable to answer till now. We have been having quite a bit of sport (?) lately. MacClanahan sat down in a "Mustard Gas" shell hole and got a few big yellow blisters which persistently annoy him when he sits down. I, myself am unscathed, though there was lots of "H.E.'s" lighting close. The closest shave excepting perhaps flying splinters was when a gas shell hit within four feet of another fellow and I. We had to evacuate our little improvised hole because of the fumes (Mustard). Were afraid if we stayed we would eventually be gassed, and besides the H.E.'s were lighting altogether to close to that spot for entire comfort. We were covered with from one to two inches of dirt four times, so you see they weren't lighting so damnably fair off. Well that's nothing compared with what a good many of our troops have gone thru so will ring off change the subject and
Transcript
rip it into you a little bit for writing me such a mess of bull. Why don't you hand out something worth while instead expounding on the value of the "Field Service card" and "a la carte" letters. You sure missed your guess as to our location - that's but a memory by now. I can't make you out - but could make two guesses - Reims for one and the other would put you just around the corner. You will have to guess again, quite a bit west of your last. Perhaps I had best refer you to the papers, you of course remember the state I enlisted in, the close neighbor to our own. I was about in your fix, not having had a bath for about a month but feel a great deal better a couple of days past - a bath, such a wonderful thing, but no change of underwear. I still itch slightly because of the latter, but so far have been unable, even after a thorough inspection, to detect the presence of even one of the abominable creatures.
Transcript
In regard to this "leave" business, will look it up immediately. Up to and including the present date no leaves have been granted, nor is it possible to state just exactly when they will start, but I have seen the 1st Lt. and he says that I will be about the first on the list when they do start (due to circumstances). However one thing is certain, he says that no leaves are possible while we are in this area, and so I don't believe there will be any for at least a month more. After a month I think they will start issuing them so if you would care to wait that long would like very much to have you do so! Then we could step out a little bit together and exchange tales which would make things a devil of a lot more enjoyable for me. Otherwise I don't a whoop much if I ever get one. Rec'd a letter from Harvey yesterday.
Transcript
didn't say much. Is O.K. and working hard. Has been receiving mail from home quite regularly. Mother is suffering somewhat with a bum knee and father with his old trouble. Outside of that everybody at home is well. Have met no old acquaintances since coming over excepting Vasquez the Spaniard. Do you remember him, the fellow from Central America worth about $3,000,000. He went to school with me at Wentworth but you'd never know he was worth a cent unless somebody else informed you of it. He is a Sgt. in Co. A, 140 Inf. of my division, some kid too. Well, must close before you get bore. Am well and happy. The weather is still clear though cooler, etc. the usual line. Wishing you all the luck in the world. Yours (fraternally & brotherly) Ramsey C. Henschel Sgt. 1st Cl., Co. C, 110th Engrs., 35th Div. A.P.O. 743. However it is not necessary to put on the division so don't do it.
Details
| Title | Ramsey C. Henschel letter to James E. Henschel - October 10, 1918 |
| Creator | Henschel, Ramsey C. |
| Source | Henschel, Ramsey C. Letter to James E. Henschel. 10 October 1918. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated October 10, 1918, Ramsey C. Henschel wrote his brother, James, while overseas and spoke of evacuation because of mustard gas. Henschel also discussed the possibility of being granted leave. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps; World War, 1914-1918--Chemical warfare; Mustard gas. |
| 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 | October 10, 1918 |
| Language | English |