George J. Maguolo letter to Brother - Februay 26, 1918
Transcript
[page 1] France [February] 26, [1918] Dear Brother - Your letter of [January] 15 received today and was glad to hear from you. Was glad to hear that I was mistaken in regard to your position. Keep the good work up and I hope you get your promotion. The last letter I wrote you was [January] 9. On the 14th I left camp Devens and after this through England landed in France the early part of February. Have stopped at several camps here and seen a few French cities. It is interesting to see their customs and we have had many experiences. It probably will not be long now before you are on your way here. Will give you a few pointers
Transcript
[page 2] before you start (should this letter reach you in time). Try to get a knapsack in addition to your pack & belt. It certainly comes in handy for extra rations etc. Bring a scrub brush (hand size) and plenty of soap. (soap in expensive here – laundry soap scarce at the camps. Also bring sugar you will need it for the coffee on the way. Remember that all you possess is either in your pack or the barrack bag. Every thing you need on the way will probably come from the pack for the Barrack bag is taken away until you land here. That means about two weeks with out the bag. Most of us carried but two blankets in our pack the other in the bag. On board ship they lend you one.
Transcript
[page 3] Get yourself a money belt if you have’nt one as yet, and save your money for pay days are irregular. get yourself a French primer, brush up on common phrases and learn the French money system. Don’t get your money exchanged on the boat or in England (if you happen to go there. I find that the American dollar is good any were and the [Y. M. C. A.] is any where in France will exchange it for you. If you can afford a small flash light bring one (but don’t let any one know it aboard the ship or they will take it away from you). And last don’t load up on “souveniers’ (your great weakness) wait until you get back. The above is what I would suggest
Transcript
[ms torn] front working in a drafting room. Have a comfortable quarters with good meals. Am still a private but working diligently with hopes of promotion. Just now my Sundays are spent in sketching. There is much to see even in a small town. Most of the subjects are Architecture but occasionally one sees an oil, or posters which are interesting. Am inclosing a short sketch of a beautiful painting I saw. Sincerely [ms illegible: 1 wd] [Private] George Maguolo 447th Engineers [General Headquarters] [American Expeditionary Forces] P. S. Have received no mail from home as yet.
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Brother - Februay 26, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Brother. 26 February 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his brother on February 26, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 447th Depot Detachment, 25th Engineers and served in the 29th Engineers in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo gave his brother instructions on what to bring with him if he got drafted. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--War Work--Y. M. C. A.; Draft |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A0969 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| 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. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | February 26, 1918 |
| Language | English |