George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - December 26, 1918
Transcript
Langres France December 26, [1918] Dear dad – Attached you will find the sum total efforts of the evenings of six weeks. In a past letter I believe I’ve mentioned having worked on a wireless Dirigible. Last June I saw a possibility and set it to paper. However it was too late for consideration. One day a Colonel called me in and talked on the subject. He said that the mechanism was very similiar to “Hammonds Wireless Torpedo” and congratulated me for working it out independently. He also mentioned the possibility of my entering West Point (the U.S. Military Academy for Officers) to which I gave no answer. Incidentally he is the man who put me up for a commission which would have gone through were it not for the Armistice which suspended everything. Since I have little
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[page 2] space for extras - I’m sending it home by mail (It’s not for publication remember) So yesterday was Xmas and we did the best we could to recall the many good times we’ve had in the past years. there was little to do except go to the Cathedral and hear some good music. President [Woodrow] Wilson was here so there was a review of Tanks & machine-gunners, artillery, Dough – boys etc. – which you may see in the “movies” some day and thereby get some idea of our present location. In a recent letter I’ve inclosed a map of my travel did you get it? Arrangements are being made to allow some of the soldiers to remain to continue studies in European Universities. Believe I have a chance to go to the Beaux Arts in Paris for a while. We will probably remain in France until the middle of summer anyhow. Nothing
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[page 3] definite has been done – we meerly hope for a chance to get out of the Army. I also have a chance for a second furlough. Accordingly I have written to my priest-cousin (in Venice for information & permission to visit him. With the aid of a letter of introduction verified by the Mayor I may be able to go there in a month or so. Am trying to get America over at the same time but in the Army one can do nothing to get us off at the same time. (Being in different regiments.) the above possibilities keep up my hope for the rest is all mud. You will never imagine the state of affairs. Herbert & Simpson have changed very much – but they have a hope for some study over here. My French godmother in Paris upon hearing of this plan wrote me immediately that her hope would be that I would live in her home.
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[page 4] As I wrote once before – She is a wealthy widow and a refined person whom I met through the Ferrands. Her husband was sole owner of a champagne firm. He died a Colonel in the French Army. Her only son is a Captain in the Army and now in Italy. He also has grad. from the Sorbonne University and would like companionship. They certainly have a wonderful home. So you see how lucky I would be if allowed off say six months to take a course. 1. Yeatman High sent me $2 for an Xmas present. 2. Received a box of chocolates from Paris through Scruggs store. 3. Ray H. is now near Verdun. 4. Don’t know where Emil or America is now. 5. Our first snow fell today. 6. This the 223rd letter I’ve written in France. 7. I correspond with 37 parties (5 French) 8. I have a month back pay coming to me. 9. We cannot possibly leave France before March. 10. I now wear a leather vest. 11. there is a possibility of my being sent
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to Coblenz germany. and thats all for this time Your loving son George T. Maguolo [Corporal] Co “A” 29th [Engineers] A.P.O. ---#714 [censor’s signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - December 26, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Dad. 26 December 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his dad on December 26, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company A and served in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo said that he hoped to remain in France after the war to attend the Beaux Art School. He also mentioned that on Christmas President Woodrow Wilson had reviewed the troops. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918 |
| 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 | December 26, 1918 |
| Language | English |