George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - June 23, 1919
Transcript
June 23 1919. Dear Dad – Have just returned from a very interesting trip through Belgium – and back in Paris again. on my way to Brest. Fortunately your letter with the addresses reached me and I take this opportunity of answering it – in pencil as alas! I have lost my fountain pen. It seems that I could write lots on Belgium but a lack of time prevents it and probably it will become a good letter topic should I be detained at the port for a while. You are disappointed of course that I cannot see Italy. But the enemity between the Italians and Americans ([Woodrow] Wilson) over the Fumes questions makes it unwise to allow any one in U.S.A. uniform to go there. there already has been
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[page 2] disturbances of which your papers know nothing about. there remains only the means of discharge over here. On careful consideration I find this unwise. It means buying civilian clothes over here - a long wait for passports – and in the event of future trouble, a slim chance of returning home for many months. then there is the question of expense. At present it costs me 15 [francs] per day out on a trip (R.R. fare - L.O.C. beds Y.M.C.A meals etc.) that is the military rate mind you which is reckoned at about ¼ civilian costs. You may get some idea of how expensive traveling is over here just now – when we can no longer jump freights or troop trains. And lastly I am much in need of a rest. For really I have worked hard at school.
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[page 3] Peace to be signed this eve at 19.00 oclock. Everything depends on that. Should they sign it Paris will be at its gayest tonight. If they don’t – I hardly expect to go home just yet. Am hoping they sign it for more than one reason. I continually console myself by thinking that some day surely I’ll come back. Some time when living is not high - ( there is a couple of tommies and a Scottie in kilties who are abusing the piano and attracting some attention by there songs, there is already a collection of the music loving French around this shack in the freight yards of the gare du hord. Oh! I forgot to say If it is as hot in [Italy] as it was at [Marseilles] & Avignon these are poor months to go there.
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[page 4] perhaps you have been wondering why I have said so little about the Peace negotations – with Bellevue within walking distance of Versailles? Having little good to say it is wiser to keep still. Certainly the French as disgusted with the prolongations which they attribute to Pres. [Woodrow] Wilson. (Saw him at Brussels) So should they fail to come across – I am willing to help butcher up some german towns for a change. grand Opera tonight and a farewell to Parie! So long until I hit Brest. Sincerely George J. Maguolo -
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - June 23, 1919 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Dad. 23 June 1919. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his Dad on June 28, 1919 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company A and served in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo wrote that he would not be visiting relatives in Italy due to the tensions between the United States and Italy over the Fumes question. This letter was written on American Red Cross letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918 |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Fumes question |
| 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 | June 23, 1919 |
| Language | English |