George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - November 29, 1918
Transcript
LANGRES – [November] 29, [1918] [sketch of military convoy] Dear Dad – Am mailing you under separate cover a little plastic case – a present from a French sculptor Monsieure Pollut. I met him in his studio at Chaumont where he has done some very interesting work. The model I am sending you was made by his brother at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris. Inclosed is a little sketch suggesting a way to frame it. I saw this scheme in the museum at Angers and believe it makes a fine presentation. What do you think? Since the last letter I wrote you an interesting trip turned up. The little sketch inclosed
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[page 2] will show you where we went. I was in charge of a convoy to take the truck loads of relief maps from Toul to Langres. It was very interesting inspite of the uncomfortable ride in 5 ton mack trucks. Spent one night at Toul and one at Neuf Chateau both of which were comfortable – slept in hotels. We met many Italians dressed in American uniforms. they were prisoners newly released from germany who were dressed in rags upon their arrival. If fact all the prisoners – French, American, English, & Italian are clothed in most anything mixed uniforms. An Englishman may be wearing a British cap, a French coat and American overcoat. Long lines of downcast germans are on the roads. We had a Bosche Helmet dangling from the radiator cap
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[page 3] and the driver would point at it and laugh but they nodded only to look down disheartened. They are a terrible looking bunch. We are all indeed happy with the prospect of returning home and hope it may come soon. Inclosed is a menu card of our thanksgiving dinner after which we arrived just in time. Pretty fine meal eh! Look it over. The cartoons above were made by one of our fellows. Simpson, Herbet & I are always together so they naturally picked on us. (what do you think of the mustache) Rumors have it that we leave this post [December] 15th but for where no one knows. Many have gone to Coblenz – perhaps we may be there for a while. But - lets hope we go home.
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Did you get my “Dad’s letter’ containing a map of our travels? Ray Herbert has been made a Corporal so now we three are [sketch of corporal rank] think of it! Probably Louis is a sergeant by now, so runs the Army! Can tell you quite a few things when we get back – Again wishing you the best of seasons greetings – I am your son [Corporal] [George] Maguolo Co. “A” 29th Engineers A.E.F. [cigar wrapper glued to paper] My first cigar (this is what they gave out “Thanksgiving” [censor’s signature]
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[sketch of Maguolo, Herbert and Simpson] MENU TOMATO SOUP ROAST BEEF MASHED POTATOES CREAMED ONIONS BREAD AND BUTTER APPLE PIE CHOCOLATE CAKE COFFEE CIGARS AND CIGARETTES THANKSGIVING - NOVEMBER, 28, 1918 1ST BATTALION, 29TH ENGINEERS
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Dad - November 29, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Dad. 29 November 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 November 29, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company A and served in France until 1919. In the letter Maguolo described the attire of some recently released allied prisoners of war. Maguolo illustrated this letter with a drawing of trucks and marching soldiers, and included the menu from his Thanksgiving dinner. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; Prisoners of war |
| 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 | November 29, 1918 |
| Language | English |