George J. Maguolo letter to Father - January 31, 1918
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[page 1][January] 31, 1917 Dear Father – I hope you may not have been worrying about me, for I am now comfortably situated, contented and enjoying good health. Oh! so many things have happened since I last wrote you that it seems that if it were not for the “censorship” I could write you a book of experiences . Although having suffered many hardships I would not turn back if given the opportunity. there will be many thrilling things to tell when we meet again. I wrote you a letter before leaving Canada, in regard to the trip. The sea certainly made me sick it being stormy nearly all the way across. I must of been in bed for nearly twelve days. Could eat but very little. We had some
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thrilling experiences on the way that I am not allowed to tell you of. England is indeed a beautiful country. It is warm here and everything is green. Can you imagine how happy we were to leave the transports! I am much impressed by the cleanness of the towns and their streets. No frame houses with picket fences! Each cottage built of brick stone or stucco, neatly surrounded by gardens and hedges. You cannot look down these streets and see piles of brick & lumber as in nearly all our American cities. I like their domestic architecture which is very appropriate to this climate. The gentlemenlyness of the English also impressed me. They are very polite and treat the “Yankees” with great respect. “We will win the war before another year,” they say. While traveling in a fine English train the British Red Cross served us
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[page 2] with hot tea & sandwitches at several of the stations. these trains are much different than ours. In many ways I like them better. As yet I have heard from neither Herbert or Simpson and believe they are in France. I can give you no information in regard to the size or location of this camp. Many interesting things are happening here. We are well taken care of and out of the “aeroplane bombing zone.” Wish you could see some of the preperations and the big guns. Saw a bunch of germans for the first time - they are indeed a dirty lot. In regard to the War news we know far less than you. I haven’t seen a newspaper for nearly a month. We haven’t any thing to fear
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however. During the many idle days on board ship I though of the possibilities of visiting Italy after the war and continuing the study of architecture. Is that a “pipe dream” or should I return immediatley - of course that is in the future - I shall write again in this regard. It will not be long now when I shall be in France at some generals Headquarters – [ms illegible: 1 wd] at my profession. I have received no mail since the 13th of January and hardly know when you will get this one. In all my experience over here there is nothing that I miss so much as a pair of “field glasses” In looking at detail of [ms illegible: 1 wd] and buildings statuary and later in France! gee! but I would like to get one. Of course I cannot get one here and am wondering if it were possible to send me a
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[page 3]pair from St. Louis? I know they cost in the neighborhood of $15.00 but suppose a pair may be had from a pawn shop cheap. Will you see if you can get some? A rather small pair is what I would enjoy, carried in a tan leather case swung over one shoulders. [sketch of field glasses] case (& strap) How is the shop progressing. I think of it all the time. Gratefully yours – George Address [Private] George Maguolo 447th [Depot Detachment Engineers] American [Expeditionary Forces]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Father - January 31, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Father. 31 January 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his father on January 31, 1918 while at Camp Devens in Ayers, Massachusetts. Maguolo was in the 419th Depot Detachment, 25th Engineers and served in the 29th Engineers in France until 1919. In this letter he described his trip through England. He also asked his parents to send him binoculars so that he could look at the buildings and architecture. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | Camp Devens (Mass); World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--War Work--Red Cross |
| 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 | January 31, 1918 |
| Language | English |