George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 26, 1917
Transcript
Camp Devens, [Massachusetts] [December] 26, 1917 Dear Folks – It is some time since I Iast wrote you and therefore I hardly know where to begin. Saturday morning I received the books and very glad to have them for we shall be compelled to start study tonight. Wednesday . The examinations are to be severe we are told. You see twenty of us have been selected for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant but must pass the necessary examinations. At first we were offered this rank in the regular U.S. Engineers (Which is very dangerous work), but most of us declined. The officials then offered the present positions which hold for the duration of the war only and very likely will not be combatant we will be located at bases (inside work very likely). Wish me luck but do not be too sure about this matter of promotion for there is much red tape connected with it. I shall do the best I can to advance. Saturday the “Christmas Box” was forwarded me. It is needless for me to
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to say that I appreciated being remembered and certainly enjoyed the “grub.” I opened the box at one end and ate from it in ‘grab bag’ fashion. Taking the oranges, cake, or nuts as they came (The fruit cake in particulary brought back old memories.) Among the great amount of mail that I have received are two cards from Nell and Louis, and they may rest assured that I have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas as you shall hear later. Really I cannot figure where all this mail comes from, (Yesterday received 12 letters) and for the past week never less than four letters! Can you beat it! I can manage to write a couple of letters per evening, but will never be able to keep at the present rate. To date I have received fifteen packages – Gratman Al sent a knitted cap and book – received a comfort kit from – (Never mind who), that is very complete. It contains such things as sewing needles, shoe laces, scissors, thread, alternate buttons, etc. A very handy annexation to my present kit. I have told you of the previous packages (Mr. Berlindises in particular). Received several more boxes of candy, a whole fruit cake, other home made cake, box of turkey sandwiches, few jars of preserves, lump of sugar, and Christmas cookies galore. So far it doesnt sound like a blue Christmas to you does it!
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In a back letter I mention the fact that I wished to get a leave for New York for four days. This of course was not given to me. But I did get a two day furlough to Boston. Just got back midnight last night. (Spent Monday and Tuesday there). The people with whom I visited Thanksgiving renewed their invitation. (Mr. and Mrs. A. Chapin is their name). Say we certainly had some time. (shall have to write you a letter on this trip – as there is enough material for half a dozen letters.) Left very early Monday morning and visited the shopping & business district. If you think St. Louis is crowded day before Xmas you should see Boston. Afternoon took a boat on the bay, evening at theater, Xmas morning at the Cathedral, afternoon motored to Cambridge saw Harvard Boston Tech – etc. [Tuesday] evening a house party - and today back in the barracks as if awoke from a wild dream! Lucky boy you say by now I should guess.
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Tell pop that I have received the check from the Missouri Metals & will forward it soon as I deduct a little amount I need. Also received a letter from the “patron” at school with some news that he shall be very glad to hear of. Shall write both the first opportunity. Camp life is about the same. We continue our drilling and nothing new in sight. We have learned that the delay is due to the Halifax disaster as this port was our chief shipping port. Well, in spite of the great amount of news. I shall have to quit here and shorten these letters or never get abound Shall write with next opportunity. Sincerely George. If you can read this letter you do better than ,I for I have tried it . Better luck next time.
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 26, 1917 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 26 December 1917. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote to his parents from Ayers, Massachuttes on December 26, 1917 while at Camp Devens, 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 the Christmas Holiday he spent in Boston. This letter was written on Knights of Columbus letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | Camp Devens (Mass.); 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, 1917 |
| Language | English |