George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - Februay 4, 1918
Transcript
[page 1] Are you saving my letters which will explain a diary I keep? [February] 4, [1918] France Dear Folks – Am writing to you from a rest camp in France. So you see I have not as yet reached my destination. We shall not be here but a few days and then pull out for “headquarters.” We travel entirely under the cover of night so I have seen little on the way here. this morning a bunch of us fellows took a walk to a village near by. the streets are narrow & crooked but the houses are neat. Was much impressed by the beautiful brass and iron “knockers” on the doors – the street fountains and the village church. gee! how I would like to make a few sketches. this is a large camp possibly larger than the english camp. It is strange to see the “tommie,” “Polieu” & “Yankee” mixture. Many german prisoners are at work about the
Transcript
[page2] camp. Our meals are far superior to those of the others. We have a sort of brown bread (war bread) which is good. Cheese and corned beef are the principal ingredients tea and coffee are served as drinks - While at the English rest camp where we remained three days after our arrival. I had an interesting experience. On the morning I arrived I happened to visit a Y.M.C.A. Canteen and there was asked if I wished to sell “cocoa” (a rare drink). I accepted the job learn’t to exchange and use English money (six-pense –schilling etc) Was then given charge of the counter which also sold cookies & a few supplies. It goes with out saying that I ate a plenty myself, but better luck than that! I was allowed to eat at the secretary’s table of the officers mess! How the
Transcript
[page 3] other fellows of my camp [ms illegible: 1 wd] envied me! I can not express to you how I enjoyed those meals, which included butter, milk, and sugar! Things I shall not see again. One day we had a real roast (fresh meat). It was such a mericalious change from the awful “ship food’ that I could not help but think of home. When I left they gave me some sugar & a big package of cakes. Certainly hated to leave. While traveling our rations are rather limited and consist of “hard tack” and canned beef with coffee. “Had a very remarkable experience. First real and never can explain” To return to the meals, we are told that the food at our destination is very good so it is a matter of a few days before we are settled in good U. S. A. Barracks. It is very warm here, we hardly
Transcript
[page 4] can wear our [ms illegible: 1 wd] But rain it must almost every day. In the beginning while on the march our pack (which weighs about fifty to sixty lbs.) Would almost break my back. However now I can carry it on a six mile march and hardly complain. Luckily we carry no rifles. The general opinion here is that all of us will be home by Christmas (even among the officers) If you could see the tremendous preparations I am sure you would be of the same opinion. Have not seen Herbert or Simpson as yet, nor have I received any mail. Am in good health, and still eat with much appetite. Don’t worry about me for I am now past the Submarine and shall be at the draughting board shortly. Lovingly yours [Private] George Maguolo – 447th [Depot Detachment Engineers] [censor signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - Februay 4, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 4 February 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his parents on February 4, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 447th Depot Detachment, 25th Engineers and served in the 29th Engineers in France until 1919. In this letter he discussed his first impressions of France and the French rest camp he was staying in. Maguolo also described the delicious meals he received at the officer's mess after helping the Y.M.C.A. sell drinks. This letter was written on Soldier's Christian Association letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--War Work--Y. M. C. A. |
| 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 | February 4, 1918 |
| Language | English |