George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 6, 1918
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[page 1] France March 6, [1918] Dear Folks – We were surpirsed today when five inches of snow fell. It is the first I have seen on this side although is already rapidly melting. The weather is mild and the raining spell thus broken. I have as yet to hear from you and to date received but three letters forwarded from Camp Devens. The letters I have written you are dated - [January] 31 - [February] 5-9-16-21-27 March 4 The last one contains a little sketch of our equipment which I hope you may have received by now. There is some little chance that the censors have removed it. Contained herein is a little card given out by the Y.M.C.A.
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[page 2] Yesterday a new arrival at our camp had a “Chicago Tribune.” He gave me the paper dated [February] 2nd and in it I saw an article stating that St. Louis was having a street car strike. Was much surprised and wondered if it took on the proportions of our previous strike of which I have a slight rememberance. this is the first news I get from St. Louis since leaving the states. Thought you may be interested in my financial standing. My wages monthly are $36.60 (Am now a 1st Class private which gives me the $3 more per month). Of this wage I have allotted $15.00 per month to mother. I also have taken out insurance for $10,000 which costs me $6.30 per month. Thus you
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[page 3] see – [chart of monthly credits and debits] Cr. Db. $36.60 $15.00 6.30 Balance $15.30 I therefore receive ($15.30) or 87 [francs] 21 [centimes] (5.70 [francs] = $1.00) per month. Below is a duplicate of my accounts - [November] 16 Cr. Db. On hand 17.70 toilet soap comb & brush Scissors chocolate 5.95 $17.70 spent - $5.95 Bal. $11.75 [December] 1 On hand $11.75 Back pay (Mine La Motte) $63.00 Incidentals Stamps Trav. ex. 8.00 $74.75 Spent - $8.00 Bal $66.75 [January] 1st On hand $66.75 Pay (U. S.) 12.50 2 trips to Boston Incidentals 5.00 79.25 Spent - 5.00 Bal. $74.25
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[page 4] [chart of monthly credits and debits] [February] 1st Cr. Db. On hand $14.25 Pay (U.S.) 17.50 Side work 7.00 Hat 9 [francs] leggins (spiral) 4 ½ Flash light 11 Trip to town 9 Fruit on board ship 32.52 Art mat. 15 $98.75 (562.87 [francs]) Spent - 81.02 [francs] Bal. 481.85 $(84.90) March 1st On hand $84.90
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[page 5] Believe I told you of a money belt (A leather belt worn under the blouse containing pockets.) I always wear and in which my “bank”, is located. Am saving everything I can in hopes that some day I can visit some bigger cities. Have made a sketch entitled “The Bunks I have met” will I mail under separate cover. Should it pass censor you may find it in “The Republic” (Providing they can reproduce it) some day towards the end of the month. It will be mailed to you later. – Of course I have no idea how much of this reaches you. On sheet #1 you should see just how often and when I write. Ray and I are still together and do an occasional Arch. sketch in our books.
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[page 6] We are being fed the finest food ever and I don’t see any occasion for complaint. There is plenty to eat. good white bread and a desert with nearly every meal is served. Believe me that French soldiers are “happy” to get a chance to eat at our mess as well as the British. There are so many things that I would like to write about but can’t: It is hard to compose a letter under these conditions. Your newspapers probably tell much now.- An officer lectured on the “Armenian Atrocities of Turkey.” It would make your blood boil to hear it! - Shall write again - send a St. Louis Sunday paper some time. Sincerely [Private] George Maguolo 447th Engineers [General Headquarters] A. E. F.
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 6, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 6 March 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 March 6, 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 described his day to day life in France and his personal finances. Maguolo also discussed his recent promotion to Private First Class. Finally, he wrote about a lecture he attended by a Belgian soldier on Armenian atrocities. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--War Work--Y. M. C. A.; World War, 1914-1918--Armenia; World War, 1914-1918--Atrocities |
| 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 | March 6, 1918 |
| Language | English |