George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - May 31, 1918
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[page 1] May 31, 1918 [sketch of quarters] Dear Folks - My last letter to you was written May 12. Have been very busy since so letters are less frequent. Your letters of April 21 reach me. In your next letter please mention the dates of letters you receive. I never know if you get my mail or not and for that reason have been less ambitious to write you here of late. I have sent you a photo of myself
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[page 2] and a sketch by a French artist, did you receive either? My letters to you are as follows (while in Europe): Month Date [January ] 31 [February] 5-9-16-21-27 [March] 4-7-14-20 [April] 7-8-9-11-18-27 Cont. Month Date [May] 12-13 and this letter. total = 18. Your letters to me are as follows: Month Date [January] 25 [February] 11-12-17-18 [March]-18 [April] 6-20-21 total = 8 First I wish to tell you of my disappointment on my last letter I told you of having been recommended for a commission, the examination for which I have already taken. I have since been told that although having passed the exams. Washington thinks me inexperienced. Of course you
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[page 3] know how I feel when most of my class-mates got by but it is a characteristic of Army red tape. There is nothing to do but swallow it and “carry on.” I am thankful to be doing a pleasant work which requires no effort yet regret that I may not be doing some more advanced work which my previous training has fitted me for. This is decoration day and impressive ceremonies were held at the cemeteries for our fallen Americans. These are indeed critical times with the present big drive going on. You have no reason to worry about
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[page 4] me however for I am now nearly sixty kilometers from the firing line. Ray has left me again and is now at the front. I think of him often for he has no easy job. He was very glad to go however for he is a leader in his work, and yet but a buck private! Simpson (private) has charge of a construction gang at the coast. He likes his work. I wrote to Emil some time ago in regard to mailing me the wireless diagrams. Did he call for them? My friends in Boston are sending me the Boston Sunday
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[page 5] papers now, together with two magazines.(Saturday Eve. Post – and McClure’s). You don’t know how much I enjoy them. I also receive a generous supply of mail, but I am doing little letter writing just now. I am having our paper “The Stars & Stripes” mailed to you. It appears every week and you should get a four months subscription. Shall take up your suggestion of writing to Berlendes, Mauran, Corrubia, King etc. as soon as time permits – but in the mean time give them my regards.
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[page 6 ] I have not heard from America as yet, but suspect that he is over here. As you scribe “Louis” is much absorbed in Baseball at the present. I must necessarily content myself with fewer letters from home. Regards to all. Sincerely [Corporal George] Maguolo 29th Engineers Co H. [General Headquarters] A.E.F. [sketch of mailbox] P.S. I have written 39 letters since I left home. Have written a total of 167 letters to 59 different people. This means I have written a letter nearly everyday. Have received nearly twice as many. [censor signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - May 31, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 31 May 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 May 31, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company H and served in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo provided an update on fellow St. Louisan’s that were serving with him. He explained that he didn’t get promoted to 2nd Lieutenant because Washington said he lacked experience. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | 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 | May 31, 1918 |
| Language | English |