George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - September 27, 1918
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[September] 27, 1918 Dear Folks - Have been removed from the the convalescent camp and am now in a casual camp awaiting classification. As I have fully fully recovered from my chest disturbances there is no reason why I should not be sent back to my company. This is the second time out of the “zone of advance” (of the armies) since I reached this country. The first time was while on my furlough to Paris – Toulouse, and now while at [ms censored: 1 wd] located near the Atlantic coast Here I probably will be given stiff drill to get me back in shape again. Really feel pretty “soft and tender after so many weeks in the hospitals. It was a long trip from the convalescent camp here and
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I had charge of a detail of men while in route. We rode second class and had a good time on the way. The Red Cross served us coffee and sandwiches on the way. It took two days to get here. We were given the usual rations of “bullie beef”, “jam” and “hard tack” for our chow. A voyage from the lines to the coast gives one a fair perspective of the whole A. E. F. operations. It is certainly wonderful the mechanism the army has developed. I would like to tell you very many things but – “re defender” the French say. Some day there will be many an experience to relate. Occasionally one sees an all American train American locomotive, Freight cars and crew. It forms a striking contrast with the French – English – Italian- and Belgian rolling stock. It is easy to see Uncle Sam is the big brother of the Allied family of nations. The amount
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of traffic is of course enormous, and I should say even an American would be astounded with the great railroad industry and innumerable trains in service now in France. At present we are “billeted” in an old “Caserne” and I am expecting to get a pass this evening where by I may get to see the city. There should be much of interested as it is a large city with a street care system, etc. [September] 29, 1918 Sunday – I hardly had time to finish the sentence above when a sergeant notified me to pack up immediatley, that I was to be stopped elsewhere. A brand new equipment, uniform, rifle and bayonet had been given me and I quickly made the pack and after a long hike find myself here. This is another very big French Caserne where many American Engineers are in training.
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Certainly it is a strictly military post. Anyone might feel proud to have a visitor here. Of all my visits to different camps, American, English, & French, including the French & American general Headquarters. I believe this is the best in many respects. It is inspiring to watch the hundreds of men drilling in perfect harmony on a fine drill grounds to the beat of a drum corps. Then there is the rifle range, bayonet school, etc. The “chow” is very good more plentiful than many places I lived in last winter. Shall probably remain here a few weeks to harden up again with eight hours of drill per day. This may include anything from barbwire intanglements – bridges, to mining. It will be a pleasure however to work under inforced military regulations after many months of necessarily lax, and almost slovingly discipline near the front.
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Yesterday (Saturday) a pass was granted me to visit the city of [Angers] from 3 to 9:30 PM. It was a very interesting trip, especially from an architectural stand point and thanks again to my knowledge of French. Everytime I see these monuments ruins, Chateaus it kindles anew the fire of architectural ambition within me and refreshes my school days. Time and space does not permit me to tell of all the points of interest. Fortunately I have been accumilating illustrated postcards wherever I go. The town is wild (as are we) over the Bulgarian peace plea which appears at this time. That with the 1920 class of French boys who are gaily decorated - and roam the streets singing is quite a picture.
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general conditions are of course different from the towns behind the lines. More civilian population is evident and food more plentiful and cheaper. People here never bother about a bright moonlight night and the resulting raids by aeroplane. This morning we had mass in the Y.M.C.A. hut and after chow expect another pass to town in order to visit the museum and a few chateau interiors. This certainly is a wealth of art treasures. If you look up [ms censored: 1 wd] in my Arch. books you will realize what I say. No mail reaches me as yet since Louis’ letter of [August] 22. Have we some French people here and certainly enjoy visiting the town. Happy & contented. Never worry about me. Lovingly yours – [Corporal] George Maguolo Co. H. 29th Engineers [American Expeditionary Forces] [censors signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - September 27, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 27 September 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 September 27, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company H and served in France until 1919. In this letter, Maguolo wrote that he was no longer in convalescent camp and was now in a casual camp awaiting classification. While writing the letter, Maguolo received orders to depart for training camp where he was to be retrained in preparation for his return to duty. This letter was written on American Y.M.C.A. and Knights of Columbus letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--War Work-- Red Cross; 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 | September 27, 1918 |
| Language | English |