George J. Maguolo letter to Mother - April 18, 1918
Transcript
April 18, 1918 Dear Mother – Received your letter of March 18 was very glad that you remembered me with the Easter card. Also thankful for the books of credits. Easter morning I just came in from the front to a small town most of which has been shot away! However the church still stands and expecting for a few bomb holes in the roof is still intact. There was no civilians there and no Americans A French Lieutenant (my instructor) was to sing in the choir, so he ask me to come with him. We were terribly muddy as it was raining but cheerful never-the-less.
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[page 2] I picture Easter at home with all its gayety and new clothes. When the Water wagon we had been riding reached the town we saw many Frenchman off for the day, dirty & muddy but happy. At the church we found the places crowded (no benches). In the choir the (Lieutenant told me later) were some singers from the French Opera but now mere soldiers. They had an excuse for an organ but nevertheless the music was wonderful! The atmosphere in that little tumble down church was far more religious than anything I experienced yet. A soldier priest, a soldier choir, and a soldier congregation.
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[page 3] A few days ago I came back to my present location well in back of the lines where things are quiet and peaceful. The next day I was notified that I should accompany a certain Captain to a big French City as interpreter. Was very happy indeed. He & I traveled in a fine auto with a chauffer. Some class eh! And Oh! What a swell town. Women police, women street car motormen & conductors etc. Well, I translated all that the Cap. desired & the answers from the French Officials. That night, we put up at a swell hotel, And say! for the first time in, I can’t remember how long I slept in a real bed with sheets!
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[page 4] Furthermore, the next morning I was allowed to sleep late and what do you think? A classy little chambermaid brought me breakfast in bed on a glass tray! If that isn’t living high. Am sure she thought I was an officer. If my company commander knew this he would like to shoot me. The next day I saw quite a bit of the town and finished up our work. The Cap. said he was pleased with my French and I am tickled that I could get along so well. And now for something confidential. A few days later I
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[page 5] was notified to appear before a certain Colonel. That day was today and to great joy. the Colonel gave me an examination and said he was trying me for a 2nd Lieutenancy! Was also given a very rigid physical examination. I shall know the results in about a week at which time I write again. Please don’t say anything in this regard until I tell you the results. With love for all – Sincerely [Private] George Maguolo 447th Engineers. [General Headquarters] – A. E. F. [censor signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Mother - April 18, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Mother. 18 April 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his Mother on April 18, 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 Maguolo described how he spent his Easter in France. He also talked about a special assignment in which he was a translator for a Captain. 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 | April 18, 1918 |
| Language | English |