Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother No. 1 - January 15, 1918
Transcript
We are in familiar territory being within an hours run of our camp during the last period of action. [January] 15, 1918 Dearest Mother, Last night I got back from my permission and found twelve letters and three packages waiting for me. Seven of the letters were from you. The packages were a 5 lb. box of chocolate, stuffed figs, dates and things from you, a five lb. box of candy from Mrs. Matthews and a toilet kit from Elizabeth. Thanks just loads for the box of goodies those stuffed figs were the best I ever tasted. Thank Jane Matthews for me---he candy was great. I have written her thanking her. Your letters were dated [November] 12, 24, 29, & (from Mrs. Anderson 29th) and 30th, [December] 2, and 7th. I have made application for $10,000 insurance which I can easily pay for. My permission cost me between
Transcript
five and six hundred francs for ten days---two thirds of the money going to pay for my uniform and buy things I found pretty necessary. I now have 200 francs in bank and 370 francs in my pocket. I got your check and Nenaine’s as well as Gene’s money order. Thanks lots. I have written Gene thanking him. I also have received the knitted stuff soap, fruit cake chess set, etc. you sent me and have written acknowledging their receipt. They all come in mighty fine. I didn’t know the chess set came from Aunt Winnie. I will write and thank her. I had my picture taken in my beret and have arranged to send to send you some. I will also send a beret home for Janet. You ask what I have---everything I need. However all such things as knitted muffler, sox, and sweaters I can use and if I get too much I have plenty of friends to give them to.
Transcript
I do need some calling cards as all of mine were stolen. (Send them as quick as you can) Here is a list of things I intend to get when I can afford to:(1) a good compact leather writing case (2) a good U.S. Uniform ($50) (3) a good Burberry trench coat ($60) (4) a good pair of boots ($30). Tell anyone coming over to buy all leather foods in the U.S. also all woolen goods and stock up with camera films as you can’t get them here. A pair of swank riding boots is a good investment also a trench coat with raincoat outside and detachable wool blanket coat inside. They can be worn separately of as one coat. For uniforms have the coats made longer and looser than regulation, pockets as big as possible, heavy wing whipcord is the best material for coats---britches made full and made of heavy bedford cord. They should be lighter in color that the coat very light for [ms illegible: 1 wd] not so light for service. The U.S. officers are rapidly taking up these improvements even if they aren’t strictly regulation.
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If Val gets a trunk have him get a much smaller one than mine---the handiest thing he can get is a musette (a cloth bag like a game bag that you wear on a strap from your shoulder. It’s much handier than a knapsack as it swings free. I found the section had moved when I got back to it. Our present cantonment is most pleasant and comfortable. We have a big vacant farm house. I am in a huge room with 8 other fellows. We have a stove and the room is very warm. Worked all day today fixing up my things and am now quite comfortable. I got a letter from Rex. His letter to you is an account of every thing I can think of. Now I am going to write you one letter telling about my permission, Rex’s letter, and other things. Lots of love, Towner From S. Towner Phelan S.S.O.646 Canvois Automobiles B.C.M. A.E.F.
Details
| Title | Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother No. 1 - January 15, 1918 |
| Creator | Phelan, Sidney Towner |
| Source | Phelan, Sidney Towner. Letter to mother No. 1. 15 January 1918. Sidney Towner Phelan Papers, 1899-1960. A1209. Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Sidney Towner Phelan, a St. Louis, Missouri native, wrote this letter to his Mother while serving as a volunteer ambulance driver in France during World War I. In this letter, Phelan described the Christmas gifts he received which included packages, letters, money, etc. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--France; Christmas |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A1209 |
| 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 | January 15, 1918 |
| Language | English |