| Book 6 page 26 Belton is Joyous Over Peace News-School Children Parade and Business Houses All Close Kaiser is Hung-Belton, Nov. 11-At 4 o'clock this morning sleeping Belton was joyously awakened from her rest to hear the glad message, "World Peace." The fire whistle faithfully for some six hours frantically screamed the happy tidings until all of the people had responded in some way to their exuberent feelings. Pistols, fire works, whistles of every kind and character, horns yells, screams and cheers upon cheers sounded and re-sounded as the people gathered in the public streets and business section of the city to give one great irantic jubilee for the one word, that anxious hears and weary minds have waited so many weeks to hear. At 9:30 the school children, who had planned to parade at 3 o'clock in the afternoon to fire the people with enthusiasm for the United Charity War Work drive, gathered in the square, and with a flag in each child's hand, white and black hands alike they waved and sang and yelled and praised until it seemed their young throats would break. There had not been such a gathering on the streets of Belton in many a day and never can the time be remembered when there was such a spontaneous good will and happiness in the hearts of every one as on this occasion. The business houses closed and marked the doors-Closed Today-Celebrating. Women and children stood for hours just waiting, they knew not for what, but on! How happy everyone was. The extras, as they reached the city were frantically bought and the "Draft Canceled extra wrought havoc with the fifty-two young men who had been called to leave tonight for service in the army. Each probably felt relieved and happy, but also that he had been cheated of his part in the winning. By 2 o'clock this afternoon the square was again thronged with people expecting another parade, but in spite of the failure of the parade to make its appearance, the people remained in happy spirits, and were satisfied to know that the "war was won." Tonight the jubilee continues, hundreds of people, old as well as young are assembled in the streets, giving vent in every way to their happy, spontaneous and joyous feeling. A bon fire, big and luminous, is a drawing card for the trade square and Kaiser Bill was carried in a car through the streets for the first and last time, and then scathingly prosecuted by District Attorney M. M. WHITE. He was hung on the flag pole in front of the court house, and then to a wire near NIGRO'S store. Peace is welcome and a fitting demonstration has been continued since 4 o'clock this morning. In the Christian Church a praise service is in progress tonight. Bell County's Grand Jury Indicts W. HOHENZOLLERN-Belton, Nov. 11-The grand jury of Bell County in regular session this morning returned the following bill of indictment against William HOHENZOLLERN which was drawn by District Attorney M. M. WHITE. In the Name and by the Authority of Humanity: The grand jury, duly selected organized and impaneled as such for the county of Bell, State of Texas, at the October term of 1918 of the District court for said county, upon their oaths present in and to said court on or about the ___day of August, A. D. 1918, and anterior to the presentment of this indictment in the court and state aforesaid. Will HOHENZOLLERN, alias Wilhelm II, alias Kaiser Bill, did then and there unlawfully, with malice toward all mankind conspire to secure for himself world dominion, power and glory, by the assassination of humanity by the organizing, directing and maintaining of a military machine, knowing no naw of map or nations, or of God; that on or about said date at a meeting at Potsdam attended by his tools and confederates he did enter upon this most four and horrible conspiracy of murder, robbery and rapine by then and there signing the order for the mobilization of his hirelings; that thereafter in pursuance of his said conspiracy and under the guise of warfare, he ravished defenseless Belgium, maimed her children, who with arms outstretched, pleading for mercy, had their hands stricken off by the swords of officers and tools of the said HOHENZOLLERN; laid waste the cities of France and forever darkened the bright eyes of hundreds of her boys and girls by the use of poisonous gases, brewed in the lowest reaches of hell by the said HOHENZOLLERN'S principal, ally, the Devil; murdered the children of Italy, sunny as the sky which once looked down upon them and whose bodies now lie sleeping in its many church yards, killed with poisoned candy given them by their arch friend. Starved to death the children of Poland and massacred those of Armenia; murdered and outraged the women and children of Serbia, assassinated the innocent women and children of America by sending them to the bottom of the ocean in the Lusitania, where they rest with the thousands of others thus murdered by the cruel devices and cunning of HOHENZOLLERN. Shot to death Edith Cavel, who was giving her life for the alleviation of the suffering caused by the said HOHENZOLLERN. Murdered by every conceivable means known to the alchemist of hell or of Krupps, thousands upon thousands of the very brightest and best of the noble sons of America, of England France and Italy and forever darkened millions of homes that are longing for the boy to come back to the arms and hearts of mother love; who has plotted to commit, and has committed by himself and his minions every crime, however fiendish, known to the penal codes of civilized nations. Against the peace and dignity of the WORLD. (Signed) Y. P. YARBROUGH-Foreman of the Grand Jury. Washington, Nov. 11-The Allied German armistice has been signed the State Department announced at 2:46 this morning. The armistice was signed at 5 a. m. today and hostilities cease at 11 a. m. Paris time.
THE DAMN THING IS OVER! Our Store will be Closed this afternoon for the "CELEBRATION" COCHRAN, BLAIR & POTTS (Note by submitter: This advertisement measured 3 1/2" x 4 1/2") Boston Greets President-(by United Press)-Boston, Feb. 24.-President WILSON landed at the commonwealth pier at eleven fifty-three this morning. Ranks of troops presented arms as the Nation's Chief Executive reached home after an history making trip to Europe. From the revenue cutter the President walked on velvet carpet beneath a canopy of flags. Boston strove to outdo London, Paris and Rome in greeting the President. Is Belton Resting On Oil? Is a part of Belton cal____resting on the lap of a pool of oil? A gentleman who was recently in Belton, interested in oil, asserts that at least for a territory covering one half of a mile in three directions in the eastern part of the city, west of the Nolan; a pool of oil calmly awaits the drill to bore a hole through the ground, through which this pool might give way to its feeling and belch forth its oily fluid. Let's hope that this "prognostication" is correct and that ere long the correctness of it will be demonstrated. Book 6 page 27 Thanksgiving Services-Well Attended Church Service-Good Sermon by Rev. W. E. PHILLIPS-Belton, Nov 23.-The Thanksgiving services held this morning at 10 o'clock in the Christian Church by the united congregations of the city were well attended. Rev. W. E. PHILLIP delivered an excellent sermon, taking his text from the 1st verse of the 12th chapter of Romans. Beautiful musical numbers were rendered by Misses Laura HIATT and Ruth GARRISON. At the close of the service an offering was made for the local United Charity work Students at Home-Belton, Nov. 28.-Members of the Student's corps who are spending the holidays with home folks in Belton are: George EADS, Bennett SOLOMON, George BROOKS, Leland PHILLIPS and John OLIVER all from A. & M. college; Clyde TAYLOR, Tom COLE, and Paul WALTON from Peacock's; Sam YOUNG from Baylor University and Dortch MCELHANNAN from Military academy at Meridian; Jesse Neal MESSER, from State University; W. A. MESSER, from A. & M. and M. V. SMITH from A. & M. "VICTORY SING."-Baylor College Had Fine Local Program for Thanksgiving Day.-Belton, Nov 28.-An unusually big crowd attended the "Victory Sing" held this afternoon at 4 o'clock in Baylor College auditorium, with Dr. T. S. LOVETTE leading the singing. A group of Thanksgiving songs of the home and victory were lead by Dr. LOVETTE, who was given a most satisfactory response by the audience. Miss LaVerne ASKIN'S singing of "Fanny Atkins" was heartily applauded and when Miss Ethelyne MORGAN sang "The American Come." The audience demanded a repetition of it. Miss THACKERAY gave valuable services to the program by her work at the piano, as did also Professor KOLBABA, violinist, and his assistants Misses HILL and MILLION. The program was closed by the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner." Book 6 page 29 Roy POTTS and his instructor Lieutenant RHOUSE from Rich Field at Waco, were early aviator visitors here this morning, staying here about three hours during which time they made several pretty flights over and around the city and making a landing near the Leon river on the Belton-Temple pike each time. The machine was driven on the trip to this city by Mr. POTTS. We all remember that the kaiser once remarked that he "would stand no nonsense from America after the war." He does not yet know how much good hard American common sense it may be necessary for him to stand "after the war." Book 6 page 30 Interesting Letter-Belton, Nov. 28-The following letter written by Sergt. Edwin A. ELLIOTT, will interest many Belton people because of the personal regard of the writer, who will be remembered here as an assistant pastor of the Christian Church under Rev. W. A. BOYNTON, and scottmaster of the Boy Scouts, and manager of the Racket store on Main street owned by Mr. SHELTON. Headquarters, 12 Rue D'Aguesseau, Paris, Oct. 4, 1918-My Precious Mother and Father: For the third time our Father in Heaven has taken me in his kindly hand and guided me safely through another battle. For four days and nights we have been through hell itself, gained our victory and now we hold a reserve position. We went over the top three times to victory our men fighting like demons. I was in it from beginning and God spared me the pain of a single wound and gave me courage many, many times in the face of the great danger. Upon my return I have been put in charge, with my lieutenant, of the regimental intelligence work. I was informed this morning that I was to be cited for bravery in our recent action. My commanding officer and the staff complimented me on my work. I had much to do. One thing that possibly got the citation for me was successfully getting machine gun ammunition to the front line under fire. I did it without losing a man. I then headed another detail to gather ammunition when the supply was nearly gone at the line. I was in many patrols and directed lines of march and kept my commanding officer in touch with the situation at the line. I have so much to be thankful for and nothing at all to boast of, for all that I was ordered to do I just asked the father to help me to carry it out. He was ever with me, I just want to do so much now to make my life more useful because of His sparring me. I know, mamma and papa, that your prayers have been answered. I wanted always since I've been with the colors to do the best that was within me for our country and all that I could to bring honor to the honored name given me by you. I am well and feeling fine just now, though I've felt the strain considerably. Our men are heroes every one. All of us feel good, for today we have had good "chow" and the Y. M. C. A. gave us chocolate, cakes and chewing gum and cigarettes. Also we have official reports that the central powers have accepted the terms of our president, but incidentally all around me I hear the roar of our guns, which adds strength to my belief that "Jerry" will not catch us asleep, even though peace is in the early making. I hope you all will remember me to sister, M. B. and all my friends. Love and kisses and God bless you. Your son-E.A.E.-P. S.-This black cloth enclosed is from a German airplane brought down by our aircraft guns.
Book 6 page 32
M. K. & T. DEPOT-This picture shows one of Belton's modern Brick Buildings-Freight and Passenger Station, Belton, Texas-The M. K. & T. is the only railroad operating four daily passenger trains, between Belton and all principal points north, east and south. For low rates on emigrant movables to and from Belton, call or write A. R. BRASHEAR, Agent, Belton, Texas.
Belton Natatorium Book 6 page 33 Sweaters Appreciated-Belton, Dec. 11-Mrs. J. A. DENMAN is in receipt of a letter from Sergt. Maj. C. J. BURTON, headquarters, 434th reserve labor battalion, Camp Logan, in which he thanks her very graciously for a sweater, which she had knitted for the Red Cross and which had been given him, he says: "Every man in this organization received a sweater, and each of them has appreciated his just as I have, and my letter expresses the sentiment of the entire battalion in sincere thanks to the Bell County Red Cross chapter for these sweaters." Sergt. Maj. BURTON assures Mrs. DENAMN that he expects to retain his sweater after entering civilian life again, just as a remembrance of Camp Logan and the Red Cross. Book 6 page 34 Death of Mrs. Roy MORGAN-Mrs. Roy MORGAN died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Will RAMSEY of this city this (Thursday morning, at 7:30 o'clock. The deceased had been ill with pneumonia several days at the Belton Sanitarium but had sufficiently recovered to be taken to the home of her parents Wednesday afternoon. The remains will be buried tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10 o'clock in the North Belton cemetery. The grief-stricken family has the sincerest sympathy of the entire community. Wallace TYLER esq., of Houston, visited his parents, Hon. And Mrs. Geo. W TYLER, this week. He is awaiting his call for duty overseas, having volunteered his services to his country several months ago. Lieut. PATTON and Union CLABAUGH, aviators from the Rich Field at Waco, made a very pretty flight over here this morning and made a landing but near the Leon River. Union CLABAUGH was reared in Belton being a son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. CLABAUGH who now reside in Austin. His friends here always have a welcome ready whenever he can drop in on them. We never expected to delight in any other flag than the Stars and Stripes. But the white flag under which the German envoys came to Marshall FOCH was very welcome. Letter of Appreciation-The following letter has been received by the chairman of Belton branch of the Red Cross; Fort Worth, Dec. 2, 1918. Chairman Red Cross Chapter, Belton, Texas. We wish to acknowledge receipt of the Christmas boxes which were sent for friendless soldiers. These boxes have been reshipped from here direct to France and the Red Cross wishes to thank you for the careful attention you gave in packing these cases and the prompt shipment of them. This letter is intended simply as an acknowledgment of the receipt of the boxes and to let you know that they had been forwarded immediately. Will you be kind enough to notify the chairman of the committee having these Christmas boxes in charge, that your committee may all know they have gone forward to our soldiers across the waters. Yours very truly, Ed K. COLLETT Book 6 page 35 Deputy Sheriff H. L. KARNES Dies-Succumbs to Heart Trouble, Funeral Arrangements to be Made Today-Belton, Nov. 13-the death of Deputy Sheriff H. L. KARNES occurred last night about 10 o'clock at his home. Mr. KARNES had suffered some ten days ago a severe attack of heart trouble, and while not having entirely recovered from it, he was so greatly improved on yesterday that he was in his office, however, last night the trouble again became very acute, and death resulted. Uncle Henry, as everyone knew him, is well and favorably known throughout all of Bell County. He was for a number of years city marshal of Belton, resigning that office voluntarily. He was engaged for many years in the concrete business, and since then he has served as deputy sheriff under Hugh SMITH. The funereal services will probably be held tomorrow afternoon, depending upon the arrival of relatives, who cannot reach Belton before that time. There is left his wife, and sons, Tom KARNES, Belton, Clyde KARNES, Orange, and George KARNES with the United States navy, four daughters, Mrs. PORTER, Miss Della, both of Belton, Miss NARNIA and Miss Henry, both now working in Oklahoma. Red Cross Nurse To France-Belton, Nov. 21-Miss Isla KELSO, who was reared and educated in Belton, and who has been visiting for the past few weeks in Paris in the home of her sister Mrs. Robert DENMAN, left that city a few days ago for Washington, D. C. Miss KELSO volunteered some time ago as a Red Cross nurse and was accepted for overseas service and she has received her transport and all other matters have been arranged which will permit her leaving Washington within a few days for France. Bazaar Dec. 7-Belton, Nov. 21-All preparations are being rapidly completed for the Junior Red Cross Bazaar which will be held in the Denny building on Dec. 7. Every article, that will be offered for sale will be worth much more than it will be priced, and Christmas shoppers will find here many of their gifts, "all ready made and fixed up." The bazaar is held for the benefit of the Junior Red Cross, but notwithstanding the worthiness of the organization to be thus benefited, the things to be offered for sale shall be bought chiefly because of their merit. Supt. L. H. HUBBARD is exceeding proud of his Junior Red Cross and is expecting this bazaar to be the glorious climax of all its work. Clyde GARNER, Chas. BLALOCK and Jake COCKRUM have volunteered there services to their country in the Merchant's Marine and will inducted into the service within the next few days. Home From France-Belton, Nov 21.-Jutsice M. HUTCHENS, lately returned from France, is home on a furlough from a United States hospital in Norfolk, Mass., having been sent back from France to this hospital after forty-seven days on the battle front in the Lorraine sector, where the "Boys" let the world know where they were. He was with company "A" 130 Machine Gun Bn., 35 division, American Expeditionary forces, France, where he did his "Bit" before the strain of fighting put him out of active service. He is now with his wife and baby at the home of his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G N. VICKREY, Salado. Death of Edgar DEES-Edgar DEES, a young white man died this morning at the local sanitarium, to where he had been removed from the county jail on account of his serious condition with pneumonia. His home is at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His wife and mother-in-law are here and expect to take the remains back to Pennsylvania with them. Mrs. ROOSEVELT Sails for France to Visit Quentin's Grave-Associated Press-New York, Feb5.-Mrs. Theodore ROOSEVELT, widow of the late Colonel ROOSEVELT, was among the passengers on the liner Lorraine which sailed from here today. She will visit the grave of her son, Lieutenant Quentin ROOSEVELT, who was killed in an airplane battle over the German lines, and also plans to spend several weeks with her sister, Miss Emily CAREW, who is doing war work in Italy. While in France, Mrs. ROOSEVELT will see her sons, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore ROOSEVELT and Captain Kermit ROOSEVELT. How long she will remain abroad was not announced. Organize Work for Dispatching Gifts to Soldiers-Red Cross Parcel Committee Refers to Instructions That Require Label-The Christmas parcel committee of the Red Cross, which will have charge of sending Christmas packages to soldiers and marines with the American expeditionary forces, has organized and is ready to begin work in San Diego. L. R. BARROW, local postmaster, is chairman of the committee. Mrs. B. R. CRAWFORD has volunteered her services as stenographer and secretary and will be in the office at room 312 Southern Title building, every day form 9:30 to 4:30 o'clock to answer questions. Mrs. J. W. SAFTON, Jr., will have charge of wrapping the parcels and Mrs. William SALLMON of Chula Vista will inspect them before they are wrapped. The cartons have not yet arrived from San Francisco, but are expected daily. The labels will arrive in this country Nov. 1, and all packages will have to be on their way before Nov. 20. Instructions received by Mr. BARROW yesterday that will be of interest to all those wanting to send a package "over there" follow: The plan worked out by the war and postoffice departments with the Red Cross through which each soldier overseas may have the privilege of receiving one Christmas package from home, is of necessity restricted. Tonnage is practically at a premium and to conserve cargo space which is needed for transportation of supplies vital to the maintenance of our military forces, the packages will have to be reasonably small. A uniform size of 3x4x9 inches has been determined upon, and these boxes when packed must not weigh more than 2 pounds, 15 ounces. Every soldier overseas and every marine whose address is "American Expeditionary Forces," that is, who is on the fighting front, has been given one label by the army. These labels will be sent home by the boys, and only persons receiving them will be able to secure a gift box from the Red Cross. As gifts cannot be sent in any other way, it behooves holders of labels to guard them carefully. The labels should reach this country by mail not later than Nov. 1 and chapter Christmas parcels committees will have the cartons ready to issue when the labels are presented. There will be heartaches-some of the boys over there may not send their labels home some may be lost in transit. The home folks will want a box anyway, but under army regulations it cannot be given. Nor can any lost or destroyed labels be duplicated. The instructions sent to committees are very complete. As every possible point is covered, it is only necessary for those in charge of the work to study them carefully and follow to the letter. With the cartons will be sent printed instructions to those presenting labels. In this connection the widest possible publicity should be given, so soldiers' families will thoroughly understand that the gifts are only for boys overseas, that they cannot secure or send a box unless their boy sends home his Christmas label, and that the label must not be attached to the box until it is inspected and wrapped at Red Cross committee headquarters. Giant Story Book. Nurses in overseas military service will be taken care of by the Red Cross at Christmas, so it will not be possible to include them in the Christmas program. Soldiers and sailors in the country, or not with the American expeditionary forces, will presumably be allowed to receive their Christmas gifts through ordinary channels without any restrictions. The Red Cross has no connection with any Christmas mail program but the one in question. And in this instance it will only issue boxes, inspect, weigh and wrap them after they have been filled, direct the placing of stamps and address labels, and turn the packages over to the local post office authorities. There the responsibility of the Red Cross ends. Book 6 page 36 Lucile SCOTT is an Emergency Nurse-Many Interesting Experiences Caring for Influenza Patients-Mrs. A. C. SCOT has received the following letter from her daughter, Lucile SCOTT, who is in France working with the Red Cross-Marselilles, Oct. 17, 1913.-Dear Home Folks: I have just returned from the hospital and have an hour before dinner to write and try to forget how hungry and tired I am. Colonel WOOD of the Quartermaster's corps found out last night that Miss BRUCE and I came home on the street car and thinking we should not have to do it after working all day in the hospital, came out in his car for us quite early tonight. I don't know what kind it was, but I was so tired that it felt like a feather bed and I shouldn't have minded riding in it forever. I think I wrote you about the influenza we are having which I see from the papers is not confining itself to France alone, but is also in Italy, also very bad in Spain, in England, and in the states. So they opened an old convent here, which was the making of a great hospital. They had no nurses and only about six trained orderlies, so our two nurses from the Children's Welfare bureau of the Red Cross here have been day and night nurses. Then Sunday night, so many lads were brought in that they called on us for more workers. Miss BRUCE and I were not very busy at headquarters and we went out. It was our duty to make beds, take temperatures, and do anything we could to make them comfortable. I never thought that a nurse's aid had much to do, but after taking the temperatures in my ward of 120 patients three times and making 45 beds, I changed my mind before night. We have quite a lot of Negroes from Georgia here and it goes harder with them than any others. They are all quite surprised at the office that I, being a southern girl, do not resent waiting on them: but where they are down and out you forget color and race, too. For I do just as much for the four German prisoners as I do for the other boys. One of them looks about fifteen and you can't help feeling sorry for he poor kid, even if he is German. Someone asked if I didn't guard them, but they are so tickled to be in an American hospital that they don't need guarding. All the boys in the hospital here are very much like the ones in Gibraltar, for until last week, they hadn't seen any American women since they had been in France and they pretend to be quite tickled to have us about just to look at, whether we know anything about nursing or not. I am taking every precaution to keep form catching the influenza, so please don't worry about me. Some of the girls said that they thought it was awful that we should be permitted to take such a risk, but a trained nurse would have to take it, were she available and there is not more reason why she should take the risk than I. If these boys give up as much as they have to keep the United State a safe place for me to live-in it is no more than right that I should do everything in my power to make life a little more less miserable for them when sick. We do need trained nurses over here badly, and though they have a good supply of them in the hospitals for the wounded, they can't last long with the work they are doing. So keep up your efforts to enlist nurses among your training classes. We are all delighted here with WILSON'S reply to the Germans peace note, but we couldn't imagine his answering in any other way. I hope the folks at home won't give up their efforts and will keep on pushing, buying bonds, saving wheat, and anything else the government suggests, that will help win the war. After you get across the Atlantic, you realize that American is worth fighting for even if war is hell, so keep this home fires burning Which reminds me that you are lucky to have wood to burn in the fire places and oh! How we Americans in France envy you. We are not allowed to have fires in France until Nov. 1 and even sunny Marseilles is cold as northwest Texas, except in the middle of the day. Worlds of love to all-LUCILE In a letter recently received by Mr. and Mr. WARREN of this city from their sons Alfred and Bess, it sated that the two brothers met on September 27 in France. This was the first time they have met since entering the service, and of course there was great rejoicing. A letter from Lieut. O. N. MAYO states that he has been transferred from the Harvard Medical College to the United States Hospital No. 3, Colonia, N. J. where he is performing surgical operations on returned American soldiers. Jake COCKRM and Clyde GARNER left on the midnight Santa Fe last night for Norfolk, Va., to enter Uncle Sam's merchant service. This is the fifth member of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper COCKRUM'S family to enter the service, four sons and one daughter. Private John B. TOBIN Returns-Belton, Nov. 2-Private John B. TOBIN, who was a member of the 35th Engineers, the Rainbow division, has done his full duty for his country. He has been in service sixteen months, six months of which were in France, and he has returned home, unfit for further service on the front. In May he was severely gassed, recovering from that and returning to the front he was wounded by shell explosion, and while he has partially recovered from that wound, he has been furloughed home. Private TOBIN is a nephew of B. A. TOBIN whose death occurred on his farm some five miles southwest of Belton, several months ago. 28 Pound Kershaw Came from Killeen-The Telegram has received a 28 pound kershaw, which was left in the office yesterday by someone who opened the door, set the mammoth vegetable just inside the door and "beat it," according to the statement of the circulation manager who was on guard in the office. The kershaw was tagged with a card which said: "For E. K. WILLIAMS & Co., Sam RANCIER, vice president First National Bank, Killeen, Texas." In gathering data from the office force, E. K. WILLIAMS, to whom the fruit was assigned as custodian to the company said: "yes I know him-I met him at a stag party. They say he's a prince." Whereupon another office man butted in with, "Remember that time two men from Killeen-came by here in the night with an auto load of blankets from soldiers at Camp MacArthur, Waco? Well, one of those men was Sam RANCIER." Then another butted in with. "They say he has given out kershaw seed to all his friends on 10,000 acres of Killeen farm land and just as apt as not he did not raise that beehive himself; maybe one of his friends raised it." And another said, "what is that and how do you cook it!" About that time the cautious member of the front office delegation at that time assembling said: "don't let the food administration see it-they'll conserve it." Whereupon E. K. WILLIAMS disappeared with it through the front door and it has been lost to the company. The office force now sings that sad little ditti: "Why did we leave that night her nest unguarded?" "Gas Mask Day" Monday-County to Observe Monday Instead of Today-Special Effort to Collect Fruit Pits-Governor HOBBY, at the request of the Chemical Warfare Service U. S. a. has issued a proclamation naming today, Nov. 9, as "Gas Mask Day" in order that special effort be made to collect fruit pits, nuts, and nutshells. The Red Cross has charge of the collection of these fruit pits and nutshells, and it is the duty of every chapter to make it a success. Due to the fact that the Bell County chapter received its notification only yesterday, it has been decided to postpone the day until Monday, in order that the co-operation of the school children may be secured. Members of the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, school children, and all others are asked to bring all the fruit pits and nut shells which they can collect to the schools. Red Cross auxiliaries, and other places of collection Monday. Book 6 page 37 Gave Life to Humanity-Miss Bessie STOVALL, volunteer Nurse Died at Post of Duty-Funeral Services Today-Belton, Nov. 12-The funeral of Miss Bessie STOVALL, whose death occurred yesterday morning in San Antonio, will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the First Baptist Church of this place, conducted by Rev. J. R. NUTT. Miss STOVALL had responded to the call of the government for nurses, and had entered training in Robert Green Memorial hospital at San Antonio, where some ten days ago she was taken ill with influenza, complications went up and her death resulted. Deceased was reared to young womanhood in Belton, and because of her cheerful disposition and great loyalty, has been exceedingly popular here. She was very prominent in religious work, a faithful Sunday School and B. Y. P. U. worker. There are left to mourn her death, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. STOVALL, Jessie STOVALL of Hearne, Virgil STOVALL of Galveston, Mrs. L. M. WATSON of Granger and Ruth STOVALL of Belton and many other relatives. Tommy SPEER is Dead-Young Temple Patriot Died of Wounds in British Army Upon the Fields of Far Away France-Tommy SPEER, aged 18, is dead on the fields of France. This news came in a cablegram received yesterday by his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Hub SPEER of North Fourth Street, a financial adjuster who has been living in Temple for about two years. The message said that he had previously been reported wounded, now died of wounds. Tommy SPEER was formerly employed in Temple as stenographer for John B. DANIEL, who state that he was one of the brightest boys he ever saw. It is said that he was wild to get into the war but that, on account of his youth, his parents had advised against his enlistment. He left home during the absence of his father from the city about a year ago, tried to enlist in the American army at Houston, where he was rejected and afterwards went to Canada and enlisted in the British army. He belonged to the British rifle brigade and had won a medal as a sharpshooter. His death occurred Sept. 27. He was brave as ever a man might be, else he had never been a Texas, dead, in the British army on the fields of France. Harry GILLESPIE is Dead-Former Bell County Succumbs to Pneumonia Just After Arrival at Port Overseas-G. A. GILLESPIE, who lives at 812 South Main street, Temple received the following message yesterday: "Lometa, Tex., Nov. 19, 1918.-Dear Son: Received a government message yesterday that Harry died in France on Oct. 20, with measles and pneumonia. He arrived in France about Oct 15, and died the 20th, 1918. Your father-A. G. GILLESPIE-Harry was well known in Belton and Killeen, having been raised in the latter city. Friends and relatives find consolation in view of the fact that Americans could not expect all their sons to come back from the war, that some of them had to die. In a blouse worn by Private M. A. TREPTOW, who was killed in France, was found a note book in which he had written these words: My pledge I will save-I will sacrifice-I will endure-I will do my utmost as is the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone." With hearts fixed like this fallen hero going forth to battle, our civilization is secured. Let every civilian who reads these immortal words adopt them as his slogan and the war will soon end and end right-Bartlett Tribune-Are you not willing to do much as Private TREPTOW. Death of W. J. KENNEDY-W. J. KENNEDY, who for the past several day has been in a serous condition with influenza and pneumonia, died this morning at about 8:30. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, the Masonic lodge of this city having charge. Services will be held at the grave conducted by Rev. J. R. NUTT. Few men are better known over Bell County than was Will J. KENNEDY. For six years he was in charge of the county poor farm, and has been a deputy under Sheriff Hugh SMITH since the latter was first elected to that position, and up to the time of his death had charge of the county jail. He has been a capable conscientious officer and was liked by everybody. Deceased was about 59 years of age. This is the second time death has entered this family, Mrs. KENNEDY died Friday night and was buried Saturday; thus father and mother are both taken in a few hours. He is survived by four sons and four daughters: Mrs. Nick BAILES, Holland; N. P. KENNEDY, Burlington; Earl KENNEDY of San Antonio; Mrs. Perry COPPINS, Mrs. Fred MULLINS, W. J. KENNEDY, Jr., Rosa Lee and Seth KENNEDY, all of Belton. Mrs. Katheryn MORGAN-Much surprise was expressed when it was learned that Mrs. Katheryn MORGAN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. RAMSEY was dead. Only yesterday she was moved to the home of her parents on South Main street from the local sanitarium, it being thought she was well on the way toward recover. She stood the trip very well and rested through the night, but a turn came this morning and she died about 7:30 o'clock. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock with interment in North Belton cemetery. She is survived by husband and baby, parents, three brothers and one sister. To the sorrowing ones we extend sincere sympathy. Book 6 page 39 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the Firing Line-Germans Been Eating Rabbits-Somewhere in France, Oct. 2, 1918-Mr. and Mrs. J. E. RODGERS, Salado, Tex. Dear Mamma and Papa: I have a few minutes now and I will take that time to write home and let you known how I am getting along, very nice at present. Everything is going fine and I am in fine health and hope each and every one is the same. I have been transferred from the outfit I was in to the 21st field artillery. How are all the relatives at home? Pretty soon we will all be coming back to the states with a glorious victory, as we see in the papers here everything is going fine in the good old U. S. A. How are Earley and Dolph getting along? I hope all my old girls I left behind are dong fine while I am away. Tell them I will be home in the sweet bye and bye. Tell everybody you see we're all whipping the dence out of the huns. They sure do run when they see the Americans coming. It stands them in hand to run, when they see us as they must have been eating rabbits, Ha, Ha! Well, this is all the news I have for this time, so I will have to close. I am as ever your lonely boy in France. Jimmie C. RODGERS. Always Something to Do-Somewhere in France, Oct. 9, 1918. I'm going to be in darkness pretty soon, this blooming candle of mine is about to go out. I wish you could have a peep at me now. I'm stooped over like an old man to keep from bumping my head on the bunk above my head. I have an old board on my knee to serve as a table; and I'm up to my neck in overalls but this little bunk of mine "ain't so bad," at that. In one corner hangs my pack with canteen and cup handy and in another corner is my overcoat and Sunday go to town clothes. We have been having some beautiful autumn weather: that is, the stove is a beautiful place to be at. It has frosted already and you just simply ought to be here to see the pretty woodlands. Yellow and red foliage intermingled with evergreen, with a meadow here and there between and a clear blue sky above, is simply beautiful but add the spicy atmosphere and the hum of air planes and the call of the bugles and Oh, well, I'm glad to be here. No, I'm no aviator but I've been busy down here on the ground. There is always something to do in this man's army and that's what I'm doing. To save the censor the trouble of using his scissors. I'll not say what I am doing. When I enlisted back in the states, I thought all I had to was to go down and pick out an airplane crank her up and fly away to Heaven. However, I've learned that the army isn't made to order but is run by orders. I still have the desire to fly, though how I envy the aviator who goes up and bags the hun. I have just read our president's message to the huns and he tells them about where to get off at. You may tell your fiend that I have no desire to visit the kaiser, but I would like to throw something at him. I'd be willing to go barefoot this winter just to have a chance to throw my hob___at him or better still keep ___and give him a "swift kick." Have just had supper and we had goldfish doughnuts, pudding coffee, and jam, not to say anything about the salt and pepper. Oh, yes, I wanted to tell you about my furlough. I am going to a city in Brittany and those who have been there say that the scenery is wonderful. I have never been to Paris yet but am living in hopes. I have been in Liverpool and was through London. Christmas morning and was in some of the historic parts of France. On "Mother's Day," I was in Rennis, the city of so many pretty flowers. I would certainly like to visit the Alpa but guess I'll have to wait till "Apriezle gunae." The French people are wonderful and they take to the Yanks as if they had always been here and these people bear their burdens with a smile and you know, I believe God wouldn't let so noble a race be conquered. Write soon, Always your friend, Lee B SMITH. Dear Santa Claus: As I said before, I am sending you a coupon which is very valuable. Now if it gets lost, I'm out of luck for Christmas because it's the "onliest" one I get. But if it reaches you perhaps I'll have a nifty little Christmas but I can only hope. The dimensions and weight are specified on the coupon but as to what you send, why, it is left to your choice. Now I'm not going to make a choice but if you can just drop in a few pieces of that "divinity," you used to make, why do so but don't (if I may make the suggestion) send it all in candy, because sweets are plentiful-Uncle Sam see to that, but he doesn't furnish "our brand." So I just want several little pieces. Now don't send razor or tobacco for we get that, too, from Uncle Sam. But safeties need blades, especially Gillettes. Just send anything you want to, whatever it is I am sure to appreciate it. Now, Miss Santa, I'm not writing you a long letter. "Business" letters should always be short and to the point. Praying that a "tin fish" won't try to sink this letter and that you will send me three pounds of $100 bills, and wishing that you get four times that much, I must darn my sock, for Christmas is near. LEE Among the Big Shells-In France, Oct. 20, 1918-Mr. E. C. MORGAN-Dear Brother: Received your letter several days past and was very glad to hear from you again. I have traveled over a great deal of France and indeed found it to be a very pretty country. Finally landed on the front where I spent something over a month and believe me, E. C., I have seen things that I thought were impossible before having the actual experience myself. Have had several big shells-or GI cans, is what they call them over here-dropped close to me and thinking that the next one would be meant for me only, but fortunately I haven't even received a scratch. We have the Dutchmen on the run, if they are fighting stubbornly, and hope we can keep them that way until Germany is finished, which I hope won't be very much longer. Say, you have heard that France was a sunny France, haven't you? It just rains here all the time. You very seldom see the sun and it is real cold here now and has been ever since we landed here. My, I will be glad when this winter is past for I am afraid that it is going to be pretty severe for us southern lads. We are not used to such winters as they have over here you know. I'm very glad that Jason and Daisy like Bell County better than in Oklahoma for I am sure that mother will be better satisfied to have them live near her. If Jason felt like me he never would leave his mother very far at any time if he could help it. Well, E. C., I must close this as I have very little time for writing. This leaves me fairly well and trust that it will find you the same. Hoping that the war will be over before you get this, so bye bye, I remain, Your brother, Pvt. William B. CULPEPPER. 315th Sanitary Train, A E. F. Send Socks, Gets a Letter-Belton, Nov. 14-Mrs. J. E. MITCHELL has received the following letter which she says she shall always cherish very greatly. It not only praises the work of the Red Cross workers, but portrays the character of soldier boys for whom they work. France, Oct. 10, 1918. My Dear Mrs. MITCHELL: Our regiment received several boxes of socks, helmets and wristles form various ladies of both Oklahoma and Texas. Two pairs of socks, together with a helmet and a pair of wristlets were issued to me and as the socks had your name attached to them I am taking this means of conveying my thanks. They came at a most opportune time as it is getting very cold where we are, and we have disagreeable rain practically every day. We boys realize the good work you are doing and how long it takes to knit things of this sort which you sent us, and while you may not get letters from all of us, you can rest assured that the gifts are greatly appreciated. The more I see of this war the more I realize that the brunt of it falls on the mothers and that the women are hearing the biggest share of the burden. I wish you could see what the women of France are putting up with. They do the hardest kind of work in the fields, on cars, in factories and munition plants, and large per cent of them have lost their husbands, sons, brothers or sweethearts. Practically all of them are dressed in mourning. When I first came to France I was able to get to church several times, and for every hundred women in the congregation ninety-seven would be in mourning, so you can see what they have to contend with. Some of the churches I have been in are very ancient, and the services are always impressive. Women and girls sit on one side, men and boys on the other. They usually have a good choir and the whole congregation join in the singing. The priest always delivers his sermon from the pulpit built into one of the sides of the church. A large statue of Joan of Arc and many French flags also attract your attention as you enter the church. The inhabitants of the towns live a very simple life and in all their methods, agricultural implements etc., seem to be two hundred years behind the times. Oxen of immense size are used for farming, drawing wagons, etc. Dogs are used a great deal for drawing small carts, milk wagons etc. It is quite natural to see a woman and a dog pulling a cart loaded with milk. You see very few horses as these have gone to the front long ago. I will give you a brief description of my career in the army. I enlisted at Boston, Mass., the first of June 1917, as a private in the cavalry of the regular army, leaving an exceptionally good position and a splendid home. I was beyond the draft age, but as I was single and my family were not dependent upon me I felt it my duty to go. From Boston, I want to Fort Slocum, N. Y. staying there two weeks. From New York I went to Fort Riley, Kansas being with the 20th cavalry until fall when an act of congress changed us from the 20th cavalry to the 78th field artillery. From Kansas we went to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas spending the winter there and words can not express how kind the people of Houston were to us, and how splendidly they treated our regiment. I will always have a warm feeling in my heart for the Texans and especially the residents of Houston. You ask any man of our regiment regarding the happiest period of his life in the army and they will invariably answer "while I was in Houston." I have often felt like writing to the Houston Post, a short letter which might give the people an idea of how we appreciated their many kindnesses. While at Riley I received rapid promotion, first as lance corporal, then corporal, sergeant and sergeant major and at present am battalion sergeant major of the first battalion. Had two chances to go to the officers' training school at Leon Springs, Texas, one at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, ad one here in France, but prefer to get a commission from the ranks if possible, so turned them all down. I left Houston in April and went to Fort Sill, Okla., staying there until the first of July then went to Camp Wells, New York, and from there to England, spending fourteen days on the water. We went across the whole of England seeing what I believe to be the most fertile country possible. I only stayed in England a short time and from there went to France, going across the whole of it, and seeing some wonderful scenery. I would like very much to tell you about the cities we stopped at but censorship will not permit it. This trip took us four days and nights. We traveled in ordinary box cars, forty men to a car, no straw on the floor and nothing to sit upon but the floor, yet suffered no discomfort, and the boys made a jolly good time out of it. On this trip we were raided by a German aeroplane, one of our men being killed and all of us narrowly escaping the same fate, as he dropped three bombs quite close to us, but he will be well avenged before we get through with the huns. I must close now and I hope you forgive writing (for you would laugh if you could see the conditions with which I am writing this letter.) Respectfully yours, Bn. Sergt. Major John HALEY, 78th Field Artillery, American E. F. France. Book 6 page 40 Died of Wounds-The following statement was found yesterday in the "Soldiers" Letter Box." "Among the names of Saturday's casualty list was Corporal Rogers E. DECK of Chilton, Texas. Died of wounds. Corporal DECK resided in Little Flock Community east of Temple for several years and was well known in and around Temple. He was in Co. F., 360th Infantry and entrained at Camp Travis September, 1917 and for France last March. A previous report was that Corporal DECK had been "over the top" three times. Don't Send Money-A. E. F. Oct. 20, 1918-Dear Will: Received your letter a few days ago. Sure glad to hear from you. Did you send money in it? If you did, someone got it. You can send money orders by Wells Fargo, American Express or post office and everything will be jake but don't send the pure dope. I am enclosing a Christmas card. Give it to mama and tell her I want a fountain pen and some razor blades and anything she can get in the package and boy, take my advice and stay where you are. If you do anything, store the machine; do not rent it out as you know if we ever come back everything will be all broken up. Don't do anything that you will always regret for you sure will if you leave Temple. Everything is jake with me and my health is very good. Give my love to everyone; also your family and that boy of yours sure looks good to me. So stay and keep him looking that way. I don't think it will be long until I'll be with you, then we can clean up in business in Temple. So stick and forget about leaving and you will also regret it if you do. Show this letter to mama and give her my love, also the balance of the folks. Your pard and pal, HARRY. Railroading on the Somme-Somewhere in France, Sept. 17, 1918-Mrs. W. N. THURMAN-Temple, Texas-Dear Mother: I have just received three letters from you yesterday. Last p.m. after I came in from my run there were three letters from you, one from Pearl and one from Mrs. JENNINGS. So I sat down and read them all and felt as though I was away back in old Texas. We have finally got back on our light railway, only we are with our own army. I, as usual, am driving a gas engine. We go very close to the lines and have a little excitement once in a while. But nothing to what we had while on the Somme. Say, take a look at the map and see if you can locate Perone, Fins and Cambral. Well, I have covered a good deal of the country around those places. Have also seen Albert and Amiens. But those are days gone by. We are with our own boys now, but the Tommies are going back over the same old Somme. Well, Stella did write you. She asked me for your address. She was trying to teach me French but I had to leave. We put in a double track main through her home village. Her family sure were nice to me. She has four sisters and one brother, all are at home. Her mother used to make me a cup of coffee very time I would go there and eat. I used to eat dinner on Sundays there. There is no other place I have fund that the whole family cared for me. She has a sister who can speak English very well, but guess I will not get to see them again, as I am miles from there now. I want to be dispatch rider for our company but if I do will have to lose my sergeancy. I do not know yet what I will do. Being engineer on the light railway is no snap. You got a little of everything to look out for and never know how long you are to be away when you leave your roundhouse. Well, the war will be over in a few more months. Then will get to come home. We are giving Bill a fit. He doesn't know what to do next. Will write again soon. Let me hear from you all often. Give everyone my best wishes. Lovingly, your son-Godfrey E. THURMAN. Railroad Conductor-Somewhere in France, Oct. 3, 1918-Sen. A. C. BUCHANAN-Temple, Texas-Dear Father: Received your first letter dated Aug. 1 a few days ago and was sure glad to hear from you. Am getting along fine and dandy, haven't been sick a day since I have been in the army. I am working as conductor on the railroad and believe me, it is somewhat different railroading over here than it is in the states. Was very glad to hear that you was elected senator again. Next time you write to David give him my address and tell him to write to me once in a while as I would like to hear from him. As you see by the papers Bulgaria has surrendered and by the looks of things, think we will have an easy job of whipping the Germans. I got me a sweater from the Red Cross, so you will not have to send me one. It is sure getting cold over here now, raining quite a bit, but we have plenty of warm clothes to wear and plenty to eat, so you see we are well taken care of. Be sure and write real often and tell A. C. Jr., that I think of him real often. Will write gain soon. With love to all the folks, Private E. BUCHANAN. Under Fire All the Time-France, Sept. 30, 1918-Dear Friend SANDERS: I received your most welcome letter today and was surprised as well as glad to hear from you. You said you guess I had seen some sights. Well, I sure have seen sights that will stay with me of the rest of my life, and that may not mean years or even months. For one can never tell when he is going to stop a bullet over here. All we can hope for is the best. There are sure some good souvenirs around here now since the big push is on, but it is so cold today that I am staying around my old truck trying to keep warm. I don't know how old Jerry likes it but if I were him I believe I would quit. It is sure great to see him beat it when he sees our boys coming. He don't seem to be in love with the bayonet. I guess this is the greatest victory ever won on the western front. Jerry says if he can only hold the western front, but think he is out of luck. So all of HOBBS staff are in the army, eh? Well I am sure they will like it. Ha, Ha! One of my best friends got killed three days ago, so I am a little lonesome now. His home, is in Missouri. Most of the bunch I came out with are in the motor machine guns or suicide corps. I just missed that job but it isn't much worse than mine. For they are only in danger when they are in action and I am under shell fire all the time. But I guess I should worry if I am going to get it, I would get it just as well in Texas as I would here. Tell Gater to answer my letter. Tell Shanklin to keep the press hot for I will send him my suit to press after la guerre. There isn't much news here. All the news I get is war news and I can't send that. I saw Lee HOLEY'S picture in the daily paper several days ago and think he is in the balloon section. We call those balloon guys "balloonatics." Well, Will, there isn't much news here and I am cold. I guess I had better close for this time. "Tex." Private T. S. BRYANT 36th Was Scared of Gas-Somewhere in France, Oct. 15,1 918-Mr. W. F. SANDERS, Temple, Texas-Mr. Dear Friend-Well, here comes Billie, a few lines to you. We are getting along all OK over here. I have been transferred from the 144th infantry, and am now in the 9th infantry, 2n division, the best division in France. I stayed at the 36th division about three weeks after I landed in France and have been in this company ever since and have been to the front twice. We made good success both times. We were coming out a few nights ago when the 36th division was going in. They were scared to death of gas. (Note by submitter: This article ends here.) BARTON-RUGLEY-Mrs. Roy W. BARTON, nee Miss Byrd RUGELEY, has announced to her friends her marriage to Lieut. Roy W. BARTON solemnized in the First Methodist church in San Antonio, Feb. 22, 1918. These young people met during a visit paid by the bride to relative in South Texas. Their romance grew until, when the time came for him to sail for France, they seal their love in marriage. Lieut. BARTON returned from over the seas in January last is still retained in the service as instructor in aviating and is stationed at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio. So soon as he received his release he and Mrs. BARTON to go California to make their home. The bride is one of Belton's finest young ladies and the News extends to she and her soldier husband its best wishes. Sherman Put it Light-Somewhere in France, Nov. 5, 1918-Mr. Ralph HOWARD, Troy, Tex.-Dear Brother: How are you this cool morning? Fine, I hope. I am not going to write you a long letter this time for I couldn't if I wanted to, but I consider myself lucky to be able to write, that I am in good health and feeling fine, and am all of that, after gong through with what we have. I answered your last letter some few days ago but as we are now in a rest camp and have nothing much to do I am going to drop you a few lines more today. Well, Buddie, you just ought to be with me today. We would have a time. We sure have a beautiful camp here and this is the prettiest day we have had in quite a while, wee bit cool. Boy, we sure did have "some time" from Oct. 6 to 20. A re3al lively one, too, and listen! I don't like to talk about older heads than myself but I'm inclined to think Mr. SHERMAN put it rather light when he said "war is hell." But of such is life you know. I hardly think we will get another chance to go over the top for if I should judge alright, I think Fritzy's hours are growing few. If we get to stay here long enough Clarence CARL and myself are going to see Paris over. I have seen a great deal of France but haven't been lucky enough to see Paris so far. How is everything around Troy progressing by now? Fine, I guess. Glad to hear of Troy's success in the Liberty Loan and other war work. I guess you will take in the Cotton Palace as usual and "believe Kelly," I sure would like to the there to go too. I guess I will be on the "War Path" all right, but it will be a different kind from the one at the palace. Ha, ha! Answer real soon and I will continue to be. Your same old Bud, Corporal Chas. E. HOWARD- Co. K. 141st Infantry, 36th Division A. E. F. Incidentally Over the Top-Le Foyer Du Soldat, Union Franco-Americane, Nov. 3, 1918-Miss Hattie BROWN-Troy, Texas-Dear Ones at Home: After so long, will try and write you a few lines to let you know that I am in the best of health and getting along just fine. How is everybody at home? Fine I hope, though I guess you had begun to think I was never going to write again. I should have written sooner, but looks like I can hardly find time to write at all. Did you get my last letter: If you have written me I have never received any of your letters. So you may be sure I am getting anxious to hear form you. Well, I have nothing of much importance to write but I feel it my duty to write and I guess I f I can tell nothing only that I am well, will beat not writing at all. Ha. Ha! I have been over the top since I last wrote you and believe me, I had some fun. How is everything in general? Were crops any good there? I hope so. Please write and tell me about everything. I must close, remaining as ever, Your son and brother, W. M. BROWN-Machine Gun Co. 141st infantry, A. E. F., A. P. O. 796. Book 6 page 41 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the Firing Line-Things Being Fixed Comfortably-somewhere in France, Sept. 1918-Mrs. R. N. CASS, Temple-Dearest Mother: How is everything back in good old United States? I hope this letter will find everything OK. France is some country, believe me. It is the prettiest country I ever saw. I can't get used to the French customs. On Sunday the women and children go to church and the men go hunting-what men there are, you don't see many men. I saw Herschel SAFLEY, Homer SOUTHERLAND, Herman GARMON, Henry HOLCOMB and Otis VAUGHAN yesterday. They are all fine and looking well. I was somewhat surprised to run across the boys from home. I have seen all but Eddie S., but he is about four kilometers from here. I see boys out of his company every day or so. I am at the base H. P. having my side treated. I am getting good treatment here. The H. P. boys are sure goo to us. The Red Cross is something wonderful; it is grand to get to a place where there is an American canteen. There are some of the oldest people in France I ever saw. I believe they live to twice as old over here as they do in the United States. Give everybody my address and tell them to write me. I can get a letter from you all in fifteen days and you may never get mine. It is strange that it takes so long for us to get a letter to you. I will write you once a week. It does not matter so much about me hearing from you all just as you hear from me. I am doing very well now; have got to where I can walk around some. Here at the H. P. the Y. M. C. A. has a show every night. It make a fellow feel at home. They have almost everything over there to amuse us boys. Of course we have some hardships but they are getting everything fixed up for our comfort. This is September and it is freezing nearly all the time. It rains a good deal. Well, mama, I just wanted to tell you that I was doing fine and to tell the truth about it that is about all that we are allowed to write. There is a real American girl here in the ward. It is a treat for us boys to see a woman who can talk English. They pay us off in French money. I know you expect me to write everything but we can't write just anything but I will be at home some day and can tell you all about my trip and the way of everything over here. One thing, I never got seasick but lots of the boys did. Much love to all, bye, bye. Ealie CASS. Does convoy Work-France, Oct 1, 1918-Mrs. Ivan EASELY, Pendleton, Texas-My Dearest Sister: I received your long looked for letter of Sept. 5, and was sure glad to hear from you and at least to know that you were among the living. I have read your letter over and over again. Gee, how I would like to see Nonye, and does she remember me? I don't suppose though that she does and if she doesn't you be sure and remember me to her. Because I do not want to be an absolute stranger to her when I come back. And Mrs. EASELY and Vola cook cake and chicken for her, do they? Well, I don't blame them for she is sweet enough to swim the Atlantic. I am glad that ___liked ___cap ____she know that it came from Spain? And did she get the little shoes I sent her about four months ago? How is Vola? Tell her that I am working hard and as the boys call it, trying to help win the war. I am doing convoy work and like it fine, for we are on the go most of the time and get to go everywhere. And the most important thing I know besides the great allied advance is that I have been promoted to the grade of sergeant. What do you know about that? Believe me, it has cost lots of old hard work but it is cheap at that. Don't you think so, especially in these old historical war time days? Sister, I haven't met any of the boys from Pendleton yet, but there are plenty here from Temple. I met five on the last convoy. Did you read the letter in the paper I wrote to Uncle John? I had forgotten all about it until I read it last night in the Telegram. Guess this is the starting of winter. I covered with five blankets last night and was not a bit too warm. We have a fire in our barracks tonight. Also having plenty of rain. Sis, I hope this will be our last winter to spend in the country. Don't you think two is a plenty? Oh, yes, about Little Bow picking cotton. Tell her to not to it for it is a bad habit to get started and I wonder where she gets that idea wanting to stay dressed up al the time. I would give anything to see her. I know she is the sweetest thing in the world. I wish she was large enough to write. I know that I would get a letter from her every day and if you knew how much I appreciate a letter like "you write," you would write more often. Lovingly, Sergt. Jno. R. PARKER. Sky Dark With Airplanes-Somewhere in France, Sept. 18, 1918-Mrs. T. K. MCCARTER, Temple-Dear Mama: I received two letters from you today and I certainly enjoyed both of them immensely. I think I have more news now than ever before, for we played an important role in the "all American Offensive, and I'll never forget it. For six nights we hiked sometimes all night, sometimes throwing our weary bodies on the ground at 4 o'clock. We never hiked under fourteen miles and sometimes we hiked close to twenty miles. During all this time the rain was falling day and night, causing us to sleep between wet blankets at all times. Even this did not lower the spirits of the men, who knew that they were going where they had been longing to go for months. On the night of the 11th, we stood for hours at a cross road, watching the endless procession of tanks, trucks, wagons and troops filing past amid a roar of motors, grinding of wheels and the occasional outburst of a large gun. Finally the word was passed back to move, that there should be no loud talking, no smoking, and silently we fell in the procession. We stopped in the road after three or four hours of hiking, which was hard, for the night was dark and it was raining. One could not see the man in front of him. We were ordered to fall out and go to bed. We soon got our tents pitched and I must say we felt comfortable, especially since the rain was falling, steady. We were soon in the land of dreams but not for long for at 1 o'clock we were awakened by a terrific roar of guns, which were located all around us. It was the most terrible barrages the boches have ever experienced. We knew the big drive had started. We were unable to sleep and were up early with nothing to eat but corn beef, but that was a small matter. At 5:30 the barrage was silenced and we witnessed a magnificent sight. The sun just shone in spots and yonder on the gentle slope was line after line of glittering bayonets followed by the tanks-you read the results in the papers. We moved out at noon under fire and opened up a road over shell holes and across trenches and dugouts, in order for the artillery and supplies to move up. All the while the skies were dark with airplanes. We saw dozens fall to the earth in flames. While building the road we were passed by thousands of German prisoners and French civilians, some laughing and jabbering and some crying as they ran up and kissed some of their loved ones. But in turn we passed the many American dead who had paid the price; tanks that were blown up and dozens of horses. We moved on. We were billeted in a town that had been captured that night. We were shelled the whole night and gas was also sent over. The next night we laid out trenches for the doughboys under fire and about 4 we camped in the woods, where twenty of us got lost from the company. The next day the woods were shelled and boys were killed all around us. We were lost for a day and one half, all the time living off other companies supplies and cooking some German potatoes we found in a dugout. At noon we were ordered to move back and we were glad, for we were all tired, body and soul. My chum, Price, was wounded and three or four more men gassed. We suffered eight or ten casualties. Now we are back of the lines, cleaning off the battlefield. It is awful at the front; there is no water, rations are hard to get and you must be on the move constantly. Well, I must close for I'm tired and sleepy.-Lovingly-Tom MCCARTER. Sleeps in Mud from Choice-France, Sept 21, 1918-Clyde SHIPP, Rogers Texas-Dear Brother: Received your letter a few days ago and was mighty glad to hear from you and that all is well. It goes without saying that we have been a busy bunch over here and I do hope that there's no rest for those human devils until we reach our most distant objective. Clyde, when you pick up a paper and read some article that sounds like one of those big lies that are famous in cow camps, or in other words, sound impossible, it is but natural for one to forget them in less time than they were reading them but let me tell you that you people will never know what hazardous experiences the boys are having here-the impossible articles I use to describe them do not equal the experiences we are subjected to every day. My god, if I could I would write you a book of things that I have gone through and seen. They would make you shudder for it's a miracle or intervention of the Mighties, I don't know which I sometimes wonder how much longer it will last. If has been raining here for three weeks steady and I maintain that mud is terrible. I have actually slept in mud half knee deep, not because I had to but simply because opportunity presented itself then ___I didn't know when it would again. You see we can't make plans and carry them out, they get struck by shrapnel along with many other things. I can't ever say any more that I can't be scared, for I have been so scared that I could not move either muscles or tongue-just stand or lie as the case may be in the jaws of death and be as helpless as a statue. My regrets are that we are not permitted to relate some of the experiences but I guess it is best that we do not. Well, you fellows over there take care of that end of the deal and we'll most gloriously take the bull by the horns over here. I think the kaiser and his bunch have received notice that General Pershing and the hands were working, over here: it seems to have been a surprise to him. Give my regards to any of my friends you see and tell them that I'm getting pretty tough, for I go to sleep with a .45 automatic strapped to me-I love the rascal, too; it's as true as steel. Write to me. Love to Alma and the kids-Sergt. Claude S. SHIPP Letter From the Front-Belton, Nov. 9.-This letter from Todd PATTON will interest many relatives and friends at Killeen, where he was reared, and in Belton, where previous to his going into service he was employed by Freeman & Jackson, druggists.-Oct. 18, 1918-Dear George and Lou Ellen: Have one sheet of paper today, wrote to mama yesterday, so I'll let you know that I'm still thinking about you. Went into battle two weeks ago, and after staying on the front lines four days I was gassed and I'm now in the base hospital. Was up there three days and nights without a bite to eat. If I could just talk to you tonight and tell you about some of the things I have seen. You all don't realize what war, is a friend of mine and I were in a little shell hole during a heavy enemy bombardment, a six inch shell came over and hit on top of us, killed him and buried us both. Of course I didn't know anything for quite a good while, and by the time they had gotten me out and put my gas mask on me I had gotten enough gas to knock me out. I have heard bullets and shells whistle over my head, walked over dead men, stayed in dugouts with dead men, helped dress wounds of all kinds, listened to the last words of some boys in my own company, who I had been friends with. You can't imagine how lucky I have been. I hope some time in the near future to be able to sit down and tell you about the four days I spent in the___ front. Want you to tell dad I got my "Dutchman." He was a man too, and not a kid like lots of them. One of the enemy's machine guns were captured was manned by a boy not more than 16 years old, and they had him chained to it so he couldn't run away and leave it. Of course we had to kill him in order to keep from being killed, and it was a pretty bad looking thing to go up and take the gun with that boy lying on it with his head half gone. If you think it don't make a fellow think about home to be lying in some little shell hole, hand full of cold mud and water, shells falling all around you, and if you don't keep down its nine chances to one you won't live an hour when they throw a barrage on you. But after sleeping in the trenches on the cold ground, in dugouts, barns and livery stables, I am now in a nice hospital , a good bed, plenty to eat, electric lights, a nice nurse to wait on me, so why should I worry now. This is all of my paper. Write to me at Base Hospital, 202, A. E. F. TODD.
|
