Letter to Aunt Nell - [Keep in mind that censors read all outgoing mail which results in Clyde being cautious about some details]

                               

Clyde's first letter to Aunt Nell from France. Note censor's stamp and signature.

My address...

Sgt. Clyde G. Bliss

Co. M. 107th U.S. Inf.

A.E.F. 

via New York

May 30, 1918

Dear Aunt Nell -

Just a few lines to let you know that I am most assuredly in France. Your last letter reached me just before we left the U.S. - so I had no opportunity to answer it then - and since then I feel I should congratulate myself in having time, ever, to write home and to Anna. But now we're "set" - way up as near the front as it's healthy and - being in billets - have more spare time.

The ocean voyage was splendid - due to the month, I presume - and except for one day when the sea was exceptionally rough - I felt as normal internally as on shore - and that one day I was just a tiny bit shaky, not really seasick by any means. Considering the number of my friends who were really sick. I think myself very fortunate. Sergts. Crowley and Jeal were both among those really sick. We were on the ocean about three times as long, of course, as the average passenger liner. Maybe the land didn't look good when we awoke one morning and saw the harbor looming up over the sea horizon! Jimminy! I sure was glad to get foot on shore. The city we landed in was very quaint and most picturesque. The inhabitants (of course we only saw one section of the city) were very expressive in their awed, deep seated appreciative welcomes. The houses were extremely ancient - all stone, stucco, etc. and the architecture & dress of the people were both of that quaint style of centuries ago. The military roads, the high two wheeled carts, the farming implements, the household utensils, and everything - and everyone - seem identical with ancient times. Regardless, of how small, or how old a house is - it is invariably neat and almost too orderly & well arrainged to seem real. You've no idea how immaculate these French country folk are about their property. And still - out here in the agricultural sections where we are now in billets - the farmer has some very modern implements - and their horses, pigs, chickens, and cows are all very well bred creatures. The farmer, in whose barn I am billeted with three squads of my platoon - also has some very wonderful rabbits, guinea pigs and doves (or pigeons). Their kitchens are wonderful!

We also, of course, journeyed across country from the port to this point - just safely near the front - and travelled in French troop trains. And you should see them. Wee box cars, the size of an American freight caboose - and forty men in each! Believe me, it was pretty close quarters! But we felt fine, the scenery was great - and as the journey was short - didn't mind it so very much. We reached a station - and encamped in a rest camp that night. That night - le Boche with his planes, raided over us, or near us, with the purpose of destroying certain supply stations nearby. Between the exploding of his bombs, the rattle of machine guns and the roar of the big anti-aircraft barrage and the hum of aero-motors - we decided that our reception was a success in the matter of thrills! And you should see our fellows! The Tommies [British soldiers] rushed on their steel helmets and hurried under shelter while our chaps joked and treated the whole affair as though it was a spectacle put on for their especial benefit! No shells exploded near us - so we were O.K.

We're now in a very peaceful place. Can hear the big guns roar, of course - but one might as well be in Otsego County as far as danger is concerned.

Now theres not much news that I can tell you - so I'll close. Write me very often - don't wait for letters from me to arrive - please - and tell me all the news & opinions from the Republic & Digest. As ever

With much love,

Clyde

[name of censor]

P.S. This is the very best stationery [note paper] I can buy in this town! So please excuse it! Ha! Ha! cb

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