Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 101, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1918 — FROM A SOLDIER IN FRANCE. [ARTICLE]

FROM A SOLDIER IN FRANCE.

Somewhere in France., April 17, 1918. Jem Father and All: Well' I will make another effort to v’rite you. This is the third letter I have writen and have not got to mail. Each time I have changed places or something hindered me :’rom mailing them. I was assigned to the 163 infantry but before any one goes to the trenches they give them an examination. I had an examination of my feet resulting about the same as when I was first examined, was rejected for active service for the present at least. The rest of the bunch I was with left the 163 infantry yesterday for the trenches, .of course in the rear lines. 3ut about 10 or 12 of us were reflected and sent to another camp. (That is where I am now.) I don’t mow what they will do with me, but suppose I will be put in some kind of a place where I will not have to be on my feet so much, unless I get able to perform the duties of a soldier soon. My feet are not much worse ..than they have been, but they bother me in long marches pretty bad.

I have seen and talked to several U. S. soldiers that have been to the front, and sent back because of wounds, mostly of gas, that seems to be the worst thing they have to contend with. You often hear of sunny France, jut I have notseen much sunshine, since I have bean There. It has been raining nearly 7 the time and cloudy. This will be the’ second letter I have sent you. Since I first wrote I have traveled a long ways on joth land and water. You had ought to get my other letters soon now if nothing happens to it . „ Will have to say that the U. S. soldiers are treated real good here. The French people are very friendly and will do most anything for them. It seemed strange to me at first to be able to talk to th6m or understand. Maybe if lam here long enough I will learn to talk to them. Well there isn’t much that I ean write. We have plenty to eat and I am O. K., so don’t worry about me. Will write as often as I can. With best wishes I am as ever your son, CORP. C. W. LEATHERMAN, Co. I, 163rd Infantry. A. E. F., France.