Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 209, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 September 1918 — James Beckman Writes From Over- Seas. [ARTICLE]

James Beckman Writes From OverSeas.

Mr. and Mr«. J. C. Beckman of Rensselaer have received another letter from their son, James, who is with the American foroee in Prance: r August 6, 1918. Dear Folks:—l Wa® glad to have the two letters from you in the mail yesterday. Mies Boyd just wrote that she had not heard from me. I had written her, and she likely has my letter by this time. I wrote front this side. The pictures wefe sent you by a friend of mine in New York, I did not know how many he would have to send you as I told him to see that various people got them, and I did not take any count of the number. It wasn’t the photographer. You keep one and send nnA tn TVfiSSifi.

I am sorjy about Dell’* condition. It is too bad that we haven’t lots of money’ to help make things easier for him. But it seem* to do no good, much as'we' try. I hope that the weather will soon be in his favor and that he can get an upward start without any of these continual backsets. I would surely like to be there to eat anything you have, for I know it is good. We have plenty in our detachment, but none of the good things you mention in your letter. We do not even see them and they are not to be bought We see some great aerial exhibitions here. The aviators_are wonderful. They can turtTtheir machines in a series of somersaults, whirl them over sideways, let them fall hundreds and perhaps a thousand or two feet straight down with absolutely no control at all, and then dart them off as if nothing ever happened. They can outdo the birds.

I saw the king of England thi* morning as he passed through here, and met the General. He is well liked by the British and has been out to the front and in the hospitals and every where that his men. have been. He made a good impression on the Americans, as he came with no great retinue attached. It was no different than if it had been any prominent general. I will be glad to have the handkerchiefs when they come. I will, be supplied then for quite awhile. Marty thanks. I don’t think of any more to ask you to eend. My wants are rather few here, and I brought a good supply of everything? O yes, what you can send me, is a dozen spools of reels of dental floss. I have nearly used all mine up. I will be able to get tooth paste ■ here. I have plenty of soap to last any war through. Thanks for washing the handkerchiefs. I have been in Belgium. I can’t write more about it than you have read. I have been within a mile and a half. My health is the beet it could be. I am glad to think you are not worried about’ me. I am doing all right, and have always been able to look out for myself, no matter where I was. Of course, there are things here that are different; but if it is at night when I am tired and can do no good anyway, I* just go to sleep anyway. I must get my rest. I suppose you are reading the good news in the papers. I think it will be this way from now on and that we will soon be back. With my love and best wishes to you always, - Lovingly your son,

JIM.