Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1919 — MORE GOOD LETTERS FROM BUMMER DAVISSON [ARTICLE]

MORE GOOD LETTERS FROM BUMMER DAVISSON

December 3, 1918. - French Army. Dear Father and Mother:— I received you letter a few days ago containing the two checks, one for $lO and one for S2O. Certainly glad to get it and thank you immensely. I would have written you sooner but I am on detached service with the ■ French cavalry for a few days. We ' are far ahead of our infantry and my , section is on the way to Dusseldorf or ; Cologne in Germany, We are just now very close to the border of Germany. Passed through Brussels, the capital of Belgium, a few days ago. We were there two days. It is, a beautiful city, almost like Paris. When we go through a town it is like a circus dlay, everyone lined up to see the troops, cheering and such deceptions never heard of before. Every house, store and street is crowded to the utmost, throwing flowers and waving flags over the passing troops audit’s great. It’s this way through every town we pass in Belgium. I saw the Third army Belgians pass in review through Liege, led by the King ■ and Queen of Belgium on horse back, and such demonstrations that took place would be impossible to describe. I was the only American there and ’they carried me around on their shoulders through the crowd I guess there was no less than a million or two there to see the Belgian troops pass. The Belgian civilians treat us like kings. Dec. 6, 1918. I will commence !to write a little more, as we have been .traveling so much I have no time to write. Well, at just 3 :10 p. m. .today we crossed the German border with (the French 41st shock troops, led by military music, and a great patriotic and victorious feeling, highly spirited, but such receptions as we got through all the towns of Brussels, Liege and up to the border are over instantly on crossing, no flags, no cheering, no nothing. Everyone looks at us but without even a smile. They take off their hats to us. First its like pulling teeth for them. We treat them humanely; they are our servants now. Ha, ha. In a few days we will be across the Rhine, 'being with the infantry can only make a short run each day, but we are getting there strong. We hope the fighting is all over, and I 'believe it is, but no chances are being taken. I will (begin and tell you of some of the baitties and different sectors we have been in since here, St. Quentin, Nancy, Luneyille, Mt. Kemmel, Westantre, Cote 57, Villers Cottreta, Chony, Oulchy I'e Chateau, Chateau Thierry sector, Velse, Sorssons, Chemin des Dames, Ypres, Amiens, Verdun sector, Vosges Mt. sector, Roulers, West Koseheck, Andeharde, Compiegne—that’s all I can think of at present and I have some work to dor I just received ybur letter stating the sad news of the death of Lonnie Davisson, my cousin, and it was a sad message to me. Owing to the fact that the 41st French army is chosen for an occupation army, I have not the least idea when I can come home, but hope soon. Will close with love, your son, VERN C. DAVISSON. Germany, Europe, Aix les ChapeUe. Dear Father and Mother:— I hope this letter finds you all O. K. lam feeling fine and having a good time, as .good as can be expected over here among people who would like to cut us to pieces, but they are scared to make a crooked move, because when we leave camp we all cagry pistols, bayonets or rifles and when civilians don’t salute an officer off goes his hat with a slap or a smash o nthe side of the head. It’s funny, but true, they are getting some of their own medicine back. We are going to eat Xmas dinner either in Cologne or Dusseldorf on the other side of the Rhine. I understand we might have to stay here six months or a year longer, hut I hope not. We are attached to oriie of the best divisions in the French army, the 41st attacking infantry, therefore we were chosen to help make up the occupation- armies to stay in Germany until everything is cleared up and peace re-established. , We don’t know how long it Will take. The 91st American division paraded in this town two days ago, and they certainly look fine. They are back at Audenarde. I don’t know whether or not they are coming to the Rhine, but hardly think so. , I will write postal cards as I get the Chance of each town we go through. Did you get the second pictures I enclosed in a letter to you of the little tanks and German prisoners? I have not seen Duvall for a long time. He left the section when we Were at Roulers, in Belgium. He went to the base camp, I guess. I received the money you sent and it came in very handy. Thanks, muck I see President Wilson and wife leave Washington to come to France. He will sure get some reception. Will close now, Your loving s6n, .... - VERNC. DAVISSON.