Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 November 1918 — LETTERS FROM OUR SOLDIERS [ARTICLE]

LETTERS FROM OUR SOLDIERS

John Hoile Writes His Uncle From Overseas. “Uncle Billy” Meyers of near Wheatfield received the following letter a few days ago from his nephew, Pvt. John L. Hoile, of Co. A, 110th Amu. Tn., who is with the American Forces in France: Sunday, October 6, 1918. Dear Uncle and Cousin. —Received your letter today and was sure glad to hear from you. Had intended writing several times but have neglected it, but will try and do better from now on. Well, 1 have been seeing some sights in the past four or five weeks and I saw some in the last few weeks that I don’t care about seeing again if I can help It. We were up on the front, and I 11 tell you war is not what 1 thought it was. We had to haul ammunition right up to the front during the big drive and there 1 changed my mind about war. It sure was awful. We were caught in a jam and couldn’t get our trucks out for several hours, so we went out and looked things over. We went through the German dugouts, and they sure had some fine ones to live in, but we have got them now, and the Germans also that were in them. I helped carry in some of the wounded and it was there that I got my fill of war. . Saw lots of dead Germans on the field. We drove them back and gave them about as good a licWmg as they ever got, and now the old Kaiser is yelling for peace. He didn’t know when he was licked. I got a letter from home today also one from Gerald and one from a friend of mine that is at Camp Shelby. He said it was pretty hot down there. I was over here

over three months before I got a. letter from home, so any. news was sure welcome to me. We were relieved at the front several days ago and am back now resting and cleaning up. We sure were dirty, as we hadn t a chance to get a bath for six weeks. When we were up at the front we slept on the floor or ground, and sometimes when we were going up it would be several cays without sleep and 'maybe one meal a day. I’ll tell you it was no fun, but you mever heard anyone complain. We were all anxious to go ahead. , , The weather here has been rather cool with lots of rain. Have had several pretty good frosts here. I have got a good bunk now and two blankets and get good eats. Had tomatoes, beans, bread pudding, bread and cojfee for su'pper, all of it that we wanted so you see we get good feed. Well I guess I have written about ail I know for this time, so guess I had better quit. Will write again soon. Your nephew and cousin, - JOHN.