Flora (fl. 1918) to Kenneth S. Anderson [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07810.103 Author/Creator: Flora (fl. 1918) Place Written: Journy, Pas de Calais, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 December 1918 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy
Boarding house mistress writes to Captain Anderson about how glad she is that they have become friends. She encourages him to maintain his French and wonders if he plans on returning to Journy. Comments on the sad state of the Journy landscape and the hope in the hearts of its residents. Passes along information from the other girls who have written to the American soldiers. Hopes he has received her letter from August and adds that the postal service has improved. Wishes him a merry Christmas.
Captain Anderson was in Company H, 309th Infantry, USA and went on to become a colonel in the 324th Infantry during World War II.
Journy, 2 december 1918
Dear Mister Anderson,
It is quite nice on your part to have made me aware so fast that you had left uninjured from this bloody struggle. You would not believe the intense pleasure that your letter of the 15 november arriving yesterday caused me. We are very happy that you are healthy and safe and you have to congratulate yourself even more so as the battalion has been well perceived, as you tell me. The 309 has left a real good memory at Journy and in the region and we well regret that there has been so much suffering. What savagery in the XXth century, no?
You must be in Germany now [2] and I hope that you will have a better sounvenir from your stay there than that in France. What reception do the Boches offer to Américains? I would want to see you over there!
What has become of Mister Mitchell? And also Serg. Major Converse and Corp. Hourigan? - A lady of Journy who wrote to the Sergent Dowd, G. Coy (I think, I do not know him) has asked me to inquire after you. Would you tell me when you will write, since, I hope that you will give a bit more frequently signs of life, now that you have nothing left to do…. I have well thought that when you had left Journy that you would not have had the time to write as often as you had intended; but, from now on, [3] wouldn't it be for only one reason, to not forget your french that is very very good, you would have to practice by writing…. Unless you prefer studying the bôche language and that you [give up] completely!.... Who would have [struck: could believe] [inserted: believed] that you could have celebrated Christmas in Germany [struck: ?] this year? By the way, all of my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Do you still have the intention of returning to Journy to see us; which would give us so much pleasure? Your cordelier is still here, in your [struck: old] [inserted: second] house in France, like you said in August. Journy is very quiet now and the landscape sad, but the hearts are happy since the armistice [4] and this has allowed us to celebrate quite gaily these two past sundays the celebrations of the musicians, of the young girls of France and [struck: France] [inserted: mine]. And the piano resonates also with better heart, I believe. Is not our joy all legitimate?
Nevertheless we do not forget the [inserted: numerous] victims and we think of what is still left for us to do. But, Courage. Long live France and long live the victorious Allies!
Have I annoyed you enough with these 4 long pages? Excuse me for my chattering and my teasing, please. All of the best from Dad and Mom, attached to mine. Hoping to read you soon.
Flora
I do not know whether the mail Franco-Améri[struck: cain][inserted: ca] functions well
Did you get my letter from August? I have gotten yours from August
[envelope]
Franchise
postal
military.
Captain K.S. Anderson
309th Infantry
American E.F.
France
[back of envelope]
Jonville Journy
Pas-de-Calais
France
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