Active Service
29 Jun 1917
My dear mother:
I have been expecting a letter from you for
several days. Presume it is delayed in route. Received papers of May 20th.
Still residing in a dugout formerly in our
reserve trenches but vacated when the boys pushed the Germans back. There is
plenty of room for two and have a couple of bunks which beats sleeping on the
ground or a hard floor. During our spare time have cleaned it up and made
numerous changes within and without which has made it very comfortable.
A heavy thunder storm last night has made
it very difficult to get over the shell torn ground which represents
"Fritz's" former trenches. Certainly
must be some muddy in winter.
I have regained some of the weight I lost
in England which ought to speak well of the nourishing quality of the food received
here.
I am
always your loving, Errol
Active Service
29 July 1917
Dearest mother:
Received your letter of June 27th to-day. Glad
to hear that you all are better. The papers have been coming through alright. If
you have any magazines that are not working would sure appreciate them. Still
at the same work which is not very hard. Except cover several miles some days. Hot
to-day after a heavy storm the day before.
Don't expect to see Alex up here. Will you
let me know if the bill that is up in Congress which is to grant all the U.S.
citizens that joined the Allies before war was declared there returning their
rights to citizenship. I think it contains a clause whereby it would be
possible to transfer to the U.S. Army also.
Feeling better all the time. Miss green
vegetables.
With all my love to you and father, I
am Lovingly, Errol
Active Service
1 Aug 1917
My dear mother:
Received your letter of July 15th and the
papers also. Pleased to hear things are better and that father's hand is
better.
I am just getting over a slight billious
(sic) spell. It is working off so will be myself again shortly. Hated to miss
the meals but had no appetite.
I was interested in [Baron] Moncheur's
speech at the auditorium. From the account there must have been some feeling
displayed.
Able to secure American cigarettes here
now.
The grain cutting is all done by hand.
Using a young scythe. Rather slow but there is no wastage. Plenty of hops for
beer are raised but too much water makes it a little too weak.
Remember me to Lelia and Guy when you write
as I do not write her as often as I do you.
With love to you and all, I am Lovingly, Errol
[The mention of Baron
Ludovic Moncheur’s speech in Portland refers to a tour of the U.S. by a
Belgiam commission who wished to express their thanks for the U.S. entering
into the war and to drum up support of the war effort. The Belgian commission
was just one of many by the Allied countries that came to the U.S.
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