Contributed by Kathleen Haynes
Contact Myrtle Bridges April 03, 2011
This letter is written on stationery from: The American YMCA
Also stamped: "On Active Service With The American Expeditionary Force" Feb 9, 1919
Dear Sue:
Your letter of Jany 12th also one from Wilhelmina dated the 21st arrived today & both enjoyed very much. I am sorry the "Flu"
is so bad, but am glad you all have escaped. I must say there is quite a difference in climatic conditions with us. The ground has been
covered with snow for the past week & I don't think I have felt it so cold.
Some of the boys are off on leave & they are lucky. I have had mine had a fine time. I sent you some cards & pictures from Nimes which
will give you an idea of some of Southern France. It was very sightful there. The French proper were unusually cordial & did not try and
hold us up like they do here.
It was too bad about the man in (Pg.2) the paper. I will let you know when we start. I won't believe we are going until we start, as I
have heard we were going so many times. I hope it will not be much longer. I hear some talk that makes me think we will move some time soon.
I enjoyed the letter from Plato. I have not been near him. I found most of the places on the map. I will send you a map as this will
probably show more of the small towns than any you can get at home.
I am glad Rus Green has gotten back. Bess Hinton wrote me Sprague [Sprague Silver] was in Germany & expect to be there some time. I
have now located Mort but doubt if I could see him. It is a hard matter to get a pass for more than 24 hours.
(Pg.3) Yrs, Wilhelmina's letters are about the only ones I have been receiving, & for a while I never got any from her. What is
Sprague's rank?
I saw several transports at Marseille & thought how nice it would be to get on one & go west. Has Miss May Murphy returned to the States.
The Red Cross certainly has done grand work over here. All the boys have a good word for the Red Cross workers here & at home, but oh you " __ ".
I am glad W. has gone to NY & know she will have a good time. I thought N-- (??) liked NY & would be sorry when his time was up. I guess
Morganton will seem tame to Mr. & Mrs. A. after living in NY for some time.
I guess the Chaffers will have a fine time. Is "Mattie" paying all of his attentions to the lady at the school? I guess it must be
lonesome on King St.
I thought Frank would go to Va. Xmas. Tell him U.S.A. is the best place to find one. How is "Pretty May"? Tell her I thought the
"Flu" might get Will by the time I returned.
I will close for this time as it is a little cool here. I am very well & hope to see you soon. With lots of love to all
Affectionately
Cpl. Charles G. Tate
Back to Messages From A Hidden Past