World War I Letters from Abroad

23 November 1917

The Humboldt Republican
Humboldt, Iowa
23 November 1917
Page 1

First Letter From Soldier In France

Raymond Hansen Sends Regards To Old Friends.

Likes the Country

States Some of the Needs of the Soldiers in the Trenches -- Is Well and Happy and Enjoys Work.

Somewhere in France
September 21-17

Dear Folks:
     Probably you are worried about me.  But have arrived safe and sound in France.  Had a nice trip across.  Did not get sick at all.  It was a little rough the first couple of days out then it calmed down and the water was not rough until the end of the voyage.
     We are in our new camp of wooden barracks.  Am sure feeling dandy.  The weather is warm here.
     The people are very nice altho I can't understand what they say.
     Have only a few stamps but my mail will reach you anyway.
     I made an allowance of $15 per month which you will get every month.  So save it for future use.
     Well can't say much about my trip so will close.

Oct. 3rd
Dear Folks:
     Am feeling fine and dandy.  Has been raining today.  I was swimming in the creek.  It is certainly a pretty country, nice country hills all around with a large number of beautiful trees in the near vicinity.  The fruit such as peaches, pears, apples, are very abundant, also the garden vegetables are plentiful such as cabbage, carrotts, potatoes, turnips.  Also a large number of nut trees.  You can buy a bushel of apples here for about a franc.  It is the equivelent to about 20 cents in American money.
     There are also quite a number of milch cows and there is plenty of grass for them.
     Say can you send me a carton of "Bull Durham" smoking tobacco, as you can hardly buy good tobacco here, but a five cent sack of Durham is 12 cents in American money.  Good tobacco is the only hard thing to get.
     Be sure and write a good long letter, and greet everybody.  We don't get mail very often.  A.E.F. means American Expeditionary Forces.  As ever, your son.

Oct. 7
Dear Folks:
     Received your letter addressed A.E.F. last Saturday.
     Just wrote a letter to Ruth.  I wrote to Aunt Annie when I was in Syracuse but have not received an answer yet.  I was out for a walk this morning and think I will go up in the woods this afternoon.
     The Y.M.C.A. is following us all over the world.  About two days after we landed they had a Y.M.C.A. tent right close to our regiment.
     Did Sonny get a discharge?  Oscar Knutson said he had heard it, and I was wondering if he got it or not.
     I must close for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon.  Tell the fellows to write or have they forgotten me?  Write soon.

Oct. 20
Dear folks:
     Received your most welcome letter a few days ago.
     I am feeling fine and dandy.  The sun has been shining very nice today.  Done a big washing yesterday.  Washed 5 suits of underwear and 3 pr. of socks and 1 shirt, it was cold that day.  Say send me the Des Moines News once in a while.  We don't get mail only about once every 10 days.  You can send the box if you want to.  Did you send the Bull Durham tobacco?  But if you send the box don't send any cake because it will spoil.  But cookies and candy won't spoil if you put them in a good box.  I have not received the Republican.  Got a letter from Aunt Anna the other day.  Say, send me Leslie's address and then I can write to him.  Did you get the $15 I allotted to you?  I also purchased a Liberty Loan Bond.
     I was out for a good walk and took in the scenery as it is Saturday P.M. and I will probably go for another tomorrow.  Well as it is supper time I will close hoping to hear from you soon.
I am as ever
Yours for the country.
Pvt. Raymond D. Hansen
Co. G. 23rd Inf.
A.E.F. via New York
P.S.  Don't forget to send me some Bull Durham if you want to do anything for your country.