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A Group of Interesting Letters From Our Soldier Boys. Letter From Lieut. V/. D. Allen to Mr. J. H. Allen. "The Front." Thursday, September 26, 1918. My Dear Brother: It is an easy matter to start a let what may I shall try to do my bit as a man and a soldier, and as you would have me do. Please write often. Cheer Anna and love her and Hord for me. Give my regards to all my friends, Sam Mays, Frank Reece, Ben Talbert and Frontis Davis. Say the ter but I find it a hard job to finish Germans will know that Edgefield is one. There are so many things that one would like to write about, and still so few things that one can really tell. Think my outlook on life is diff?r ?rent from what it once was. I can frame the nicest letters during the dead hours of night, but during the day my brain fails to work. We have been under shell fife for two days and nights. I have to use all the will power I have not to dodge when I hear the "Whiz Bang" coming. Wc have been in one big drive and think this is the beginning of another. Tell Judge Brunson and the rest of the Old War Horses that I have some idea of what they had to .TO through. Tell Mr. Tad Strom that there was , _ more heavy shell thrown in one night of our big drive than was thrown dur ing the entire four years. I have seen men die, have been in gas attacks, on the map when it's "over, over here." Give my love to "Barb" and "Man" and all the family. Tell them all that I think of them all the time. Tell them all to write. Lots of love to you and all the rest. I am, Affectionately Wad. 2nd Lt. Wad D! Allen, Co. G, 105th Am. Tn. American E F., via N. Y. Letter to Miss Rhoberta. Bailey From a Friend in Camp. Columbia, S. C. 'Dear Friend: I am always so glad to hear from anybody in dear old Edgefield and it is all news to me. "Tee" and I are still together and I certainly am glad. I thought we would be gone by this time but we are still at Camp have been spattered with rocks and j Jackson, dirt from shell fire, have pillowed TT and 1 are ?oin? to Columbia my head on Mother Earth's broad ! tomorrow if nothing happens. Still, bosom with no covering except a rain Te won't see much but it will rest us. coat and the canopv of high heaven, j 1 certainly wish you all could see Still God in his mercy has seen fit ?us drill. It would be a great show to to spare me this long. No harm has >'ou and the music is j'ust fine- lt come to me. Possiblv my hair is. just ! Takes you shake your feet. We will a little grayer and the wrinkles in j leave sometime next week I guess, mv face a little deeper, but could one We are g?in8 across tlie Pond-at expect less when each dav presents ;least we are Som* to make a start some new horror instituted by the*'Don't think we will ever have to go "Hellish Hun,"in his mad dream of ?t? the ?ront- lt ma>r be a lons time a conquered world? j before we can get home but the trip As we bite decDer and deeper into be v'orth the time' the country that has been occupied I Te2 has become s0 stout that *'ou by "the Boche" one can see how won-!wouId hardl>' know him now- 1 cer derful his defences were. I have ex-i^nly hope we can stay together for plored the concrete dugouts of the German officers and men. They had everything that is necessary for a : life of ease and comfort. And it all j came from poor bleeding France. I was in a town that had been in the hands of the Germans for four years, stopped at a house for water, and j there was one old, old woman. She ! he has certainly been a friend to me since we have been in the army. He is a good boy. As I hear the bugle I must close. Don't write us any more until you hear from us again. Will close for this time. Your soldier friend, Earl A. Hammond. was gathering up a few belongings1 - and in broken English she tried to tell William G. Byrd Writes Inter ine how live Boc-he officers had bf*?" : * ,~ 3 ?.*+-*~ U ia looiceu alter tne nre. Wea, mat is a very good picture of this country. I see little children like "Barb" x tua well and doing fine so far. I have had some close calls but the good Lord was with me. I haven't heard from ail the home and "Man" at play and each one has . , * ^ , " bovs since we went up except V.'alter a gas mask. They wear them ail the time, ready at a moment's notice to and Hezzie; they are all right. The last letter I wrote you I said I was put them on to protect them from_. - . T , . , . T * . .. ... , , ^ , ?out for a rest as I thought, but I went back that night. I tell you we gave Jerry a good time. We carried him back about ten miles and have the deadly gas of the dreaded Boche I wonder if there is peace any where. It's the deep-throated roar of the big guns, the sharp barking of machine guns, the whir of aeroplanes, the rumble of endless trucks, the cursing of men, the rattle of harness and the creaking of wagons and guns! Oh, you hear this al! the time. But it warms a man's heart to hear a ! whistle blow on a real honest to God ; engine. To see a real standard gauge j railroad and a big Jack painted gray ! and to know that it all came from ! still got him on the go. We captured ?train loads of prisoners. I hear we ?go out for a long rest today. I hope iso anyway. j Yes, I have been in the place you j mentioned in your letter. I certainly would like to write you all about it if I could. I know you have been aw fully worried about me, but don't worry for it is no use. I believe if .anybody comes back I will be in the the good old L. S. A. This, 1 think, Lunch js the greatest job ever undertaken V- . A I_ ^ *^ f . 1 lon asked me about Elbert Dorn ; by man. What a wonderful army, and j he is aU rjght j see him eyery day It was a mistake about him and Man son. I don't see how such news can get out. Mama, I am sending you some sou enirs. I guess you will know where I got them. I have lots more I would like for you to see. How do you like the looks of Jerry? Most of the "cut ters" wear long frock tail coats. Tell Uncle Nick Griffis I think I can talk to him now. I would like so much to tell you all about this country. We have been in some beautiful places and some were not so pretty. Mama, I certainly had some fun last Sunday. Bill Parker and I went out for a stroll and we went in to get a French lady to cook us something to eat. I thought we never would make her understand what we want ed. At last she took us to the garden and the first thing she put her hand on was cucumbers. Of course that was the very thing I wanted. Gee, they certainly were fine. You spoke of the Xmas dinner. I am looking forward to that, for I tell you things are going our way now. I certainly was glad to hear Papa was better. You must make him take care of himself. Ollie tells me they are going to move to Georgia. I hope they will like it ail right. Well, it is raining today, but I have a hole in the ground so am keeping dry so far. Tell Uncle Char to think, three thousand miles from ?ts base! Now understand this army is self-sustaining. I will eat for sup per tonight steak from a steer that -was raised in the west, butchered in ?,. I V Chicago, nut in cold storage and shipped to Europe and "her sent to the battle lines. This is just one among many things that makes a man proud that he is an American. We have tasted blood and onw it's a fight to the finish. Some dare devil of an American hung this sign across No Man's Land, "Boche, give your, heart to God for your carcass belongs to us." It is late afternoon and we have grim work before us tonight. My men are lying around on the brow of a hill watching an endless stream of German prisoners pass. The proud and boastful Prussian Guard has met a foeman who is worthy of his steel. I could v.Tite like this all day and still not tell you anything of much interest. I am only a cog in this great big machine but I shall try to keep this cog working right. Your letters are a real inspiration to me. You will never know how I enjoy thom and the Edgefield papers. Your letter dated August 14th was received yesterday. I think the end is not far distant. Only hope my good luck will hold good to the end. I feel sure that I will return safely and that will be one happy day. I shall try to take care of myself but come lie and Uncle Walter I received their letters O. K. and will answer the first chance I get. Tell all the folks I would like to write to them but I don't have time to write to you as often as I would like, for I know you are always anxious to hear from me. It is my time to go after water for coffee for supper and they are calling me now. You know I don't mind it for I do like good coffee. I know you will have a time read ing this as I haven't anything to write on except my mess kit and that isn't much of a desk. I certainly enjoy reading the pa pers you send me. Be sure to send some more. They are company for me. Well, everything is looking awfully good to us now, so don't worry. Give my love to everybody. Your loving boy, Pvt. William G. Byrd. Co. D. 114 M. G. Bm, Am. E. F., A. P. 0. 749, via New York. W. F. Manson Writes.Letter to His Mothe)pjC Somewhere in France? September 27, 1918. I My Dear Mother: How are you? Well and in 'fine spirits I earnestly hope. How are ? Papa and thc rest of the famiily? j Mother, I am sitting tonigr?t- oiji an 'improvised bedv well down in old ?Mother Earth with two of my com ] rades, this being the limit of accom modations to this "hotei." I think .it's lone that belonged to the Jerries as !he once inhabited around here, but |I do not need to be disturbed. Battles jare on. Artillery is continually bark ing. Though when I finish the few I lines to you I shall lie down tj sweet 1 dreams of rest. Who knows "where j my mind shall wander? Probably ov ier some battlefield, then home to my . people across the deep blue sea. j I am just thinking how many pray ;ers will be offered by so many moth ers for their sons tonight. Not only ; mothers, but so many more. They know not where nor how they are. ?Mother, I can not but hone we are 'here for God's cause and the better- ? mont and uplifting or humanity. ; Do not think, Mother, that I am ! ; worried for writing this way. I am ?in good health ana in good cheer. I i will take everything as it conies, let ' it be whatever it may. j My address is Cpl. W. F. Manson, , Co. n -1 ,c " - . , _ ....esme rana and Carl arc busy 1 i trying to gather the crop. I hope ' they will bc well paid for their year's ' j toil. Have you heard anything from 1 I my Liberty Bonds? They should be ! ?sent to Papa. * I have seen two of my letters that 1 .were published in The Advertiser. 1 They were sent to Bill Byrd. I thank ' ?you and also the editor for thinking * i so much of me. I was not thinking of ?such when I wrote. I write as I feel and I always try to be true. I would like for you to save the county papers and send them to me las it will afford me much pleasure ?in reading them. Send them once a j month. They will be new to me. Mama, you must write me often, at least once a week. I am so anx ious to hear from you and all the folks. I am growing tired and sleepy so will have to close. I have no news that I could tell in this letter. I shall try sometimes to give some real news ithat will pass the censor. I With good wishes and love to you, j ! Mother. Always may His tender mer cies watch over you. With love to all the family. Good night. Your son, a soldier. Tillman Bailey Writes From Camp Jackson to His Mother.. My Dearest Mama and All: This is to let you know that I am to leave. I hope you all are well. This leaves me well and enjoying life. I was certainly glad to see Papa and McKie and Leon Sunday. To my surprise Livie came to see me Wednesday and I was glad, too. He brought me a nice box of fruit and tobacco. I would have liked it so much better and could have stood it so much better if I could have seen my dear mother and sweet sister Rho berta. Don't grieve one bit, though, for I am all 0. K. I know it is hard but Mama, you are a Christian and a dear mother, and God will help us all. I felt so sorry for dear Livie. Well, I went through the gas house Friday and stood it like a man. You just ought to see your old boy Tee. I weigh 140 pounds. I am sending you one of our pictures. That is, a picture of the crew which is to leave. They are very poor, but just a re membrance. Now dear Mama and loved ones, please don't grieve t ;uut me. My dgefield Mercantile Company We placed large orders early for the several departments on our second floor and invite our friends, the ladies especially, to inspect these attractive goods. We are showing some good values in bed-room suits. Also see our sideboards, hat-racks, sofas, dining tables and china closets. A beautiful assortment of rockers to select from. We have a large stock of iron and enameled beds and the best bed Springs on the market. A large stock of cotton and felt mattresses. \ "Wc extend a special invitation to the ladies to come and see our beautiful assort ment of rugs and art squares. Many attractive designs at very reasonable prices. We have bought a large stock of stoves, ranges and heaters. Now is thc time to discard your old one and purchase a new one. We were never better supplied than now to fill the needs of our customers in har ness, bridles and saddles. Large assortment'to select from. Our undertaker's department is well supplied with coffins and caskets of all sizes and prices. A share of your patronage is solicited. Our hearse responds to all calls promptly. On our first floor will be found a large stock of heavy groceries and plantation supplies. We buy in large quantities and can make very satisfactory prices. Large shipment of Texas oats for seed-no better quality on the market. Let us Hil your orders. ... -wuieiiioer me to all of ny friends and ask them to remem ber me in their prayers. Don't write jntil you all hear from me. Will write ,vhen I can. Be good and you all must ove Mama and Papa. They are get ing old. Read your Bible and go by t. Trust in God and some day he viii spare Tee to come back to you. Sod bless and protect you. I am away ;o France. Devoted true soldier son, Tee Bailey. ... ..?.^iaeu mac i am, for what I have passed through in the last two days is more than could be ex pected without getting "punched" somewhere. Yesterday morning after an. all night's march we were about to camp in a small wood when Fritz began shelling it with high explos ives and gas. I got my battery out in record time and moved it forward to a ravine which I had to hold, be cause I was to be sent forward fur ther to support our advancing infan n open . eighty tras and ore. We id all I shelling . UJ moving my cattery around. In this I had re markable success, for I knew his tac tics very well, and on two occasions I moved just in time to prevent the annihilation of two of my sections. When the Boche shoots he generally "sweeps"-that is he moves 30 or 40 yards right or left and fires at the same range, and on harrassing fire he nearly always fires just two rounds at each place. Experience has taught me this, and yesterday it served me (Continued on Page 3) BEEBE We desire to announce to our Edgefield friends that we are well supplied in every department to supply their needs. Have a Large Stock of Plows and Harrows Just what you need for turning your land in the fall. Our Stock of Harness, Saddles and Bridles is 'Complete Anything you want in harness, wagon or buggy harness, single or double, we have it-WITH PRICES RIGHT. Large stock of NAILS and all kinds of Builders* Supplies. If you need shop tools of all kinds 'come to us. Poultry and pasture fence wire all widths. Large stock of carriage and wagon material. The best roofing on the market. Shotguns, loadi \ .shells and cartrides of all kinds. If we have not in stock what you need we will order it for you at once. Come in to see us when in town. Mr. J. H. P. Roper is with us and will give his friends a cordial greeting. 1289 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia