April 11, 1917 Dear Folks, I can let you know that I am in Lowell again. I was in Lakeport since Monday and Wednesday morning...we had to come back to pass the doctor again. I passed the doctor, said I was good and healthy, this makes the third time we were examined by doctors. I don't know how long we will stay in Lowell but I think when you receive this letter we'll be somewhere else. Say thats a fine letter to send, to me giving meh--l. First, I couldn't get out of the armory here much, I was only home a few times and then never had much time to stay. I slept here about 2 times only, the rest of the time I would sleep in the armory. When I wrote you the letter from Lakeport N.H. I had to do it while I was on guard duty in a big cold wind, my fingers were almost froze[n], and letters will be plenty now so don't worry about that. Say send that shaving outfit right away. No more news to write, will let you know where I am as soon as I get there. Say it's a great place where I was, it was about 10 above zero, some cold but it was great, I gained 2 lbs. in 2 days. Your most devoted son, Daniel Douger Regards to you all, also Annie and her husband and child, tell them I couldn't see them before I left, also Hyman and his wife and children. April 13, 1917 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I am sound and well and am hoping to hear the same from you. At present I am at Tilton N.H., and am guarding bridges here. It's hard now we are guarding 4 hours and rest 4 hours, but as soon as we get a few more men we will have it easy. Send all mail to Private Daniel Douger Co.K. 6th Mass.Inf. Lowell, Mass. Have no more news to write. Answer soon, Dan May 7, 1917 Dear Parents: Just a few lines to let you know that I am feeling fine also hoping to hear the same from you. The vaccination certainly in taking on me my arm itches, and it is a little swollen, but it is getting better. There is nothing new to write about because I have written all that there is to be written about the place where I am and we do the same thing over and over again, it is a snap. I read in the paper that they are going to raise the pay for the soldiers in the army if that is the case I'll get about $36.00 a month. In Mass. they pass a law giving every soldier $10.00 a month beside the government pay, that would make $46.00 a month, but, when are we going to get it. We are not going to be here long, only about two more weeks or so, that is what I heard, and when we leave we will go to Ayer Junction, but I don't know now true it is. I wish is was payday I'm broke and I need money. How's things in New York [?]. Grandma writes me that when I come back she will make a party for me. I received your card, and please don't send it to Lowell, send it to Danbury N.H. I get it a day quicker. Believe me a fellow feels great when he gets a letter from home. Well no more news. Hoping we get the h---l out of here, I remain Daniel Douger Danbury N.H. May 28, 1917 Dear Grandparents: Your letter received and was glad to hear from you. We might go to Ayer pretty soon, in about two weeks or so and if we do go there I might be in Lowell for a day or so. Sunday we got what is called recruit kits it is a box with different things in it. 2 towels, 1 tooth brush, shoe brush, shoe polish, clothes brush, razor soaps, comb and brush, a shaving brush and a small kit with needles, thread, buttons etc. it is called a housewife. A millionaire from New York sent it to us. Now I have more stuff than I can use so this week I might send to you a package with some stuff that I don't need. Every month the State of Mass. will send to father 10 dollars. There was a law passed in Mass. that all Mass. soldiers will get 10 dollars from the state beside the government pay, but we don't get it, our parents get it. The government has also raised our pay and the next time we get paid I expect a big pay. Sarah you should wear your new dress in good health. I wrote Charlie a post card Saturday but I forgot to write a return so I'll write again this week. Well I'll have to close now hoping to hear from you soon. I remain as ever, Dan Regards to everybody I know " " Joe Kaplan. How does grandpa feel in health how is the cold he had is it all better. How does grandma feel in health, and you and Sarah. Danbury N.H. May 29, 1917 Dear Parents and Sisters: Your kind letter received and was very glad to hear from you. Say write me if mothers nose is all right because she once told me that she needed another operation and I would like to know if it still bothers her. In Mass. there was a law passed that all Mass. Guardsmen shall receive 10 dollars a months by the state besides the government pay which is now doubled. Saturday the captain was around for everybody to sin the paper which would tell where to send it and etc. He asked us if we want to wait until after the war and we will get all the money in a bunch or have it sent to your parents or whoever you want it sent to, so I told him to send it to you and I know I'll get it, so every month you will probably get a 10 dollar check. The government has almost doubled our pay, I get $18 a month now I'll get about $33 a month. Some cash. Miss Helen Gould the great New York millionaire sent everybody here on guard, well I think everybody in the regiment a recruit kit, it contains, 1 shoe brush, 1 tooth brush, hair brush, 2 towels, 1 razor, comb, shaving brush, shoe polish, 1 clothes brush, 1 cake of soap, and a housewife; a housewife is a small kit with, needles, pins thread, butlers scissors, so we could repair our clothes. Well believe me its [sic] great to get all this for nothing. It rains here all the time once in a while the sun comes out but soon it rains again. There are four of us on this bridge, we haven't seen any Germans yet the only thing that crossed the bridge was a cat, and it was at night. I thought it was a man crawling on his knees, it was dark and [I] could hardly see so I shot and killed it. We'll know more news. Regards to everybody I know. Dan. I don't know when we will mobilize. Danbury, N.H. June 12, 1917 Dear Parents: Your letter received and was glad to hear from you. I get a package of fruit and candy every week from Joe Kaplan and today I got a box of writing paper and envelopes and a book of 24 stamps, 1 dozen peaches, and candy and every week I get something. Be sure and send me your pictures when you take them Dora and Ida because I would like to see them. I wish you would all take pictures. I don't amuse myself here because there is no place to amuse yourself we have to hang around the shacks all day. So you and ma will have to register well don't get scared you won't have to be. Red Cross nurses miles you want to, they couldn't force you. (?) I sent Hyman a letter last week but I haven't heard from him yet, I also sent Annie a latter and I got it back today because they couldn't find them, did they move[?]; if they did send me the address. Wear your hat in good health Dora. Sarah is getting ready for the graduation now, she writes me that she is going to become a bookkeeper. The river here has risen about 4 feet and it is up to [the] door now if it don't stop rising we will have to get out, we stand on our knees open the door and wash up, but it stopped raining and the sun is out, and the river won't rise anymore, its hot here now. Well not more news at present. I sent you a letter this morning. Regards to everybody and to Louis. Answer soon. Dan Danbury N.H. June 12, 1917 Dear Folks & Sisters: Your card received and was glad to hear from you. I was glad to hear that father is working, money must be scarce now as food is very high now everything is going up. I expect to get paid this week. I'm broke and need some cash, don't need any writing paper, when I was broke and didn't know when I was going to get paid why then I needed paper, stamps etc., but now I buy writing paper and stamps in town and I have plenty of it thans you just the same. The government is going to double our pay well the law went into effect June 1 so when we get our June pay on July 15 I will get about $33.00. I'll probably save about 25 of it. Well what do you think about the war does it interest you any. I suppose you think that I will go to France, well don't think of it because we will never see France, we will have see the outside of the U.S. I hear we will be out of the service about September and October but that is only talk I guess. I'm going to ask the Captain for a 10 day leave of absence so I can go to New York for a week and I'm going to raise the diggens if he don't give it to me. Saturday while going to won I killed two snakes about 4 feet long. It starting raining Sunday morning about 8 O’clock and it's raining yet. Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon. I remain Dan. Regards to everbody I wrote to Hyman and Annie I haven't heard from them yet. Danbury N.H. June 18, 1917 Dear Folks and Sisters: Your most welcome letter received and was more than glad to hear from you. I was speaking with the captain Saturday and I asked him if I can go to New York for a week or ten days and he said no. First we have to be in the service 3 months and seond he couldn't let me go because he would get a calling down from the Colonel and he couldn't let me go, but after being 3 months in the service he said I should write him a latter and he would forward it to the colonel and maybe he would let me go, but that will be sometime in the middle of July. He said the longest I could be away for is 24 hours, so I'm going to Lowell Friday and come back Saturday. Too bad I couldn’t come to New York I certainly would like to be there and see you and Coney Island. Well I'll see you soon anyway. I received the two bucks and thank you very much for it. Say, I was offered 1.50 for the new dollar but I wouldn't take it, I can get two dollars for it. So you can get some hard cash from the state of Mass. pretty good, what? If I had anybody depending upon me for support I would get $30.00 a month more. Say for the love of Mike take some pictures I would like to see them. I thought I would get some in this letter but I got 2 dollars instead. Next time send me some pictures. What will you do with the money you got. I wish you would save it for me because after the war is over I will have quite a few dollars saved and it will come in handy. We got paid Saturday and is costs $4.32 to got to Lowell and back and I'll try to save 10.00 so I'll have 22.00 by grandpa. I bought a Liberty Loan Bond only $50.00 they will take $5.00 out of our pay every month until it is paid for. Keep this paper I don't want it, keep it for a while but I don't think it is necessary to keep it. Framingham Mass. June 30, 1917 Dear Parents & Sisters: I arrived in Framingham Friday and believe me its some place compared to Danbury N.H. Its a far sized city and lo of people and we can enjoy ourselves. We won't start drilling until Monday - now we are fixing things up, and getting our stuff together. I think we will stay here until about the middle of August then we might go south to South Carolina, or Georgia or Texas or Tennessee. You know the regulars are over in France and we have to take their places here in the forts where they came from until the war is over. I'm broke again when I went to Lowell. I spent all my money and I saved tend dollars. Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your son. Pvt. Danial Douger Camp Darling Framingham Mass. Framingham Mass. July 7, 1917 Dear Parents and Sisters: Received the two letters and thank you very much for the dollar you sent. I also got some money from Lowell to[o]. The pictures of Ida are both good and Dora's a good [one] too. I wear it on my shirt everybody asks me if it is my girl. I and another fellow took some pictures when we left Danbury you will find one in this letter. We drill 6 1/2 hours a day but I'm to be made corporal soon so I only instruct the rookies. Its a great place. Grandpa was to see me Sunday, but we go on guards that is Co.K. does, on Saturday night [un]til Sunday night and wouldn't be able to see him so he won't come. What's the matter with Ida that she is not working? Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon, I remain Pvt. Daniel Douger Co.K 6th Mass. Inf. Camp Darling Framingham Mass I wrote my boss a letter today you know Mr. Lowenstein. We get paid soon. Framingham July 14, 1917 Dear Folks! Your letter received and was glad to hear that grandma arrived safely how did she enjoy the trip? I'm trying hard to get off so I can go to New York but its no use they wouldn't let me go, they don't allow more than 24 hours and I want about 1 week, or 4 days at the lowest. We got paid Friday and we got $33.00. We gave $5.00 for the Bond so that left $28.00, I bought a wrist watch and all I could send to grandpa was $15.00, next time I'll send more it costs more to live here than in Danbury. How long is grandma going to say in New York? Simon went home today so I gave him the money to give grandpa. I'll close now with love and regards to all from your son, Pvt. Daniel Douger Co.K. 6th Mass. Inf. Camp Darling Framingham Mass. Girls - Boys ** ** Ayer Mass. July 23, 1917 Dear Folks: We arrived at Camp Devens in Ayer Mass. We left Framingham Saturday 9 O’clock and we walked all the way it was so hot that they would only let us walk 9 miles a day Saturday and Sunday it wasn't bad but today it was so hot that about 200 out of the 2000 in the regiment dropped out overcome by the heat. I was so hot that I nearly fell out of myself but I arrived OK. Two fellows from this regiment died today on the hike on account of the heat. Well this is a regular camp, it's a regular city and a lot of people work here. Lots of carpenters, plumbers etc. we live in tents but when the barracks are ready we will live in them. 200 in one barrack. Well I'll close now. How's grandma and Sarah. Good-bye and regards from Pvt. Daniel Douger Co.K 6th Mass. Inf. Camp Devens Ayer Mass. Tomorrow I will be a corporal Ayer Mass. July 29, 1917 Dear Folks: Your letter was received with pleasure and was glad to hear that you and all in the best of health. I was in Boston Friday for 24 hours but I wasn't in Lowell so today Gordon and I took a trip to Lowell. We couldn't stay only a few hours and we rode back. Grandpa was down to see me today then we rode to Lowell. How's Grandma and Sarah. I have great new[s] for you, we left Framingham for Ayer because we are going to train the drafted army here. Every regiment in Mass. is going to France but ours, we will stay here and train the drafted army, and when they are trained they will go across, then another draft will come here and will start to train them all over again. We stay here for the rest of the war. From your loving son. Dan. Regards to everybody. Ayer Mass. July 31, 1917 Dear Folks: We are not drilling today it is too hot. I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you. Say please send me my union suits that you have I need underware and I wouldn't have to buy any. I don't know when I will be in Lowell again, how is grandma and Sarah enjoying themselves in New York? I received the stamps she sent me, but they are all gone. They have a Y.M.C.A. here where we read books every night and write all our letters, its a big tent but they a[re] making a building instead about 100 x 40 feet. Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon I remain your son Dan. Send me the suits as soon as you get this letter because I need it bad. I was appointed corporal last week when we left Framingham.Camp Devens August 6, 1917 Dear Folks: I received your letter and bundle and kank you very much for sending it. I needed underware [sic] and didn't have the privee to buy any and the company didn't have any neither. Our regiment was in the parade in Boston Saturday and our company didn't go we were so glad, too, it was a big parade we stayed in camp and didn't do anything. Our company will go on guard Friday morning at 8 O'Clock and we will come off at 8 O'Clock Monday morning we do 2 on 4 off. I will have it easy because I am a corporal. We will be on guard around teh whole camp which is about 6 square miles, it's an awful big place and don't know where I will be stationed. Last Friday night a lot of Lowell people came down and entertained us by singing and telling jokes, just like a show. The movies will be installed in tehf ield soon just like in Framingham open air shows so we can enjoy ourselves. No more news. How's granma and Sarah? I will also write a letter to grandpa. DanCamp Devens 8-9-17 Dear Folks: Your kind letter was received and was glad to hear from you. We will parade in Lowell Thurday August 16 and we will walk back to Ayer. We will have to do our own cooking when we walk back to camp. I wilsh you could come out and see me but it costs too much money. I have tried and tried to come to New York but they wouldn't let me off. We go on guard tomorrow for 3 days we get off Monday morning. I received the letter Annie wrote me but you know how it is, I always forget to write. How did grandma and Sarah enjoy themselves in New York. I wish I was there. So Louie is going South, gee I wish I could go but I always have such rotten luck we stay in Ayer to drill a bunch of rookies. I was in Lowell Wednesday for 24 hours. Did you get the 10 bucks from the state yet, expect to get paid Monday. August 21, 1917 Dear Parents: Arrived here Saturday night O.K. and everything is O.K. About going to France, nobody knows anything about it bust listen. Sunday they were to take 300 men from this regiment that is the pick of the regiment and tehy are going to France to take care of the ammunition trains and I was picked and believe me I was glad it was the happiest day I ever knew, but, they picked too many and some had to drop out and as luck would have it I was told to drop out, gee I was mad. They are breaking up the regiment and we don't know where we will be soon. we are still drilling and we all wish we could go to France. Answer soon. I remain your loving Son. Corp. Daniel Douger Co.K 6th Mass. Inf. Camp Devens Ayer Mass.Camp Barlett Westfield Mass. August 29, 1917 Dear Parents, We let Ayer this morning at 9 O'Clock and arrived here 3:30 this afternoon. 800 from the sixth regiment left to join the 2nd regiment and I was one who went. I haven't much time to write now but tomorrow I'll write a letter and let you know just where we are. Corp. Daniel Douger Co. L. 104th U.S. Inf. Camp Bartlett Westfield Mass. Sept. 1, 1917 Dear Parents, Whats the matter you don't answer my mail. I haven't heard from you from the letter I wrote Tuesday the day we came here. I am not in Co. L now, we are all in Co. K 104 U.S. Inf. So please answer soon and don't forget to send me some cash for I am broke. Corp. D. Douger Co. K 104 U.S. Inf. Camp Barlett Westfield, Mass.Camp Barlett Sept. 6, 1917 Dear Parents: Received your kind letter and much needed money and thank you very much for it. Its pretty lonesome here we drill only 4 1/2 hours a day and it is easier than when we were at Ayer. Westfield is a 10 cent car ride from Springfield but never was in Springfield because I didn't have any cash. The camp is 2 miles from Westfield which is a nice town for its size. The sixth regiment is all broke to pieces now some men are in the 101st some in the 102 some in the 104. The 101 is in Framingham the 102 in New Haven Conn. the 104 here in Westfield. Gordon is in the 101. I was lonesome in Ayer but I had a girl and I used to see her about 4 times a week she lived in No. Chelmsofrd and when I let Ayer, she was crying because I told her that I was going to France. We write letters to each other and belive me she is some girl. She is a Christian. I don't know how long we will stay here in Westfield, I don't think we will stay here long. We will go to some other place for training. We had a heart and lung examination and I was O.K. Tuesday we were innoculated for a different disease my arm was sore but its all right now only two more times to be innoculated. I don't know where we will be when the holidays come but I'll try and come to New York soon before we leave here maybe this Saturday or Sunday. I'll blow in when you won't expect me that is if I can get off. Corp. D. Douger Co.K. 104 U.S. Inf. Camp Barlett Westfield Mass. Camp Barlett Sept. 10, 1917 Dear Folks: I got a pass last Saturday and I went to Lowell. I cam back this afternoon. At first I was going to New York but I changed my mind for this reason. Some time this week or early next week we will leave this camp, Westfield, and I heard we were going to Long Island, so I thought that if me go to Long Island I will be right near home and will see you often so thats why I went to Lowell. We will parade in Springfield Thursday and aobut Saturday or early next week we will leave for Long Island or in a place in New Jersey near New York. Its cold here but we have enought blankets to keep us warm. We will get all our winter clothing sometime this week so you can imagine what that means. If we ever do go to France we will have to get about 1 years hard training and in about that time the war will be over. I got a letter from Louis Kessler. Regards to everybody. Dan Camp Barlett Sept. 23, 1917 Dear Parents: Excuse me for not writing earlier we are busy here packing stuff and receiving equipment. We expect to move sometime this week but we don't know where we will go, we think Long Island. Some of the heavy baggage is going tomorrow and then we will go. How's things in New York now, is everybody working. I think we leave Tuesday or Wednesday, so I'll probably see you this week. Well as I have much time now I'll close with love. Corp. D. Douger I had some pictures taken and if I don't get them by Tuesday they will send them to you in New York Camp Bartlett Sept. 26, 1917 Dear Folks: Enclosed find two postcard pictures I had taken here last Saturday. I think we move Friday now, we don't know for sure. We have everything we need now we are all ready to move which I hope we do soon. Dan Camp Bartlett Sept. 28, 1917 Dear Folks: Your letter received and was glad to hear from you. Enclosed you will find my discharge from the National Guard, we get them because we are in the Regular Army now. Now we are told that we wont have until Sunday or Monay, we are all packed ready to move, and they won't give us a pass. At first we were told we were going to Long Island but I guess tehy were giving us a good time. I won't let grandma know until I'm in France. I write quite a few letters here so I gorgot to write to everybody that's why I didn't write to Louis, tell him to let you know his address so I'll write to him from France. I wrote my girl that I was going to France this week or early part of next so she was here yesterday, she was crying when she went home last night. She lives in No. Chlinsford and she is some baby. Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon I remain, Your lovingv son. Dan I wonder when we leave here now they tell us that we have Sunday or Monay maybe its true but we will know soon. Answer. Did you receive the pictures. Camp Bartlett Sept. 28, 1917 Dear Folks: In the letter I wrote you today I forgot to put in a picture for Annie and Beckie, please give them one each. Sunday is the day we leave so the officiers told us to-day but keep it quiet. We are burning up old clothes and things that we can't carry with us. Well it's going to be a great trip across I'll like it over there. I'll always write to you and don't foget to anwer, its bad enough here but over there it will be still worse we will get it once in a while you know it will be censored. This is what my address will be when I'm over there, you see we don't know where we will land: Corp. Danield Douger Co. K - 104 U.S. INF. 52-BRIGADE 16-DIVISION AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES VIA. NEW YORK - CITY Don't write to the above address until I let you know. I'll write to you and let you know. I'll try and enjoy myself over there that is not to be homesick and lonesome of course I'll be thinking of you all the time also of my girl and that makes a fellow feel blue but I'll be brave and stand. When I'm over in Germany I'll take the mustache off the Kaiser and bring them back and I'll make a clothes brush out of it. My girl told me I'm coming back after the war, so after the war I'll look for a job in New York City. Dan. There's nothing to do now so I'm writing this letter. Regards to everybody. Camp Bartlett Oct 1, 1917 Dear Parents: I received your special delivery letter and was sorry to hear that you couldn't come and see me before I went away. We leave Westfield, Tuesday Oct. 2 about 4 or 5 O'Clock. I don't know where we will land. I heard we land at Newport News but I don't know if it is true or not. We have been waiting anxiously for the order to move, now that is [sic] come we are overjoyed. I know we won't go to Canada because we are taking only one blanket and if we went to Canada we would take two or three. Don't worry about me because I will take good care of myself and after the war I will come back strong and healthy. Of course it won't be a wap like it is hear [sic] but we will soon get used to it and we won't mind it. My girl and her mother were here Sunday to see me and believe me there are a few more broken hearts now. Well I'll close now because we have alot of work to do. I will write to you as soon as I land, in the first place then when I land over the other side. I hope you will always remember me when I [am] over there and don't forget to write. On ACTIVE SERVICE with American Expeditionary Force Oct. 26, 1917 Somewhere in France Dear Folks: Have just arrived in our training camp, it is in a small French village. The people use us like they would there [sic] own sons. I am in the best of health and certainly do enjoy this life. I have been in several rest camps but now I am in a training camp. I have seen a big part of France and have been in a few large cities but I wish I was in the U.S.A. Write them a letter also. Well hoping to hear from you soon I remian your loving son. Dan You have my address. Say please send me a New York paper, not the Journal but some other one. You might send some cigarettes also if you can. I smoke camels we couldn't get them here. [J.W. Falken, 2nd Lt. 104th U.S. Inf.] Somewhere in France Dec. 9 - 1917 Dear Folks and Sisters: I received your letter and was glad to hear that you are all in the best of health, I've been waiting about two months for mail from you and I hope you will send it often now. I've written grandma about 4 or 5 letters and I haven't had no answer yet. When I was in Westfield I wrote to you annd told you what my address will be when I'm in France. The reason I don't write every week is because there is nothing to write [about], it's the same thing over and over again, and we couldn't write what we want you know. We are having a fine time here, that is after drill, I'm in bed about 7 or 8 O'Clock fine time. we had a dandy Thanksgiving dinner all the turkey we could eat, and cranberry sauces, cake, sweet potatoes. Say I had so much I couldn't eat supper. I hope you will send me what I asked for especially those camel cigarettes. I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your loving son. Dan. Answer soon. [T. L. Harring..., 2nd Lt. 104th Inf.] Recourt France Jan. 12 - 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm in the best of health and hope to continue so and also hope that this letter reaches you and finds you also in the best of health. Well now for a little real news, there were many rumors floating around that we were going home and at last we got the real news that we are really going home. We leave this town about Saturday Jan. 18 and we go to a big camp to get re-equiped and that will take a few weeks and I figure that we will hit the good old U.S. about the middle of Feb. but we don't know when. All the news we got so far was leaving here and going to Le Mans to be equiped [sic] and that is all, and that's enough, our stay in France is very short and I think I will spend Easter at home. Say I haven't had a letter from you or anybody for aobut two months there is a big delay somehwere and when the mail does come in we will get "boku" of it. (very much) How is everything at home, I'm anxious to know. I think I'll close now with love and kisses to all. I remain your loving son, who is always thinking of you. XXXXX Dan. Regards to everybody.[C C Foster 2nd Lt. Inf.] Somewhere in France Jan. 20 - 1918 Dear Folks. Can let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope you are likewise. Last week I received five letters from you. I htink that is the reason why I didn't hear from you for so long. I took out an insurance policy for ($10.000) ten thousand dollars, it sounds like a bunch of money, well it is but it costs me a little over six dollars a month, and that is pretty cheap for an insurance of that amount of money. In case something happens to me you will get the money, so much every month until it is paid up; but don't worry no Boche will get me as long as I can use my two hands. After the war is over I can change it to any kind of an insurance policy. I want or I can drop it and lose what money I paid in for it. Som cold in New York I'll say, it was pretty cold here to[o] but it is getting warmer, winter lasts about one month here. The weather is getting fine too[,] the sun shines every day like in the states. I also received three letters from grandma last week but I have not got the package yet. The next letter you write let it be along one. I'll close now expecting more mail from you soon. Regards to you all. Dan. I received the box from my boss, some candy and a dandy sweater. Somewhere in France 3/23/18 Dear Folks: Just a few lines which I have time to let you know that we are on our last stretch to camp and in about a week we will be there, and from there on I'll write every week. I received the letter that you sent and the second box and believe me the chocolates were great and American cigarettes are to[o]. Don't worry about me even if letters are scarce, we have no time to write and I'm writing this while I'm in the station waiting for a train; pretty soon you will get letters once and twice a week. We are having dandy weather now, just like summer in the states. Yes, I still get letters from my girl in No. Chelnisford she likes me very much. Sometime when we get settled down I will have my picture taken and send you some. I got another letter from my boss and he wants me to send him my picture, the firls also want on so I'll send them all one. Dora, I wish I had a picture of Mother and Father and you Ida and Annie send me one if you can. The State of Mass is not giving the ten dollars a month any more. The government will send you $15.00 every month, when I get home I will have quite a roll. I'll close now with love and kisses from your loving son. Dan XXXXX P.S. Send me Louis Kessler's address, and Annie Gross' address. I'll be 20 years old April 5. Somewhere in France: April 1 - 1918 Dear Folks: Can let you know that I am well hope to continue so. I have had a little trouble with my feet, we were on a hike and i got a big blister and I had to go to a hospital to get it fixed up, but I'm well now and I will be back with my company in a short time. Don't worry about me even if letters are scarce in the last month or so I could hardly find time to write but you will hear from me more often from now on. Well I want to write you some good news which you have already hear (I think), the division I'm in has been in the trenches and I came out of it without a scratch. I tell you I have had some exciting thrills but nothing happened to me, nobody in our company was hurt. I guess it will be a long time before we go in again. I supposed the papers in America are writing all about the German drive, I guess it will be like the rest of their drives, they make a good start and lose it in a short time. We are a great ways from where this drive is so don't let it worry you a bit. Send the mail to the company. I'll be back soon, I've been away from them for about two weeks. When a soldier is over here six months he gets a gold chevion on his left sleeve, in a few more weeks I'll be over here six months and will get a stripe. I haven't had any money for three months and don't know when I'll get paid. I haven't had any mail from you for about three weeks and when I get to the company I'll get it all. How is everything and everybody at home are Dora and Ida working I supposed father is working. I tell you the Y.M.C.A. and the Red Cross are doing wonderfull [sic] service over here, the Y.M.C.A. was giving us hot coffee in the trenches and believe me thats what you want on a cold night, the Red Cross gives us cigarettes, writing paper and every other thing a soldier needs. They are a great help to us. I cannot think of anything more to write so I'll have to close with love and kisses to you all. Dan Give my regards to everybody I know P.S. Please send me some razor blades for an Everady Safety Razor. I cannot get any over here. Mother, I wish you could send me a small sponge cake, wrap it around with wax paper. XXXXXXXXXX O.K. 2nd Lt. Alex H Winberg Inf. ORC. Somewhere in France April 18 - 1918 Dear Parents: Well I'm out of the hospital now and am back with the company again. When I came back I found out that they were out of the trenches only a few days but went in again and this time I went with them. The Germans must of seen us for they began dropping shells all around us and we all went into our dugouts. The bombardment lasted about an hour before it let up, nobody was hurt we were in bomb proof dugouts. I received two letters from you yesterday and three from grandma, I was sorry to hear about Charlie, what is the matter with him[?] I hope i get that cake and choclates [sic] soon. The Germans tried several times to break through our lines but they were thrown back with heavy losses, and they used their best troops to do it. We got lots of prisoners too. The Americans outfought them in every way. Well we are out of the trenches now and I hear that we are going to a rest camp. Don't worry about me even if letters are scarce because it's hard to find time to write when on the move. Regards to all my friends. Dan HL Hemingway 2nd Lt. May 29, 1918 Dear Folks: Just received two letters from you and was glad to hear from you, it was almost two weeks since we received any mail, the mail is very slow in coming to us these days. In one of the letters I found a money order for $10.00, no doubt the money will come in handy, but we just got two months pay a few days ago, do don't send any more of them. I was glad to hear that you are all working and everybody at home are feeling O.K. I am writing this letter from my dugout in the trenches, a few shells just flew over but landed way in the rear. I saw an air battle yesterday and three German planes were brought down. I guess it was aobut the fiftieth air fight since I've been in France. The weather here has been great within the last two weeks no rain hardly, and the sun shines every day, I hope it keeps up. No I wasn't wounded, I only had a big blister on my foot when I went to the hospital, if I was wounded you would be notified by the war department. Well I haven't much more to write so I'll close hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your loving son who is always thinking of you. Dan. I sent Annie a letter last week. June 20, 1918 Dear Folks: No doubt you are wondering why I'm not writing but we have been expecting to move any day and I thought I would wait until we got to another town so finally I got a little time off to write a few lines. We have been relived and are a short ways behind the liness taken it easy and I hear that this [censored]. We will have a good long rest way in back of the lines with nothing to worry over. It didn't surprise me any to hear that Louis Kessler is over here in France it's a wonder he didn't come over sooner. I supposed you are reading how the Americans are kicking the stuffing out of the Germans well believe me the old Hun is losing courage he is afraid to fight now, there won't be anything left of them pretty soon. The American has proven a better man than the German. All the German is good for is in pulling the "Kamerad" stuff but the Americans give them a ...or a knife for it. We have had wonderful weather for about a month but it has started to rain again and it looks as though it wasn't ever going to let up. Two of my friends were killed the other day but they belonged to another outfit. I saw several fellows that used to be in the old company and believe me it seemed good to see them again like meeting a long lost brother or something like that and I heard that my old captain is fighting where the big drive is on and he is a game old man. I'll bet he is give the Boche "hell". Well I have to close now, I hope you send what I asked for in the last letters. Answer soon, I send my best regards to you all also to the people around. From your loving son who is always thinking of you. Send me the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. OK F. M. Zink 2nd Lt. Inf. July 3, 1918 Dear Parents: Just a few lines to let you know that I am feeling well and hope to continue so. I received a letter from you dated June 1. It was the first letter that I received from you for about a month. The mail has been coming in very slow I hope it picks up and receive mail more often. I have been slack in writing, we haven't anything to write it's always the same thing as you know we cannot write everything we want. We have been relieved at last but we are not in our rest camp yet, but we have travel[l]ed almost across France. I received the first pictures that you sent me but not the Red Cross pictures but when this letter reaches you I will have them. I have dreamt of home many times and talked to you all but we are many miles apart and I have hope of seeing you again, I hope its pretty quick. Its about time we got relieved we have been on the go ever since February and have had some tough scraps and if we are not entitled to a rest nobody is, you probably read about this division, do you read much about my regiment in the New York papers? we are having wonderful weather now, France is a dandy place in summer pretty scenery, but the fall, winter and spring it rains and rains and all the mud in the world is over here, I guess. We are getting good food, plenty of fresh air and not much work so there is no kick coming. I cannot send you any souveniers until I get to a rest camp, then I can get a pass to a big town and buy some soveniers, but I'll send you some. I'll also try and have my picture taken. Please send me all that I asked for in my previous letters as I need the stuff. Do you get much mail from grandma, I'll bet she worries a lot, because I know how she was when I was there. I'll drop Kessler a letter soon, I wrote him a letter about two months ago but haven't heard from him yet, do you get any mail from him[?]. I send you all my best regards also the people around that I know. I hope I get more mail from you. Corp. Daniel Douger P.S. Do you still get $14.00 a month from Washington you are supposed to get it until the war ends. XXXXX I would like to have some pictures from Mother & Father & Annie. The following is what I need that I cannot get over here. Eveready Razor Blades Williams Shaving Sticks 3 in 1 gum oil. send me two 25 cent bottles. Three in One is the name of the oil. TH Hemingway 2nd Lt. July 11, 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I am alive and well and hope to continue so. I received 12 letters last night and two were from you. I was glad to hear from you, the first mail for about two weeks. At last I received the picture of Dora and Ida and believe me its a dandy, who is the fellow in it[?] It[']s funny how rumors do travel, I have not been wounded yet and if I was you would get word from Washington, so don't let that worry you a bit. I write as often as I can but we are contantly on the move and hardly find time to write only in our spare moments. We all thought that we were going to a rest camp but instead we are on another front now. You say that the woman who lives over you, also has a son in France, he probably is not in the trenches if he writes all that mail home. I['m] glad Charlie came back and is working again, I hope he don't go away again. I'm sorry to hear that the sickness you once had still bothers you, but I'm glad to hear that your going to Lowell because you know how the old folks are. I received a letter from Miss Balwin and I'm going to answer it to-day. I received the money you sent me last May and I answered back didn't you get the letter I also asked for different things that I needed over here. I have never been in a place that I could have my picture taken, but when I do I'll send you some also some souveniers but it may take a long time before I ever get to such a place. I also got mail from Mr. Fine and Annie also from Mr. Lowenstein. I'll close now with love and kisses to all. Best regards. Dan XXXXXX Dear Sister Annie: Every time I write a letter home I write to you as well as Mother, Father and Sisters and don't think for a minute that I'm forgetting you, because I'm not. I think of you as often as do the others. Good bye. Dan XXXXX Aug. 3, 1918 Dear Folks: You probably are worrying a lot because you haven't heard from me for a long a time but we were in the big drive and we never had time to write any letters. You must of heard about the allied drive that started in July well the Germans are going yet. We were in a hot place and when they saw us coming they certainly opened up a hot machine gun fire, but thank God the[y] are a rotten shot. The bullets were flying all around me but I was lucky not one struck me, and we kept on going until the Boche retreated. There were me[n] wounded on my right and left but I was never touched. I never even thought of the bullets and shells that were flying all I was thinking of was getting on top of the hill which we did. We drove the Germans off. The next day we continued one advanced but we couldn't find no Germans. The next day we were fighting all day and we certainly beat the Germans and drove them off another hill. We have been relieved and expect to go back for a rest, it is just six months since we have been in the line without a rest. I had a close shave the first day we got orders to lay down because the Germans were sweeping the ground w[ith] machine gun fire and I and my squad were in a wheat field and the Huns had an eye on us and he peppered us with bullets and one hit the top of my helmet and wounded two men on my right. They were coming close to everybody and some got hit but we didn't mind it, all we wanted to do was to kill the Boche and we did. I cannot write to[o] much about it but someday when this is over and I get back safe I'll tell you all about it. It looks as though the war was going to end this year but no one knows, but we all hope so. How is everybody at home feeling in health[?] How's Sarah, she was lucky to know the address or she would of been lost. In the next letter I write I'll write a list of things that I need. I'll close now with best regards to everybody, love and kisses to all. Your son Dan Aug 20, 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and happy and am certainly enjoying life. At the present time we are many many miles behind the firing line, and I think this will be our rest camp. We are a few miles from a fair sized city so if pay day comes, I'll buy you some souveniers and will have my picture taken. We expect to get ten day passes soon and when we do believe me I'll have a good time. I wrote Louis Kessler a letter last week but I don't expect to hear from him for about a month anyway. I know know where he or his outfit are. How is Sarah getting along. She must be having a wonderful time. Poor grandma she must be lonesome. I have received all the pictures that you sent me. Do you get the $15.0 every month from the government? I haven't much to write just at present, I'll write more later. The reason I haven't written for so long is we were moving and the Y.M.C.A. didn't have paper with them, but htey have all kinds of it now. Regards to all. Dan XXXXXXXCorp. Danield Douger Co. K. 104 U.S. Inf. American E. F. October 14, 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine, and am getting along O.K. I haven't much time to write becasue we are on the move so much, we land in one place and about get set when we have to move again. There is a lot of talk about peace these days but its hard telling how it will end. I think we will have peace pretty soon because the Allies are driving on all fronts and the Germans are retreating and pretty soon they will be back on German territory. As I write this letter I'm looking out of my tent and I see an old battlefield and the ruins of where a town once stood, and the fields and hills are a mass of shell holes, no doubt there was heavy fighting done here early in the war. The U.S. is going to allow each soldier a Christmas package to be sent to him free. They have issued the coupon and I have filled it out and you paste it on the package. The Red Cross will furnish the package and as Dora belongs to the Red Cross she can get one. Here is what I want you to send me. Some good American chocolate and a few soft lead pencils. The package will be 9 inches by 4 by 3 and must not weight more than three pounds, so fill the package full of chocolates and a few pencils. I haven't much to write at present, only I received the pictures that father sent me and I was more than glad to see them, now I wish mother would send me one. I also received the paper you sent me. Dora might get a fountain pen from the place she works at and send that also. No more news. I'll write again soon, regards to everybody. Corp. Daniel Douger Co.K. 104 U.S. Inf. American E.F. Nov. 7, 1918 Dear Parents: I am still waiting to hear from you. I guess the mail must travel slow. Hows things in the states. How did grandma feel when she heard I was in France, because you know what she is. How is everybody at home. I am feeling fine and I am in the best of health, the food we get is the same as we got when we were in the states and you know we couldn't kick, for everything is good here. We drill every day now no more hanging around doing nothing, and believe me we are better off to[o], because when a fellow does nothing all day he feels more tired than if he did a hard days work, and we like to do something. The weather here is rotten, allways [sic] raining, we only had one or two good days since we have been here but it is the raining season. I saw Gordon the other day and we were glad to see each other. Well I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon and hoping I get what I asked you for in the last letter. I remain. Dan Regards to all HL Hemingway 2nd Lt. 104 Inf. About one week before we left Westfield I sent you a picture of the company and the other day I got it back. I'll have to keep it now until I come backc to the U.S. France Dec. 2 - 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope to coninue so and hope that when this letter reaches you it finds you all well. We are in about middle part of France now, we are drilling every day but we live in nice warm comfortable barracks and get plenty of good eats. There are many rumors around that we will be home for Christmas, I hope its [sic] true but I don't think it will come out so. There is no telling when we will get home but it won't be long I can assume you that. You know that everybody cannot come home at once, it takes time because there are so many over here and in due time this division will be sailing to Gods country. Of course we were about the second division over here and seen lots of severe fighting and it is a division that could be depended upon, and maybe you think that we ought to come home first but I don't think it would do to send home any of the "good divisions"until at least peace is declared. Maybe you think that I don't want to come home, well I can tell you, I do, and am sore because we won't be the first ones home; when I do come home I'll be theere day and night I don't think I'll want to go out at all. I read the paper the other day "The Stars and Stripes" and it said that the first divisions to go home are the 76th, 30th and 27th. well you know Louis Kessler is in the 27th Division and came over about last spring I guess, and it looks as though he was to beat me home. I'm over here about six months or so longer than him. I wish him luck and hope his wounded knee don't trouble him any. Did you receive the Christmas slip I sent you? I asked to be reduced to a private and as soon as the order comes through I will be a private again. I'll tell you why when I get home. Oh, I forgot to tell you about Thanksgiving that we had the government couldn't give us turkeys this year so we had a good substitute here is the bill of fare - Roast Pig - Mashed Potatoes - Pickles - Bread - Butter - Onions - Coffee - "Beer" - Cake - Prune Pie - Candy - Nuts. Believe me we had some feed we were filled up to the gills. We had also an entertainment. The Brigadier General spoke to us also, this was the best day that we saw since last Christmas. Now we all hope to eat our Christmas dinner at home. I received four letters from grandma in one days, one grom you and four from Charlie. I haven't written him for quite a while so I will have to drop him a letter. I'll have to close now hoping to hear from you soon. Regards to everyone from your loving son. "Pvt" Daniel Douger Co.K. 104th U.S. Inf. American E.F. Recourt, Frances Haute Marne Dec. 15 - 1918 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope you are the same. Did you ever receive the Christmas coupon that I sent you? I haven't had a letter from you for quite some time, we haven't been getting much mail lately but it will pick up again. I read in the paper that there was a subway train wreck in Brooklyn and there were many killed. Tell me just where it happened. One minute we hear that we are going home, the next minute we hear that we're going to Germany, so there you are, which [sic] can you believe? I'm willing to parade on Fifth Ave. anyday now, they cannot get me home soon enought to please me. Have you heard from Louis Kessler lately, I heard from him only once. I wrote Gordon a letter but haven't heard from him yet. Do you hear anything about this division in New York? Do you get the $15.00 every month from the government answer this because I would like to know? You always ask me if I ever bought a Liberty Bond, well I did and its all paid for since May, did you ever get the Bond? Well I haven't much to write now so I'll close with love and kisses to all, from your loving son. Dan Regards to Annie and her husband and child, also to Hyman Fine. 1917 undated Dear Folks: I guess its quite a long time since you heard from me but now you will hear from me quite often. Don't worry about me because will take good care of myself. I certainly did enjoy the trip, I was seasick at first but I soon got over it and was glad to. There are lots of things I would like to tell you about but couldn't on account of the censors. We had two stormy days and at one time I thought sure we were lost but we are safe at last. I am in the best of health now and the food on the ship was good. I'll write grandma a letter too. I couldn't write much now but when I'm in camp and all set I'll write you a long letter. I have a lot to tell you. Corporal Daniel Dougher Co. K. 104 U.S. Inf. [censored] Brigade [censored] Division American Expeditionary Forces Via New York City, N.Y. Feb. 14 - 1919 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope you are all the same. I suppose you're glad that we are coming home but believe me I am too, I'm sick of this country. We are pretty slow in coming home the 27th Div. which was ordered home last November is still here only a few miles from us they will probably leave in a week or two. There is so much paperwork that has to be done, I think that is what is causing the delay. I "am" in a nice town just about 1/2 mile from a big town so you can see we struck it lucky this time. The name of it is Villaines-Sous-Luce and it is a much better town than Recourt, not so much mud and regular streets. We were just paid for Nov. & Dec. and the money comes in quite handy after being broke for so long. How is every little thing at home, I can picture myself walking into the house, oh boy when I really do walk into the house - well I won't bother telling you how we will all feel. I was going to buy some sourveniers but they ask a lot of money, I was going to buy a pillow top and they want 50 francs for it, thats ($10.00) ten dollars, and all I got is about ten bucks left so I'll have to wait until later. No more news regards to everybody from your loving son Dan XXXXX Villaines-Sous-Luce Feb. 25 - 1919 Dear Folks: Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope to hear the same from you. Well I suppose you are all anxious to see me well I'm just as anxious to see you and listen in about 7 or 8 weeks we will see each other. We sail for America in April, there are 4 or 5 divisions sailing in April and this one the 26 will sail first so the order was read to us, let's hope nothing happens before then. Three years ago to-day I joined the army and I'll be doing my reserve starting tomorrow. Well its still raining it had been raining every day for the last two weeks and we drill in the rain it makes no difference how the weather is we drill rain or shine. Enclosed is a post-card picture of the twon I'm stained in, its only a small part of it but the house on the corner with the cross over it is the billet I'm living in. Private familys [sic] live downstairs and the soldiers live upstairs. I cannot think of anything else to write so I'll close with love and kiss to all. XXXXX Dan. Regards to everybody. Is everybody working? Did Father have a good time in Lowell? Camp Devens April 12 1919 Dear Folks: I can let you know that I got back safe and everything is O.K. I was six hours late I told them why and nothing was said. Words cannot express my happiness when I saw you all and I'm waiting for my discharge so I can go back and stay for good. We paradein Boston the 25th and on the 27th or 28th we get our discharge the 104th will be first to get discharged. I never dreamed of eating so good in the army as we are eating here. Every breakfast we get oranges and apples, for dinner pie and ice cream and for supper cake, we get this besides our good meal. I'm waiting so I can go back to New York and enjoy myself for the first time in two years and believe me I'll have one good time. Well I'll have to close now I'm going to Gordon if I can find him. Regards to everybody Dan XXXXX Camp Devens April 20 1919 Dear Folks: Can let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope to contine so. Excuse me for not writing so often because I'm in Lowell so often that I don't get a chance to write but I won't be in Lowell again until I'm discharged. I was in Lowell for Easter holidays (3) days and I went again Saturday and I just got back. Well we are going to be examined to-morrow and Friday we parade in Boston and Sunday we get our discharge. It looks like Sarah was coming to New York with me, she doesn't want to stay in Lowell. Let me know what you think of it. I think she ought to stay where she is, she is working and she has quite a few dollars. Well we are living the life of Riley in this camp good eats a good bed and only an hour and a half of drill a day, pretty soft. Well I'll have to close now, regards to all. Dan XXXXX