14th
Somewhere in France.16/11/’18
Dear Sister & All:
Horray. Mere words are futile to express my (and I
might say our) feelings as the Armistice and the Political Revolution in
Germany progress, and we realize that
the things and IDEALS the ALLIES have so nobly fought and sacrificed for
are actually beginning to be realized.
While in name it is only an Armistice, the terms, and the attitude of
the German soldiers and Government is our greatest assurance that the fighting
and blood-shed is over, and that once more PEACE BELLS can chime out a real
message of “Good Will to MEN” on Christmas Day.
I can
scarcely realize yet that the guns are really ALL still for the first
time in four long years, and once in awhile I stop and listen to the QUIET that
reigns, to convince myself that I am not dreaming. That may sound rather queer, but after six
months of the ceaseless roar of cannon and shell one can almost hear and
feel the stillness. So tho in the light
of present events, we may be unable to give the folks back home much in the
line of material gifts, I hope we can at least give you a VICTORIOUS PEACE for
which the Democratic world has sacrificed so much. And after, what could be more fitting GIFT to
commemorate the birth of Him who gave His life for the same ideals of
Brotherhood, Charity, and Equality the Allies have successfully preserved.
So in case
the mails are delayed and this is the last letter you receive from me before
the holidays, I’ll just take this opportunity to wish you ALL a MERRY XMAS AND
a VERY JOYFUL NEW-YEAR. And tho I can’t be with you in the flesh I’ll be there
in spirit and any little or big worry you may have felt for my safety must be
laid on the shelf while you prepare that Celebration for the day when “Johnnie
comes marching home.”
I continue
to get the Keystone regularly and sure enjoy them. We saw some real American vaudeville the
other night. One joke was so very
appropriate that I remember it: An old darky
Captain noticed that his men were continually scratching so he lined them up in
company front one morning to investigate.
The following monologue is significant. “Ah thinks some ‘o you uns be’n
got cooties. All dat am ma’ch strait
forrud. ** COMPANY HALT.” [In the next few weeks George will be sharing his OWN on-going personal experience with "cooties."] I expect that
unless we go away forward as part of the army of occupation we will see a good
many much entertainments, as there are several troupes of entertainers over
here now.
Well, I
intended to make this a nice longer letter as it has been so long since I wrote
you, but I seem to have run out of ideas again, so I think I had best bring
this to a close before I make any more bad breaks in spelling. Once more, three
rousing cheers for the good old “STAR SPANGLED BANNER.”
Love
and Best Wishes to You All, GSS
P.S. Just a little
line to let you know that the moon is doing his duty these nights, and to thank
you for the letter you forwarded from Margaret and Dora. This letter is a carbon coy of one I sent
her, so don’t send it on to her, as I know she would never forgive me while you
may. Don’t you think it is nice and
handy to have a sister at each home, so all I need to say is “Dear Sister &
All” and go right on pounding the keys.
I started this letter, or at least one to you folks, three times before
I got this done. Have really been too
busy to write.
With
love again to all, George Sherwood
