In the autumn of 1918, young Lester Koontz in the 42nd Division wrote to his father from France. This letter was reprinted in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia, and gives another glimpse into the observations and experiences of American soldiers during the final weeks of World War I.
You’ll find a few historical notes on World War I after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter. Continue reading
This letter reprinted in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia was actually written for publication! Private Russell T. Hupp penned the letter and sent it to the editor of The Valley newspaper. It gives details that folks back home would have found interesting, including observations on the agriculture in France and comparisons to the crops and farms in the Shenandoah Valley.
Similar to the previous weeks, we’ve included a few historical notes on World War I after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter.
The Letter
Somewhere in France
A.E.F., Sept. 17, 1918, Continue reading
Today’s featured letter – rediscovered in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia – was written by an American sergeant serving “over there” during World War I. He details his lodgings, general impressions of Americans in war-torn Europe, and an experience with French refugees in this letter to his mother.
Similar to last week, we’ve included a few historical notes after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter.
The Letter
Somewhere in France
September 14, 1918 Continue reading
Earlier this year when I was in Virginia, a smart salesperson convinced me to make a sizeable investment in a sizeable book called “A History of Shenandoah Country, Virginia.” I thought I was buying the book for Civil War history (and indeed I have used it in my new manuscript), but I also found a treasury of letters from World War I printed in the book! It appears that some of the letters were publicly published in local newspapers or later collected for the volume.
The letter I’m sharing today details the sinking of an American passenger ship by a German U-boat. Check out the letter, and I’ve included a few historical footnotes at the end… Continue reading
Gazette665 