Millstadt Enterprise
Millstadt, Illinos
Friday: March 22, 1918
Page 1

U.S. Soldier Boy Writes From France

Mrs. Louis Diesel received the following interesting letter from Grandson Raymond Herbert, son of Mr and Mrs. Henry Herbert, of St. Louis. The Herberts have three sons in the U.S. services.
February 18, 1918

Dear Grandmother

Greetings from France! No doubt you have been wondering all this time how I was getting along and were somewhat anxious concerning my safty,btis a over now, and I am enjoying myself for better than I had expected.

The trip across the ocean was very pleasant and highly interesting. Nothing of a dngerous character was sighted, and I was fourtunate enough not to get seasick. The food on board ship was excellent and the quarters were as good as could be expected. However, you can rest assured that I was one happy "Sammy" when the green shores of Frances were sighted. You may be surprised at me saying "green" shores, but even though it was January when we landed, the hills were covered with green grass and the trgtees had begun to bud. Up to the last three days, we have been having real spring weather, but just now it is a little chilly.

Food and clothing are not near as expensive or scares as you in America are led to believe, and living conditions are far better than I had expected to find them. In fact, you have to go to the firing line in order to realize that there is a war going on.

We have reqular working hors with Sunday off, and I get plenty of opportunities to see the town and a great deal of the surrounding county. I have been fourtunate to meet my schoolmate again, from whom I was separated at Camp Sevens, so you can see that my lot so far has been a happy one.

You will have to pardon this short note as military regulations make it impossible for me to mention places or to describe in deatil my work.However, when anything of interst turns up, I wiure to write again.

Be of good cheer, and let me find you and Grandfather in the best of health on my return, for it is a homecoming which I am looking forward to with the greatest joy.

Kindest remembrances to the rest of the Millstadt folks.
Most Sincerely yours.
Raymond.