- Letters From France - World War I - From James Joseph Morris COPYRIGHTS: The information contained herein is copyright 1997 by Laela Jo Lindner. Any republication requires the express consent of the author and must include notice that the article is being republished by special permission. This applies to republishing on other online systems as well as to republishing in print. - Letters From France - World War I - From James Joseph Morris Company D, 163 Infantry Members of Company D, 163 Infantry Morris, James Joseph Tattersol, of U. of Mich. Rulido, (a football coach) transferred to Oregon Engineers Olson, Jeff (Capt.) Anderson, Oscar Lambert, James (Jimmy) McGowan, Thomas (Bulldog) Drummly, or Drummy (from Dillon) Jones, (Dap) Toomey, Rayan, (from U. of MT) Pinard (Lair?) Lux, Walter (or Chas.) Suhr, Carl ????, Jake Gray, (from Dillon) Wyatt, (from Dillon) Baker, George (of Dillon) Fousek, Albert E. Limpson, Louie (from Dillon) Krieger, or Krieglin Steel, Ernest Fogarty, John Mattisen, Corp. (killed in action) Sieloff, Sgt. Mortime (of Washington D. C.) Auerbach, Maurice - Known Members of Company D Not Mentioned In Letter Bledsoe, T. E. Hodges, William C. Neilson, Otto Mul, Henry Jackman, Emmett Logsdon, Frank (of Simms) - Others Mentioned Gerharz, Morris, Robert Edmondson Clark, Bess (Bev) Marot, Macel (a frenchman) Morris, Harold F. (Ted) Jardine, Harry Vidal, L. E. Natalie Aunt Helen Strain, Dot Strain, Helen Strain, Gert Roosevelt, Miss Morris, Helen (Tootsie) West, R. K. (a lawyer from Great Falls) Bryant, Walt Lout, Paul Coffee, Dick Larson, Bum Walker, Miss ( of NC) Skinner, Olive Gardner, Miss (YMCA) Wilkinson, Eddie Case, Gerald Templeton, Hill, Billy Tounsend, Mrs Wilhelen, Mrs Caul, Gerald Bradford, Frank Junkin, Mrs Morris, Russell A. (Pete) Dad, (Martin Luther Morris) Mother, (Mary Wealthy Kimball Morris) Hamilton, Henry Lloyd, Led Rankin, Miss Buchner, -Places Mentioned Charlotte, NC Fort Harrison, MT Great Falls, MT Camp Green, Charlotte, NC Mont. Richard, France La Valbone, France Lyon, France Oxford University Manton, France Camp Mill, MA Camp Merritt, NJ Dillon, MT Boston, MA New York, NY LETTERS FROM WORLD WAR I by James Joseph Morris JAMES JOSEPH MORRIS SERIAL NO. 81951 ENLISTED 7 APRIL 1917 IN GREAT FALLS, MONTANA June 10, 1917, Somewhere on duty. Young Men's Christian Association Stationery. Its raining like seven hundred dollars, and has for two days. We've moved our cots into the school house. You can get the name of that manual from the Captain. I sure would like to study that a little. How did Bob come out with his examinations? I haven't seen any thing of that soap and B. V. D.'s yet the ones I have on are black and I don't want to put on heavy stuff while I wash the B. V. D.s. I believe that I could enjoy a little candy. I haven't been out of camp since I was in Great Falls. We've got two dogs and a cat as mascots. I wonder what sort of a gang we'll have when all these squads get together. I believe that all that's hurting my kidneys that dirty black coffee, but I haven't any money to buy milk --see. Say hello to Bessie Talbot Clark for me I'm sorry I didn't get to see her. Stick a rush order on that junk for me. Jim September 29, 1917, War Work Council, Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationery. We got about 200 new training school officers here. We've got to learn entirely new methods of bayonet fighting, the general principle of the new method is entirely offensive, one just continaces? one and jabs or gets jabbed, none of this fancy sparring with bayonet at all. The bayonet is the principle weapon of the war. The hand grenade, rifle and machine guns fire, the gas, the liquid pra? The artillery and the mines all reduce the moral of the enemy but the actual routing the enemy out of his trench is done with the fixed bayonet. For the last few days I have been doing some construction work, building drains,, grading roads, making scratches, building bulk heads. I've had charge a bunch of men to do the work. There's a fellow here named Talttersal from our company he's from U. of Mich. and he's had about ten years experience as an engineer. He is going to transfer to the Oregon Eng. here. I been working with him and he wants me to transfer with him. I don't know what to do. I wish you would tell me whether or not there is possibility of getting in with Gerharz, or into the training school, so I could tell what to do. I want to transfer because I can get some good experience that I can use after-wards and in this outfit I can get absolutely nothing that I can ever use again. Please write me something about this as soon as possible. This town of Charlotte is the bunk-its about as rotten a town as I have ever had occasion to experienced. It's the second most religious town in the united states and they brag about it to boot. I thought you were going to send me a photo-graph book but I have not seen anything of it. I'd like to get some pictures here to put in it. I've seen a bunch of good shows here. "Nothing but the Truth", "Stop, Look, Listen", "Very Good Eddy", "Pom Pom". All $1.50 a shot. Please write soon Jim Morris Company D 163 U. S. Inf. Camp Greene Charlotte N. C. October 11, 1917 War Work Council, Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationery Dear Folks Any one that says this Carolina place isn't cold is a liar or crazy. We've had a fire for a week and I've had consumption all day. Am going to send you some cotton, tobacco, udusts? and this red dirt. The ground is red here, some kind of an iron compound in it I guess, just like that red road south of Great Falls. We played a game of foot ball here yesterday with I company of our regiment and beat them 20 to 6. All our men were from high school teams in Montana, mainly Great Falls. I play left end with indifferent skill. We've been staking out some trenches and have built bayonet dummy's and are going to make barb wire entanglements. Our trench digging is going to be done at night--simulating European conditions. We have lectures on throwing and constructing hand grenades. This town here is the most religious town in the nation, they close tobacco stands, and soda fountains on sunday. Some maiden down in town has been donating wid? a box of candy saturday and a cake to-day. I could use one of those sweaters every one here has them. I haven't seen any thing of that photograph book you going to send me. Jim Morris October 30, 1917, War Work Council, Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationery. Dear Folks I got the muffler and sky-piece today both swell dish. All the fellows have those sweaters here. We received red cross blankets to-day a pretty swell dish also. The checks from home are pouring in thick and fast all fellows got checks for 20 or 30 dollars. I struck it pretty lucky to-day. I got a box of fried chicken and cake for one of the young villagers. I had dinner with the same outfit sunday, very nice people, well to-do and very passable appearing. To-day is Pete's birth but I didn't have any jack to get him and birthday present. I suppose he feels pretty big to be 8 years old. I saw the pictures of the foot ball team in the paper the other day and the notable center leaving it off. I hope they go out and get Butte. I don't think much of about 2/3 of the back field. We've been playing a little football here ourselves. We've got a pretty shapely team. The flower of the high school teams of Montana. I've have a game scheduled with Davidson college if we stay here long enough. Davidson played Annapolis 2 weeks ago and got beat 20 to 6. We have the all-star Rocky Mts. quarter Rulido coaching us and playing. Olson, Anderson, Lambert, Bulldog, McGowan, Drummly, Jones, Toomey, Ryan (from U of Mont.) Pinard (Lair?)? and Jimmie Morris on R. E. and T. and Front half. We have 600 men to pick from for our Regimental team. I weigh about 170 about ave. Jones and I dined in state the other day at Jones's expense at one of the big hotels here. I tossed up my chance of transferring waiting to here from you, but you wouldn't with? any-thing definite. The boys leaving there are getting quite a celebration. The fellows here feel pretty tough about Montana in general. They did hand this battalion the rough end of it, the practically kicked us out of Helena. I took $100 worth of liberty bonds and I aim to take some insurance and put in to Helen's name, that is if we have our pay cut in two. I want to impress on you my intentions of continuing school when this War is over no matter if I'm 80 years old, make arrangements accordingly. I'm expecting that hadah? book any time and a little financial aid. All the fellows are getting checks from home now and I would like to get in it too. We'll be gone very shortly now a few days. The regular army is relieving us here--10,000 of them and they're coming in fast. The Nat. guard is a duce of lot better than the regulars, in drilling, men and everything. The western division is the best in N. C. since the Rainbow division went to France. Don 't forget the remittance because theres lots of things I need badly and have no money luz?--Things I need for the trip. Jim Morris D Company 163 Infantry Camp Green November 9, 1917, National War Work Council, Young Men's Christian Association of the United States "with the colors" stationery. Dear Folks We leave here to-night and are prepared to land any place from Calif. to Africa. All our stuff is packed and we're just laying around waiting orders. We'll probably leave early in the morning and it's about 10 o'clock now. We're just getting well acquainted in Charlotte. I had dates for every night last week and next week too. We take on a good sunday dinner every sunday. Last night we had a dance at the post masters house. I was sure glad to hear about the Butte game, that was an historical day, give fellows on the team my congratulations. I guess we won't be able to play our game with Davidson's College as it was scheduled for to-morrow. The regulars relieved the National guard at this post. There is a great war going here too the two don't get along at all. Fights and gang fights galore--a company of Nat. Guard can clean about 6 regiments of close? regulars. We just came back from the rifle range. It sure was great sport-we were in the butts one day-hearing the old bullets whistle over our head and crack into the old bulls eyes, and when we were out shooting # 200 miln? banging as fast they Can sure make a roar. I qualified Shoot long distance with 25 hits out of 30 at rapid fire. Jim Camp Greene Charlotte N. C. November 12, 1917, War Work Council Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationery. Dear Folks Arrived at Mills, N. Y. near Hempstead. Had a swell trip. Stopped at Washington, D. C. a few hours and rode over the jerkwater. Had one picture taken by the Washington monument--three of us--Dap Jones, myself and the monument. Saw the Capitol, white-house, and all the places. Stopped at Philadelphia too and gave it the once over. I haven't had a chance at New York yet. We were either two or three tiers over the city or under the ground--We crossed the Hudson and East river in a tube under it. This camp is rotten--cold as $700. And dirty, wet, filthy. I'm doing some more surveying drainage, etc. We got a whole batch of conscripts shoved on to us. I sure didn't want to have any of them in our regiment. Dap Jones called up some of his relatives here and Dap and I are going out to see them. His aunt (or whoever it is) said her footman would meet us at the depot with her card. As I look forward to a very nice time in New York. Dap is a swell boy to go about with. He leans to the better class of entertainment. At Charlotte we always took in the best plays and Dined a the big hotel. I'd like to see some of these good operas while I'm here and see the Art museums and hotels etc. At least we are assured of the best company while we're here and a car or so to go about in. I sure was glad to learn about the Butte game. 1907 was the last time we beat them--they were tied in 1911. I'm sure glad to get the woolen stuff. It came in handy here in Long Island. I mailed you a picture of part of the Camp Greene which we lately evacuated. Cherish and preserve it because I paid a buck for it and a buck out of $15 make a whole. After a fellow pay for liberty bonds and insurance and extra miss funds etc he hasn't whole lots left. Must go and get my shine? Jim Morris All the fellows have gotten checks of 20 or 30 bucks lately the use on this trips and to see the towns. I have five dollars left out of my last pay which was only 3 or 4 days ago, but after paying for liberty bond and insurance etc I only $15 then I bought a picture of camp Greene and hired a car all over Washington and ate at a good cafe on the other 5. If you can I wish you would wire me some money. I wouldn't want to be within 30 or 40 miles New York and never see it or any of its attractions. Jim M November 22, 1917, War Work Council, Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationery. Dear Folks I got the money day before yesterday and sure was delighted. I bought some socks and collars etc. and have 20 bucks to-day. Walt Lux, Suhr, Jake and I speared a thanksgiving dinner last night with Byron a baker here. It sure was some feed turkey etc-but it lacked the cranberry sauce. Byron came out to camp in a "Morman 34" to get us. They sure haven't shown any weakness in building beautiful houses here. A bunch of us have a feed coming up sunday with some people named Buchner. They pull this old butler stuff here without heart at all. "Rectors", Churchills, Shanley, Strands, are a few of the places I've taken in.... We took in the Great Bowery and Chinatown the other day it doesn't get by with me at all. Isn't very much and chinatown is a fake. I dislocated my wrist down there but we showed a few of those rough guys that they weren't very tough at all. It has rained all day here and its ankle deep in mud all over. There's no place to eat except on the ground, but if that's the worst we ever run into in this old war we get by mightily soft. We are going up in the Woolworth building next week sometime. They say one can see nearly all the town from there. You know I thought those high buildings were in use clear to the top. But there is nothing above the thirtieth floor and was just built so high as a monument. This is a crum town. You ride along two tiers underground a while, then you ride 3 tiers above ground. There is an aviation school here it is very interesting to watch ten or 15 manoeuvreing above your head and the same time. I like to watch the ones closest to the ground you can see the drives running the old boats. Today one fellow flew so close over our heads that I could have thrown my hat up and hit the machine. I got another comfort kit last night--I have gobs of those things and still they throw them at me. We have to go all over all the drill that we are proficient in and train this mob of conscripts. It sure makes the fellows red, we were all sitting pretty to leave for France immediately. We pull out on these freezing mornings and teach these fellows squads right and left and all that stuff we learned last April. This bunk about us leaving for France to-morrow and all that stuff is to be expected so don't worry about rumors, of course we'll go to France soon but there's 2 million men in this army and if they get in on a war I can just as well as they. And when you come right down to statistics the mortality lists aren't nearly as big as you imagine them. Who was that wanted me to write to. James Morris D Co. 163 inf Camp Mill Hemstead, N. Y. By the way I took $10.00 worth of insurance which leaves me about $ 13 per. November 24, 1917, The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company stationery. I am doing a little side stepping over Friday evening and sat. and Sun. I am going to take in the little old burg of Boston and frolic about on some of their old baked beans. They sure run some classy trains out of here. I set about on the old deep leathers and take my pen in hand to pen off a few symbols. I got your letters yesterday morning and a card from Bob in the afternoon. Dap and I have partaken of a lusty repast on the mess halls of the rolling stock, and are now back puffing on our old Havana's with French names. I some time think as I sit musing on the rippling banks overlooking the Hudson that I would like to be packing stakes on a survey line but business in hand quickly interrupts such. Love Jim "Boston". December 2, 1917, Hotel Astor Times Square New York stationary. Dear Folks I got a two day pass this evening which is from Friday night until Monday morning. Talk about a good "con" artist. I have 35c after buying a ticket to New York and wiring you. I arrive in New York and went to the Astor House . After a talk with Mr Munchenbein about it I got a $6 room and have dined at "Churchills." I was in Boston last saturday and sunday and saw several of the Great the Penn's moving stairway at their station etc. I have failed to see anything of a photograph book you were going to send me. Well I'm going to bed and purr for about 12 hrs. among the linens. Last night I nearly froze and slept with my clothes wet thru and water within two inches of the bottom of the cot. I was on guard at camp Mill. I think I deserve little Astor house after that shift. Jim M.......42nd division across the 41st is next on deck, that's us. I owe myself a Thanksgiving dinner yet anyway I didn't have any dinner at all let alone a Thanksgiving dinner. I wish to impress on you that I took $10,000 worth of life insurance for which $6.40 is taken of my $15 that i had left after buying Liberty Bonds. This deficiency ought to be made up while I'm in a position to see all these worth while things as..................page missing? Falls girls Helen Strain, Dot Strain and Gert Strain and Katy Mitchell. Boston is so crooked a snake couldn't turn the curves and dark as the duce. I came to New York to have some pictures taken. The wire for money but if I don't get any money I won't have any pictures. And incidentally get in the jug for beating a hotel bill. I haven't seen Bev Clark yet tho I intend to call her up tomorrow. I was talking to her over the "phone" the other day and she wanted Walt, Bob and I to dine with aunt but I had to go on guard and didn't get a chance to called her up even. The waterfront is full of sailor back from France having taken part of the "First American Expeditionary Force" over, that is they have............... December 7, 1917, War Work Council Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationary. Dear Folks Just got a letter from Bob he says he liked the place very well and told me about being put in the highest Mathematics class. It will take him some time before he has any idea of real army life tho and then never will get any of the real stuff. We just moved from Camp Mill to Camp Merritt in New Jersey. We are now in winter quarters and certainly is class-four-two story barracks for each company and big furnace (larger than the one at home) on each floor). We have entirely new equipment now everything is changed it's an entirely different army than the one at Fort Harrison was. Our packs are entirely on our backs instead of thrown one shoulder--that leaves both arms free for action. We have new bayonets, rifles, canteens, belts, raincoats and overcoats. The rain coats and overcoats are little short ones "Trench coats" it give better leg action. Everything more efficient than it used to be, except the Reserve officers Coming from Camp Mill to Camp Merritt we were out in New York harbor-it certainly is a wonderfully sight-that's the only place New York made any particular impression on me. We went by the statue of Liberty-under the Brooklyn bridge, saw the thousand of boats in the harbor. All the piers, submarine chasers, mine layers, the ocean liners all painted up in freakish colors to deceive the submarines, and the skyscrapers in the background. We saw the big "Vaterland" all painted to represent waves. In fact out in harbor, in the east or Hudson river is the only great part of New York to me. We are sleeping on spring beds and mattresses now looking out at the snow and sleet instead of standing around in the hull deep mud day in and day out. Well, at Camp Mill, I wasn't dry half the time and we had no fuel the other half, it was as cold as 20 below in Montana. We had no place to eat--we took our mess kits up to the cook house and got our grub and then had to eat it on the muddy ground. There was no bath-houses and there was cess pool etc. All around the place the filthiest dump I've seen in a long while. But that didn't make us feel bad. I don't think they can do it but they'll have to trot out something worse than that to kill this outfit. We're all sitting pretty now light duty, warm barracks, fair grub and such. They are going to issue more equipment to-morrow. All the non-commissioned officers will be issued "45 automatics", Insulated wire cutters, and a whole flock of stuff. If you intend to do anything about that insurance now is the time because after deducting Liberty bonds and insurance from my donation I'll have $8.75 cent left. Sunday Nothing to do to-day but rest up. wash clothes and patch them. I'm a regular old tailor now. Carl Suhr sleeps just next to me and we wrestle? so much it keeps one patching most of the time. We have a great bunch of pictures of the bunch I'll send you some of them if you send me the where-with-all to have them printed. Might also have a big picture of my self taken. I will send you a picture a fellow in camp drew of me it's a pretty good drawing. But remember that $8.75 is just barely enough to buy tobacco and soap, towels, toothpaste, etc. That leaves me without any money to go in to New York with at all, and then while I'm on the east coast I'd like to see some of the other cities as Philadelphia, Buffalo, etc. The railroad fare amounts to about $10 a round trip. I was in Boston the other times you sent me money, saw all the points of interest. I'd like to see Niagara falls too before I leave. Well must close to get this off in the mail. Jim Camp, Merritt N. J. D. Co. 163 inf. JAMES J. MORRIS SAILED FROM THE U.S. DECEMBER 15, 1917 This letter was probably written February 21, 1918. The first pages are missing. ..................me. I wrote you three letters from Camp Merritt-we were only there a week. I also sent you some pictures of myself and of Camp Greene. You didn't mention getting them. Last night I took a French Corporal to dinner down town to give him a send off to the Front-he left this morning. He is a young fellow about my age and a very nice boy. His name is Macel Marot. I would impress on "Ted strongly" that fact that it is all important to get thru his first year in High school well. There is no two ways about it if he doesn't do well in his freshman year he can't do well the rest. If there is no other way use a little discipline. Dad uses very poor judgement in his discipline--he doesn't see that what he says is done. It will result in Ted getting a very poor education. I wrote to Aunt Helen and thanked her for the candy she sent me. It was on the road a month. Don't work yourself to death and ruin your eyes knitting me sox--I of course appreciate them and like them very much--but a good soldier in this army need not go about bare footed. If there is any sox in the country I'll have some of them. This being all the paper I'll have to stop. This will be No. 1-Feb 21. I am still undecided whether or not to cable. It takes 6 days. With Love James J Morris D. Co. 163 INF. A. E. F. P. S. Don't be so blooming downhearted on my account--I'm not--never did feel better. February 25, 1918-No 2 Dear Mother To-day is sunday I don't whether it is the 25th or not. Your last letter was a down-hearted dismal affair. You were worrying yourself to death about me and I was over here enjoying myself with nothing to do but amuse myself. Probably at that very time I was sitting on a soft chair with my feet cocked up on a table reading a novel. (The rest of the page was apparently cut out by the censor). liable to do. Talk of queer thing happening I went into the quarter masters room last night and here was Carl Muligh the fellow that used to live up in the next block from us. He is with B Company of the 29th Eng. a non-combatant regiment. You probably know by now that I intended to transfer to A Company of the 29th. The Capt of A Co. wrote the Gen. Hdq. about it and told me that all I had to do was put in a formal application and I would be in A. co.--But I found out that they were non-combatants and when it came right down to it I didn't want to leave D. Co.--it's the best Company in the Army about the time you think about leaving it. Drummy and Gray from Dillon and I were talking about going back to school after the war. They are both about my age and have a few-more credits to make in High, I don't want you to figure for a minute that I have given up my plans for going to school after the war. That is my entire plan "Apres Le Queore" as the French say. Wyatt one of the Dillon fellows says that he had a letter from his folks written Jan 23, and they said that they hadn't heard a thing from him and everyone else had heard from the other fellows. We all wrote about the same time. I wrote once from England but I didn't understand the censor rule so I don't think you ever got that. James J. Morris D Co. 163 March 3, 1918, National War Work Council, Young Men's Christian Association of the United State "with the colors" stationery. Dear Folks To-day is sunday and I spent my morning sleeping and my afternoon studying French. I just "corrected" a letter for one of the Armenian boys who was writing home to his sister. I'm a fine "corrector" I need one worse than he does. To-day makes 80 days since we left N. Y. and it doesn't seem any time. We have what are supposed to be the best Billets in France at least as good as any-so some of the officers who have traveled around a good deal say. Carl Suhr and I sleep to-gether but I think we'll dissolve partnership because we can't agree on making the bed at night Of course we make it to-gether in the morning at "Reirell?. Yesterday I threw my first hand grenade--that is great sport. Lieutenant Viola was the instructor. I threw about 4 times as many as I was supposed to. We get to see American picture shows every now and then. Charlie Chaplin and such dope. I saw one last night which was of ever? scenes on the "French Front" and one picture was of an air battle taken from the aeroplane--The French man got his man and the "Boche" machine went tumbling to the ground. In about two more months maybe three we will be eligible ...........................rest if the letter missing. March 10, 1918 No. 4 Dear Folks I hope by this time you've received some of my letters. I've certainly written enough. I wish now I'd wired to you when I was going to some five weeks ago. Any number of fellows are getting letters from home saying that they haven't heard a thing. Jones and Barber's folks haven't heard a thing. I've only had one letter from you since I've been here, that was about two weeks ago. We've been going to a gas school the last several days learning how to breath thru garden hose and rags and such stuff. I used my head and got a French soldier to take me to a movie last night. I saw "Civilization". It's kinds of a childish affair. We had a ball game with some Candidates to-day-a very good game. Suhr's dad sent him 200 francs recently so that he will be able to take care of himself in emergencies. I Should enjoy a package or a letter or something from home. I've been across three months and have only gotten one letter. Handkerchiefs Camels and such things are appropriate. As ever James J Morris D Co. 165 P. S. By the way I wish you would send me a good Chemistry the one that I had is good, It's hard to get anything like that in english here. I've been studying French lately I've gotten to the point where I don't know a thing. I was out inspecting a sewage filter this afternoon--It is about the Same as those water filters in the Falls only simpler and they use cinders etc. James J Morris March 14, 1918 No. 5 Dear Folks I had a letter from Bess Clark Yesterday. She had gotten a letter from me and she said that you had gotten on from me too. I am certainly glad, I haven't had but one letter from you and then you hadn't heard from me yet. I enjoyed Besse's letter very much. To-day is pay-day-we've been waiting for it for a Couple of weeks of Course. I am expending about all of my capital buying extra grub for a trip. One needs a lot more to eat when moving that's all there is to do. We expect to make a change soon of course don't know where, why, or when and couldn't tell you if i did. All lot of the privates are being transferred, the rest are going some place else therefor I think that we'll be separated from Jake and Barker, But they have swell job and I don't think they'll mind it much. All of the N. C. O.'s are going to do some more training. I heard that Harry Jardine was married. I suppose that by the time we get back the whole outfit will be married. Well tell Ted to fix that brass on the stairway and to carry out the ashes and after that I guess you won't have much to worry about. Walter Lux has been working in a post-office for a long time. He quit to-day he wants to be with the bunch. We slept three in a bed last night. Walt stayed at the Barrack and slept with Suhr and I. I would like to have some news from home if your time isn't to much taken up. With Love James J. Morris. D. Co, 163. March 19, 1918 No 6. Dear Folks We are just stalling around for a while-expecting to change soon. The weather is fine and everyone is feeling fine. I am studying French quite diligently and have made a little headway--at least I've done away with a little of the arm movement. Next year they are going to make 21 appointments to West Point from the ex-National Guard of those who have had a year's service. I intend to make preparations for that. Now of course I have no books but that is what I need you to do and as soon as you possibly can because it will take two months at least. As I understand it an appointment from the Congressman is more helpful see what you can do in this line. Also I think that Bob might be able to help me considerably in regards to books, information, course of study etc. A Class of men from the regulars go back to West Point in three days. I've met several of these. One is from Marion ala. where Bob is going to school. I'd like to know something about whether Bob is in Marion or at home or has taken his entrance examination or not. It is funny you can't write a few lines once in a month or two. I've had two letters in three months. Well see what you can do in a Hurry. With Love-Jim James J Morris D Co 163rd inf. March 28, 1918, No. 7, France Dear Folks I'm sorry but it was a Military necessity to write on this paper. I think I'm doing well about writing. I've written to you about every four days for the last couple of months. Don't be alarmed if you fail to get any for a long time-sometime. I don't expect to be able to keep up this rate of speed. Jimmy Lambert, Anderson, Fousek, Suhr, Olsen, and my self took a long hike yesterday all by ourselves. I believe that we saw more of France then than we ever did before. We ran into a big wooded hill upon which there was an old monastery which had been founded in the 12th century by some those old bishops or some such duck. There was a statue etc. all over the place. We saw a chapel or vestry or whatever it is that was made of small branches "dyed" many different colors. The whole inside was made of small colored branches inlayed. Well there was hundreds of thing in the place that one could never see in America. In fact this place had "Defince D'Entere" or "Keep out" all over it but we weren't stopping for signs. We hiked about 25 Kilometers all day, and we were in several little villages where I attack the people with my French. I received that box you sent me the day before yesterday. I enjoyed it very much. I was getting pretty low on tobacco about that time. The sox were just right and fit me fine. I have them on right now. At any time there is nothing more welcome that a carton of "Camel" cigarette--Nothing in the world. Jim Lambert got acquainted with a little French girl and he has about decided that he will have to take me with him to call on her--so he can ask her if she'll take a walk with him. There are some kinds of pictures that I can send to you and I am going to collect some of them and send them. May also send a company roster of the fellows that left Helena to-gether. We may never all be to-gether again because we are pretty well spit up now in different outfits etc. I have gotten hardly any mail from Great Falls since I've been here but I've done fairly well in mail from Charlotte and New York. Your correspondent in France Jim James J. Morris cp. D co 173 INF. P. F. I think Suhr have chartered a boat to send Carl tobacco on from the amouie? legets? March 29, 1918, American YMCA, on active service with the American Expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Folks I have just received four letters-one from Dad, two from Mother and one from Bob. I was sure glad to hear from you and I am glad that everyone is so well. I was quite surprised to learn that you had sold out your interest in the Gerharz-Jacueth?. It seems that you haven't been getting many letters, but you will soon I have written gangs of them to you. Maurice Auerbach of our Company who was in Great Falls, is up for a Commission now and is almost sure of making good. Also Dap Jones is up for Sergeant Major in fact I believe all the boys are in good line for a promotion soon. I am studying French quite diligently but of course it's a whole lot different than studying it in school. I am going to apply for admission to West Point next Fall but of course I am handicapped for books, and I want you to do all you possibly for me in that line and also in regards to a Congressional appointment. By the time to take examination I will have two Soveign? service stubs. I understand from Bob's letters that he is doing Well. James J. Morris. D. Co 163 inf. April 6, 1917 France. THIS IS DATED 1917, BUT HE MUST MEAN 1918. Dear Folks- We now someplace the in France. This is also very pretty, very much prettier than the place we were in before. The people here are congenial and apparently well-to-do. There is a nice river running thru the town and little promenades all about. We have a drill ground in a large meadow that would be a park in any part of the U. S. We are not in the usual barracks as we have in the U. S. but are billeted about the town in people's houses. We went to the where L. E. Vidal was billeted and found him reclining luxuriously on big feather bed in a very artistic little room and saying that he drew the poorest billet of any of the officers. He told us that his company, sure had some fine billets, "fine, dry, cement floor". We have christened Jimmy Lambert "Hen" because he sleeps in a chicken coop. Jimmy and L. E. thought was a great joke "Hen" in the chicken coop and L. E. in a Feather bed. Must close-to-day is sunday and I didn't get up for Reville and missed breakfast. It's time to "Mancher?" or some such thing in French. As Ever, James J Morris D. Co. 163 INF. April 14, 1918, France Dear Folks We are "purring" to-day and "Mee owing" about the "Corn Wily". We are drilling Ragged Rookies from those Crack Regiments at Camp Lewis, showing them they don't know anything. We are not in those usual barracks but billeted around in houses to-day being sunday we are sitting around a fire (because it's rainy outside and chilly) and trying to tell the biggest lie. All of the "Old bunch" are in fine spirits any one of them would march on Berlin single handed if they gave the word. They are sound and hardy as any one could be. We have had a casualty. I stuck a bayonet in Bert Fousek's hand. I have had a streak of luck yesterday and got several letters. I have written on an average of once every four days since I've been across to you so you can see I haven't neglect you a bit. Bess Clark has written to me a few times since I've been here and I enjoy her letters very much. Bess also was very nice to me in New York. I had a letter from Natalie yesterday the only one else has written me. Must Close because it's time to throw some slum into me! As Ever James J Morris D Co 163 inf. April 18, 1918, American YMCA, on active service with the American Expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Folks Just a note this time to tell you I'm in fine condition, good health, and never felt better. We are in a very pretty part of France now every is green, in fact the whole country is a park. Sure some contrast between this and Montana. I think I'll stay here after the war. In your next letter you might send me some snapshots of the family. I haven't any pictures to spare or at all of the family. Imagine that Pete and Helen have grown a good bit in the last six or seven months. Got a letter written by Dad the other day and enjoyed it very much. I hope he repeats the operation soon again. That was the only letter my paternal ancestor has so far honored me with since I've been in the Army and to-day is my first day of my second year. As Ever James J Morris Cpl. D Co. 163 inf. May 2, 1918, American YMCA, On active service with the American expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Folks Well a year ago to-day we were spending our first days in the tunnels we've covered a lot of ground since then--a few days ago we had a big divisional track meet--D Company took about all the first places. There are 12 gold medals in the company which were donated by the French secretary of War To-day we were on a rifle range with automatic rifles--We all made fine marks. I got a letter from yesterday--a good long one telling me of your buying a new car and Petes bike your letter to Wash. D. C. etc. I guess the little boy from Calif. broke my pick at Townsend. Oh the children will be naughty when there not looked after. The eating sure is tough--Last night we had oyster stew, T bone steak, French fried spuds and pie and the other necessary condiments. I'm failing rapidly too, I only weight 175 lbs--Well in short I'm feeling fine. As Ever James J Morris D. Co 163rd inf. May 13, 1918, American YMCA On active service with the American Expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Mother Yesterday was Mother's day and I wrote you a long letter and gave it to Ernest Steel to mail if he forgets to mail it--You and I will have to have another Mothers' day and I'll write you another. I got letters from Bob, Bess Clark, Dot Strain, and girl in Charlotte a few minutes ago so I am going to take advantage of a few spare minutes to answer them. Its a habit of mine to write you a note before I start to write to any one. Bob is expecting to make a gold medal in Math at school so he says. Well "C'est Asseg" With Love Jas J Morris D Co 163 inf. June 3, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I'm glad we can now put the place in which we are on the letters. It will save you lots of worry. This place is of course out of Range of all activity because it is just 42 kilometers out Tours (Tours) on the Road to Bouges or Nenss?--that will made it easy to find in the map. There is a number curiosities near here, on in town is Mount Richard. An ancient castle in which King Richard, (Coeur D'Lion) the Lion hearted or the Black Prince of England was imprisoned for seven years and the women of England sold their jewels to ransom him out. Also the ruins of another church called (Agieve) that was built in 1793 and ????? about the same time by the Revolution. And any number of Castles and chateau that I haven't time to mention now because I'm going to hear a lecture here soon (at Y.M.C.A.) on Joan D'ark. So I guess your worries are at an end now since you know where I am. I am safer than if I was in Montana. There is I. W. W's there, here they are all in the German army. I hope that your all well--I haven't received the papers you mentioned yet. And I could use a few Franks if sent them. Jim Corp Jas. J. Morris D Co. 163 inf. June 9, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I got a letter from dad yesterday and one from Bess Clark. I'll send you a gas mask to be worn in the danger zone at the plant at that you had better watch yourself pretty ?? the next time you exercise because its liable to knock you out a month later. I'm not especially overjoyed at the prospect of moving to Kansas Unless its an improvement over Great Falls-and that's pretty hard to do. One has to understand pig raising and cyclone proof cellars and such as that to make a success in Kansas. I got that book of questions day before yesterday. And as you can imagine they look stiffer than the devil. Say by the way I'll have to correct your French-Parley vous instead of Parles vous. I mailed a bunch of post cards to you yesterday. They will give you a pretty good Idea of the town I'm in. I intend to send ? a bunch more. This part of France is perhaps the richest in places of historical interest and there is any number of old ruins etc and the museums here have been filled with the collections of others that were formally near the front, so it's possible to see the collections of "Louvre" from Paris combined with many other collections of note making some the best the world has ever seen. I was intending to send you an order from the captain for those books a few days ago but found that was impossible now too. Dap Jones is sergeant Major in this battalion now and he rank a horse on several occasions I've ridden his horse for him, I was out yesterday afternoon for a little ride with Lounie Limson one of the Dillon fellows who is the majors orderly. We visited a French base hospital at Chenoseux and a number of villages in between and returned by way of the tow path along the Cher river. That make a wonderful ride one that you'd never find in the states because the hills along the banks of the river and lined with castles Chateaux and churches etc. I've been in France for six months this month and it will be six months since I left the states saturday and I've never had a pass or a furlough or any thing yet. I never have the money to get any place comfortably and so don't go consequently miss most of these museums and castles etc in fact I've never seen the best ones, and all are within a radius of a hundred miles-that are the best. Most of my pay is taken up in insurance and liberty bonds. Last month for instance I bought watch a fountain pen, tobacco, soap, toothpaste, laundry, and some candy the first day and I had 10 france about a dollar and six bits left- Well must close--With Love Jim Jas J. Morris Corp D Co 163 inf Am E. F. June 19, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I haven't written very often lately but I sent you a couple of envelops of picture post cards. All of us were sick last week or the first part of this week--nothing serious but we were sure sick. Everyone is feeling fine now again. We are being pretty well broken up now, fellows all going here and there all over France I am to leave the Co. soon to go to a gas school. Krieger is also going. I don't where it will be or what we'll do there. All the boys are trotting Around with a little gold chevron on their left arm now high toning the rest of the place. Must close now because I have an appointment to eat strawberries and cream with a friend of mine. Jim Jas. J. Morris D. Co. 163 inf. Am E F June 21, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks It has been a long time since I've had any mail from home, and I'm beginning to wonder if every one is well. I suppose that you understand that our company is pretty well broken up. The fellows some are at the front and other at schools etc. We heard to-day that one the D. Co men had been killed in Action but its no one that you would know because he wasn't from Great Falls. Most all of us are tired as the deuce of this business we're in--we want to get up at the front and we probably will before the summer is over. I have been taking French lessons and several time Miss Roosevelt who is here with her brother taught the class (of three of us) she speaks French perfectly as she has lived in France nearly all her life. We are all sporting about with a little gold on our arms for six months in France It don't lack much of being a year since we left G. F. say-a years a long time you know but not half a long as the next ones going to be. I like to have some news- Jim Jas. J. Morris' D. Co 163 inf. July 9, 1918, Mont Richard, France. Dear Folks-- We are about to leave for a little trip to Lyon. A Company has been picked from our Regiment to parade there on the French fourth of July the fourteenth. We will compete with English French and Italian troops there in the demonstration. I don't suppose you that old D. Co. the tunnel guards will do much competing with the European armies but we'll bring home the bacon if there is any there. I will write you again about our trip but at present the matters on hand is this: Not having been paid I had no money--Lyon is the second largest in France and without a piece of change my trip would have spoiled. I there for drew on you for $20 which you can take from my Liberty bonds which will be due next month. Hoping you won't be unconvinced. Jim Jas. J. Morris D. Co. 163 inf. July 17, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Mother I have just gotten a letter from Helen saying that I you had had your operation and that you were doing nicely--that's fine-and now I don't want to hear of you doing any more of that Red cross work or any thing else for a long time. Just ride about the country ought to be only occupation. Well I suppose Bob is at Annapolis now. They will sure make the boy soldier there. We have just returned to Mont Fichard from Lyon where we paraded for the populace there. A Bridge was dedicated to President Wilson as the American troops were the first to cross over on it. We were the first American troops that were ever in Lyon and they sure put on a demonstration--they delighted in getting in second story windows and throwing flowers on the soldiers. On the morning of the 14th There was a review at the "Place De Bellecour" in which were British, Belegians, Italians, French, Algerian and well every kind of a soldier the world was in Lyon I don't think they were all reviewed but they were there. The Americans got away fine and dandy. From what I understand we took the meet--I know we skinned the Italians and the British only had a small unit we couldn't be compared the French weren't bad--and I don't know about rest. That was most wonderful thing I ever saw they never have big demonstrations a well in America as they do in Europe. Anyway and this was a particularly good one for this country. We had a couple of days about the town seeing the interesting parts and promenading with the dainty little 'demoiselle'. I am send you some pictures of Lyon of the places I visited. Love Jim Jas J. Morris D. Co. 163 inf I hope you fully recovered by this time--Jim JIM MORRIS TOOK PART IN THE 2ND BATTLE OF MARNE, JULY 16 TO AUGUST 10 APPROX. 1918 July 30, 1918, Mont Richard Dear Folks I'm glad you're getting better, Mother and you enjoyed my letters so much. I haven't written to you very often of late because I've been on the go, just after getting back from Lyon I went thru Paris and has as wonderful time. I have sent you a book of pictures of the town--it's the most wonderful place I was ever in-It's all people say it is and more. R. K. West a lawyer there in Great Falls was here yesterday and gave a dinner party. He wanted to be remembered to you all. I am sending some snaps of some of the boys which are fine. They were taken at different times in the last year. I owe you a long letter which I'll send you at my first chance. I have lots of news etc. Hope you are perfectly well--All of you. I gave toosie letter-- With Love Jas. J. Morris Cpl. D. Co. 163 inf. August 1, 1918, St. Aignon France, American Y.M.C.A. On Active Service with the American Expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Folks It has been a long time since I've written to you I know but I have been so busy the last few days that I haven't had the time. Oscar Anderson, Steel, Baker and myself down to this town last night for a track meet. To-day, more of the D. Co. men will come down to-day. Carl Suhr is at the front now but he will be back to-day or to-morrow. Jimmy Lambert is going up to-day. I hope you got the Nehette et Rintintin that I send you in my last letter. I got a catalogue from the Marian Institute the other day. Also several bundle of Papers magazines and cigarette from some people in Charlotte. I have been getting package etc from people in Charlotte ever since I been over here, sometimes twice a week. They treat me a duce of a lot better than any on in Great Falls. There is where some real people live they keep a promise to a soldier. I haven't heard any thing as yet from Bob, But I suppose he is to busy to write just now. He has sent me several little books etc. I had a letter from Walt Byant who is in England in the Aviation. Also a letter from Chas. Lux in France, Fousek, Fogerty, and Oken where made sergeants lately, Captain Olsen is Acting Major. Krieglin And My self were appointed Gas N. C. O.'s some time ago. Paul Lout whom you so often is not a sergeant he's a lieutenant and has been for 9 months. Dick Coffee and Bum Larson are 15+ sergeant and our rambling duty sergeant are at an officers training school. Mattson A Corporal from Co. in G. F. was killed in action as you will see with papers perhaps. That is about all the news I can think up right now. I hope you are all well and happy. Jim Jas J. Morris D Co 163 inf. August 2, 1918, Mont Richard. Dear Folks We'll have a little celebration to-day for the anniversary of the day we left Great Falls. I hope you are all well now and going along fine. It had ought to be quite a help to your household expenses to have Bob and I away, and you had ought to ship Ted out of town for the summers. I saw in the paper where 2 miracle are doing a lot of work in Shelby. But I don't suppose there is a whole lot of work going on now in Montana. I wonder what one can do about this land proposition. Is there any thing around good that I could file If I am entitled to a file or what ever it is. You know my time in the army goes on to land if I can get any land. With double time for foreign service. This is about 18 months foreign and 8 months in the States. I wish you would look up this proposition and see if it can be done. A good piece after this war would make a good old soldier's home. Suhr and I were at the front some time back but came back to our Blighty here safe and sound as usual. We brought back a bunch of souvenirs but I sold most of mine in Paris to Y.M.C.A. men there. It isn't hardly possible to sent you bayonets etc. I don't think. I will sent you a little pair dolls that Parisians wear for good luck. Their names are Net (girl) et Ran tan ta (boy). These made of wool are supposed to be the luckiest and absolute protection from Bache Air Raids and super gun. Jim Jas J. Morris D. Co. 163 inf. JIM MORRIS WAS AT ST MIHRAL FRONT FOR ONE WEEK AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER 1918 August 27, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I am sending a picture of the kid himself taken just before he left for Lyon. It's not printed very well but I will try and have good one made in Paris as I intend to be there in the course of the next couple of days. I just received a letter from you written July 14, and marked Falls of the Bastille, and was in Lyon that day. I haven't received but this one letter since the first of aug. I am intending to take a furlough in the near future And I intend spend my liberty Bond money. I think that it will be better spent that way than in any other way that I know of. Seeing this country is worth all the little money a man gets from the govt. I wish that you would send me a money order for the balance of my money which is $80 right now, or send me a check book from the bank you are doing business with. It is necessary to use a check with name of the banque written right on it, because the American Express Company which acts thu French banks won't accept a blank cheque on one with the name scratched out. If you want to--I'd keep that bond of mine yourself. Don't procrastinate too long because I want to take a furlough while I can, and it might not be long before my furlough chances are finish for a long time. I deserve a furlough and right well too, because I've never had one since I've been in the service. All the boys just got in from drill while I staid in this morning because I'm going to leave. The fellows had great sport with a bunch of officers, we have them all to instruct. Must close to Mancher Jim Jas J. Morris D Co 163 inf. August 16, 1918, Mont Richard, France Dear Folks I'm high toning you little with some of Suhr's paper he wants me to send you some of this paper as a souvenir not as a letter, he paid sixteen frs for a little box of it. I've sure had a tough time get paper, pen and a candle together all at the same time. I hope you've not worried any about letters from me lately tho. I haven't written as often as usual we been at it hard lately. I haven't from anyone for about a month if seems--our Mail is a little slow lately. We've had a good bit of bad luck with men from D. Co. lately. Corp Mattson who of course hasn't been with D Co for the last few months was killed in action some time ago. Sergeant Sieloff who was cited for bravery for capturing 37 men and a rapid fire gun was wounded and captured. Tom McGowan received word that one of his brothers was wounded the other missing. We are working and playing hard lately, this job of instructing is sure a man killer. We spent the day running around yelling and shouting at men and this evening talking with Lrozo (Duncham?) and drinking some of their light wines or listening to the Regimental band. We usually take a swim in the Cher river before supper. So you see there isn't very much to tell you because there isn't anything unusual taking place. Our track team won the meet that I told you about at St. Aignon. also a basketball game against an Ammunition train. D Co. has a fine record in this country for athletics. I'd like to get some more snapshots of the family I enjoy them immensely. It has been about a year since I've seen any of you and I'd like to see if you've changed much. I haven't heard from Bob yet but I expect to the next load of mail that comes in. I suppose "It va bien" he'd ought to do pretty well with his start. I hope your all well and (and your husband is raised to general and some of these Russian say). I am fine but working to much to suit my laziness. Jim Jas J Morris D Co 163 inf. August 18, 1918, Mont Richard. Dear Folks- To-day being sunday your part of the expeditionary force took a little rest upon itself, also wrote a few letters on to Charley Lux, Miss Walker in N. C. and one Olive Skinner. But to-morrow the force will take up its arms and drill more hommes. Miss Gardner a Y. M. C. A. woman here took a picture of me before I went on the memorable trip to Lyon and it is developed and I will sent you one of them in future tense. I haven't anything to write to you about but I suppose I'll have to do something some of the boys see fit to play "penny ante" on my bed so I cant turn in. I saw Eddie Wilkinson to-day-he is a marine-and a Great Falls boy. He was looking fine and healthy but had been wounded early in the summer. Well there being a great lack of material this evening I think Ill close this note. The force in Fr. Jim Jas J. Morris Corp D Co. 163 inf. September 5, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I just got back from week trip around about half of France and I'm about ready to take on a few days rest-when one travels in France there isn't much sleeping this place, and there isn't much eating to do--I was in Paris a couple of days had a great time of course except that I didn't have any money. I ran into Gerald Case the other day he was looking fine and was sure glad to see me and hear of our bunch here. He has had it pretty tough at least his friends. I am laying out a new camp for D. Co. we are going to be moved into tents for a while. D. Co. has been as a model company for some reason or another. I don't know what our new duty will be but D. Co. is a Model Company. They are moving us out in a big field by ourselves. I suppose they'll charge admittance of a franc to watch us work-There is no doubt about it we do work together fine. It is rumored that we will be used in instruction for lieutenants? from the States incidentally giving the officers a lot of the instruction ourselves. Captain Ohen is in command but that is the only officer we have the rest will be with for instruction. We had a little feed last night at N.C.O.s mess the officer were there-made speeches about how they liked the company-they all think like we do that we've got the only company in the Army. We took on a little Chicken, French fried potatoes, creme asparagus, a tomato and cucumber salad, oil? and several kinds of cake, cigars and had an ex-cabaret entertainer sing us songs and tell stories. He was certainly good he was from some big cabaret in Boston. The D. Co. quartet put on a few selections. I am getting anxious as the duce to hear something from you. The last I heard was written July 14 and this is the Sept 5. Adios Jim Jas J Morris Corp D. Co. 163 inf. A.E.F. September 7, 1918, Mont Richard. Dear Folks Just a note to let you know I am well etc. You are going along fine I suppose. Jimmy Lambert and myself are writing a few letters to-day having nothing else to do. I'm glad to hear Templeton is back. You want to believe what he says about us, he's right. Of course I don't say we haven't seen a little of the country and things that are going on, but right now we are in a real bomb-proof job and have good living condition. We are in a Model company. What we are for and what we are going to do I don't know. I'm very sorry that you didn't hear of me for so long, the letters are some place because I wrote to you at least twice a week. I had a letter from Bill Hill to-day she told me all about her self. I didn't think she remembered me at all. Also there are four letters from Charlotte and a bundle of papers with some cigarettes inside. A letter from Mrs. Tounsend and Natalie. I am anxious to hear from Bob but suppose he has been having to much to occupy his time being in a big city. How's the Engineering business now. I should think that the country had ought to start loosening up by this time after the first shock. Give my regards to Mrs. Wilhelen if it's the one I know from South Bend. I guess I told you I saw Gerald Caul and Frank Bradford the other day. Both well. Send me check on your bank if you decide to buy my Liberty Bond. Jim Jas J. Morris Corp D. Co. 163 inf. A. E. f. September 23, 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks I've been out of commission for a couple of days with the French itch it very annoying and painful but not anything else. I have big spots all over my body without any skin. They burn like the deuce. We not doing anything but working like the very deuce--it's getting be a grind--we're up at six and in bed by nine-thirty every night and for the instructors it's work every minute. I wish I could get out for a couple of weeks vacation but I never have the "Jack". If you gotten my liberty bond I wish you'd put it to my credit and send me some checks on that bank. I am intending to go on a furlough In the middle of Oct. and I hope to have enough money if you do that little thing. Our bunch here is being broken here and I think it won't be long until we all separated. Oscar Anderson was made a sergeant and transferred to Division Hdq. And Jeff Hain was transfer to the same place yesterday & Dap Jones is not with us any more. There is still Suhr, Lambert, Foueck, Steel, McGowan, and Krieger and myself here out of the thirteen that left the Falls. Jake and Barber are still at a Fort where we left them last winter. I wrote a letter to Mrs Junkin the other day and I hope you have gone to see her. It appears that she didn't hear a thing from any of these fellows here that was a shame but the censor had something to do with it. I got Pete's letter and picture the other day, fish hook and piece of string say that was some letter, tell Pete that it was fine. According to this picture he hasn't changed a bit. I started to write Ted a letter the other day but didn't mail it. Tell him to drop me a line. I haven't had a word from Bob for several weeks-can't you give me his address. Dad too hasn't written to me for several months and in fact I haven't gotten any mail at all for a couple of months until I got these letters yesterday. Well I hope you'll consider that 16 months in France deserves a little recreation and send me a piece of money. I intend to go in the middle of October. Hope you all well. With Love Jim Jas. J. Morris. Corp. D. 163 inf. September October 1918, Mont Richard France Dear Folks Comment Allez vous aujiurt hue. Well you see by that I speak French perfectly. There's not many fellows in France that could learn all that in 9 or dix mois. My life right here is just one round of interesting things--I got up at reveille and got to breakfast on time-then I went to work and then ate dinner etc. Well devilish interesting all the time. I've got an hour or so this afternoon with nothing to do so I think I'll write letters to you for a month ahead. Bert Fousek left us yesterday to go to a school. I don't know whether he'll come back to this outfit again or not. I'm not getting any mail to speak of lately from home-I'd like to know what's doing there now and again. Jimmie Lambert has been away on a furlough to some leave center--the place is some mysterious country and I suppose he down tearing? over the hills simulating Montana. I haven't heard any thing from Bob. Yet I suppose he's "hitting the ball". I am going to write to him to-day. Love to all Jim Jas. J. Morris September 28, 1918, American Y.M.C.A., on active service with the American expeditionary Force stationery. Dear Folks This is sunday morning and I'm not in much of a mood for writing letters-a man by rights ought to be in bed--but it's a decision of whether one eats breakfast or does without and sleeps--I ate breakfast this morning and I don't like the arrangement. I wonder if have any "pull" with the school board there if you have I'd like to have you use a little of it for me. A diplomas from a high school is going to help me very much in the near future--that is in the course of the next few months and if it's possible I'd like to have one granted to me by the school board. The diploma will be worth a whole lot to me and I think it will be worth the work. You'll have to do to get it. Rae being gone I'd ought to have enough pull with some of the teachers to get a good recommendation. I hope you can translate this letter this noble YMCA"s paper and a sharp pen combine to make a fine mess. Love to all-I'll answer those letters of yours when I have some paper and ula I don't feel so much like swearing. Jim Jas J Morris Corp D. Co 163 inf. JIM MORRIS WAS IN OFFICER'S TRAINING SCHOOL A. E. F. Nov 13, 1917, Valbonne France, (this letter is dated 1917, but he probably meant 1918. Dear Folks The country has been absolutely wild-since the signing of the armistice the French people have broken out-cut loose and are sure celebrating-All one hears is Viva l (something) America, France, Belgian, Angle Lene or a score of other countries or armies. They've got a celebration coming after four years and a half of this stuff. Well I guess we're all out of war and we're sure figuring on getting home to the old "Etats Noris". It may be several months before we cut it but we'll do it. I'll not have any time to tell you what I've been doing in the last few weeks for some time but here's hoping Ill tell you all that when I have a birthday party in the old home shine?. Must close this note until next possibility I'm well, happy, and progressing somewhat. I hope you all well by now. With Love Jim Can. Jas J. Morris La Velbonne (Ain) U. S. Infry Nov 1917, La Valbone (ain) THIS LETTER IS DATED 1917 BUT HE POSSIBLY MEANT 1918 I'm sending you some CoJ.? of the wall here--one of the best camps I've seen since I've been in France. Great rumors running about here now everybody hears that their outfit is going back right away. Everyone wants to go to this own outfits etc. All they can think of is school but the states first. There is absolutely no news to write you know more about the war news than I do--I'm in the school learning a bunch of stuff that I hope I'll never have to use anyway.--was in Lyon the other day it certainly is great place when they celebrate the people go wild. Bar none it was the greatest sight I ever saw the people danced and sang and Frolic about in the street like to wild mess? sometime I'll tell you all about it. Must close until I write this letter to Dad that's due to be written the 24th of Nov. Jim Candidate James J Morris. 11th Co Army Cand. School. La Valbonne (ain) U. S. Army THIS LETTER IS MISSING BUT A XEROX COPY EXISTS. Nov. 18, 1918, La Valbonne. (Ain) Dear Folks Sure a great job to write a letter now, nothing to write about, it's all over; thats the way my news is. All we do is wonder where the outfit is going go back. I'm not with the old Co. any more you know, but there is still quite a bunch of us together, Oscar Anderson, Tom McGowan, John Fogarty, Ernest Steel Jeff Olsen and myself are together. Then we have two others of D. Co. here that you don't know, George Baker of Dillon and Mortime, of Wash. D. C. 8 from our old Co. make it pretty nice-we sure hate to get split up, we had some family about 50 of us this evening. Say that's great dope that guy Led Lloyd with a commission--some one? find hard for a commissioned officer. They want to keep those guys in the states--the corporals over here drill those kind of guys. A Commissioned officer here don't get by on the style clothes he wears. Tootsie tells me she lost the family goose well that's bad you don't want to run short of commissanes now because the old soldier will be streaming in there in a couple of months to show he really can tear down the larder. You can tell Miss Rankin what I think of such things as appointing right now--I'll soldier, in war time, but where the war over I .....................part of letter missing. Carl Suhr was made sergeant in D. co. just I left he took mine or took my place as sergeant. Carl was my bunkie All summer, he sure is a first class man. Carl and I got some souvenirs from the front when we went up there in the middle of July we were going to send home, but it's almost impossible to get anything censured so I sold mine to a Y. M. C. A. man in Paris. You asked me what duties of a gas Non-Com. was well he stalls around and inspects gas-masks and warmiers?, devices and all that old stuff but he's done now finished. Well with these of dope that you'll ??? of the little experience and I'm not improving you wrongly?: I say I'm ready to get back to old U. S. A. I hope you all well and happy Jim Can. Jas. J. Morris 11th Co. Army Cand. School. La Valbonne (ain) U. S. Army. France Dec 11, 1918, La Valbonne (ains) Dear Folks I was in Lyon Sunday and sent you a little souvenir-Mother can ornament the library table with it if she considers it a fit ornament. It's a piece of Leather stamped goods with the 'Cog Gaulois" or "Le cog De La Victoire". It's supposed to be good Luck in France and this good cock was supposed to have brought France victory. Personally I think this said cock must represent American Money. Have you still got Ni Nette it Rin tin tin the good Luck dolls of the Parisience. If I get in the states down South again I'll send you some Coon's Rabbitfoot for good Luck and they put horse shoes over the door and told about luck we'll win all the jack. Bob hasn't condescended to write to me for three months but he generally tells me about football and he don't want to mention the way Annapolis got beat by the "Gobs" at the great Lakes Training Station. No news in particular only that I've been at this School. I expect to be out of the army by the 17th of April 1919 so I'll have chance to make a piece of money before school term next year. By the way Dap Jones was assigned to the army of occupation so you see a commission is a rather doubtful prize. A sergeant has a good job in a good outfit too. Well I'm going make a piece of money when I get home-being as that's about the best thing I lack. I hope you have that bond by now that will make us even. As Ever Jim Cant. James J Morris Army Candidate School La Valbonne (ain) France December 15, 1917, La Velbonne (ain) THIS IS DATED 1917 BUT PROBABLY SHOULD READ 1918 Dear Folks I got your letters to-day with the Blank cheque in it. Thank you very much but they are too late now as you know. I have heard lots about flu in the states-seems to be knocking out lots of people. I hope that none of you get it-in fact I'm quite worried about you--that's bad stuff I had a couple of times this summer and it nearly knocked me off. Be careful. They are working out some kind of an educational school over here now, whereby a soldier can take up a course in school while he is waiting for his turn to go home. It's possible to go to almost any English University-Oxford, Cambridge etc. and a number of French universities have a course for English people--Beaux arts-- in Paris for one. Well a soldier gets the regular pay and computation of quarters and rations while he goes to school if he has the "jack" to defray the expenses of tuition, books and other incidentals. I put in my name as wanting to take up a course of some kind and preferably to take up a law course at Oxford, but of course that depends upon what you people say to a proposition like that. Oxford being so close at hand at the cost of traveling and living greatly reduced I think it's a wonderful opportunity. I hope you people won't procrastinate on this matter and let me know immediately to what extent you are backing me, so that I can act accordingly. The program starts the first of January. Will write you tomorrow and give you more dope if possible as it is that is all I know about the matter With Love--I hope you've had a merry Christmas--Jim Candidate Jas J. Morris Army Candidate School La Val bonne (Ain) France. JIM MORRIS GRADUATED FROM OFFICER'S TRAINING SCHOOL AT LA VAL BONNE AND WAS ELIGIBLE FOR COMMISSION AS 2ND LEUT. BUT ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED BY THIS TIME. HE WAS GRANTED AN APPOINTMENT AS SECOND LIEUTENANT, INFANTRY SECTION, FEBRUARY 1, 1919 IN THE RESERVE CORP., RECORDED JULY 23, 1919. January 20, 1918, Menton, Alpes Mantinse THIS IS DATED 1918 BUT HE PROBABLY MEANT 1919. The school let out the day before yesterday and this is vacation--real vacation--sure is tough--I sit here with pen in hand and look out over the Mediterranean sea--basking in the sun light. Yes our officer's school let out and I passed everything all O. K. and got every thing but the main thing the commission. As you know the war department issued an order stating that no more commissions would be granted. They gave us certificates recommending us for commission, as 2nd Lieutenants. Of course its tough to put up with, but a man has to at one of those officers schools and then not get the commission but still at the same time the certificate is a good recommendation for business purposes at that I suppose. As I understand it the 41st division is leaving for the States soon but as I'm not with them any more I'll not go back so soon. I am in the most wonderful part France at Manton, on the Riviera about twenty Kilometers from Nice. I almost feel as tho the hardship I had in the last year well payed for--down here--won't spoil it by trying to describe it with my clumsy impression but it's wonderful as the best I've ever seen. The alpes and the sea all here together and it's a combination that can't be beaten. Its tough to make decisions here I don't know whether to go to Italy or to Nice or to Monte Carlo to-morrow. I just came in from a little promenade along the sea shore along the cape Martin where prince of Monaco has a homestead. I enjoy the view of the sea from there. I am going to send you some of those post cards like I have sent you of several places I have been in before. Also I have a bunch of snaps that I am going to have developed and sent to you the rest mostly all taken in Lyon. Send me Henry Hamiltons company and regiment, Dict, etc. and I'll see what I can do to find out about him. I may run onto some one from his outfit and maybe someone who knew him and find out about when he died and how it happened. Will write you again soon I dine at 1.00 and it's nearly that now. There is a dance at the casino tonight too that I must take in. With Love Sgt. James J. Morris D Co 163 inf U. S. A JAMES MORRIS ARRIVED IN THE U. S. MARCH 26, 1919. HE WAS DISCHARGED THE 25 APRIL 1919 WITH THE RANK AS SERGEANT. The Great Falls Tribune of July 7, 1960 has a picture of some of the members of the reunion of Co. D 163 Infantry. The article says "AFTER 41 YEARS--T. E. (Deacon) Bledsoe (seated center), a member of D Company 162rd Infantry, with several men from Great Falls and vicinity during Worlk War I, visited Great Falls recently to renew friendships with his Army buddies he had not seen since 1919. Local members of D Company shown here with Bledsoe are Albert E. Fousek (standing right) and James J. Morris (seated left). Dr John Thompson (standing left, a former Cascade area resident and Paul Jones (seated right), friends of Bledsoe, accompanied him here from Winston-Salem N.C. Other former D Company members Bledsoe visited here were Carl Suhr, Ernest Steel, William C. Hodges, Otto Neilson, Henry Mul and Emmett Jackman all of Great Falls and Frank Logston of Simms." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JAMES JOSEPH MORRIS By Laela Jo Morris Lindner James Joseph Morris was born 27 July 1899 at Indianapolis, IN, the son of Martin Luther Morris and Mary Wealthy Kimball Morris. He had younger brothers, Robert (Bob), Harold (Ted), & Russel (Pete), and a sister Helen. The family moved to Great Falls, Montana in 1910, where his father, a civil engineer, went to supervise the construction of the water works in Great Falls. Jim went to school in Great Falls and enlisted in the Army with many of his friends, , apparently without a high school diploma. His being in the Army was difficult for his Father, as the Morris family were Quakers, and as pacifists, none of his Morris family had ever been in the Military since the 1600. After his dischared from the Army, he did manage to go to the University of Montana in Missoula for one year where he was a Signa Chi and member of the football team. Before his second year of college, his Father lost his job as City Engineer of Great Falls (because the democrats had elected a new mayor), and Jim and his Father bought some trucks and began contracting in road construction. About 1936 the Morris Construction Company was established by Jim and his Father. Soon, his Father got his job back as City Engineer (the republicans were in office then) and Jim ran the company. They build numerous roads and bridges in the state of Montana, including the first paved road in the Crow Reservation, and part of the Going to the Sun highway in Glacier park. On the 3rd of January 1928, in Butte, MT. he married Beulah Faye Kelley, the daughter of Charles H. Kelley, county commissioner of Judith Basin Co., and Minnie Florance Zilliox Kelley. In 1929, about the time I was born, Jim was diagnosed as a brittle diabetic. From that time one, he was totally disabled. His brother Ted was called from college, and together with his Father, they ran the Morris Construction Company, which survived until 1936 when their Father died. About 1932, land was opened for homesteading on the Fairfield Bench. Father & Mother proved up the homestead. Jim is credited with being responsible for the electrification of the Fairfield Bench. Because of Father's very severe insulin reactions, living on the farm so far from a hospital became impossible and the family moved to Great Falls, where my Mother taught in the Great Falls High School for the next 35 years. Father spent the rest of his life in study. He spoke fluent French, Spanish and some Russian. Philosophy was a major love. He became an expert in the Stock Market, Agriculture & Geology. Most of the members of Co. D, 163 infantry, remained close friends and many reunions were held. James Joseph Morris died 26 Oct 1964, and is buried in Highland Cemetery at Great Falls, MT