NEWS: Francis CARL Writes Home, 1918, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA

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FRANCIS CARL WRITES WHILE GOING ACROSS
Parents Hear from Son, Now in France With Forty-ninth Engineers

  Mr. and Mrs. Benton Carl, of Spruce street, have received a very 
interesting letter from their son, Francis Clair Carl, of company B, Forty-
ninth Engineers, in France, that was written on the way over, describing the 
trip most entertainingly.  The letter follows in part:
  On Board, July 16, 1918 - To Home Hearties:  'Tis all of you I have 
unceasingly thought of during the entire monotonous and so far uneventful 
voyage across the wide Atlantic.  I am way down here in my perfectly good 
state room and will do my utmost to word you a letter that cannot be mailed 
until we land somewhere.
  It is Tuesday, the 16th day of July, and I am hungry as a mermaid.  Had 
three hits of hen fruit for breakfast and some real war bread, too.  We chew 
it off just like we used to see the foreigners do when digging trenches about 
town, though we have knife, fork and spoon.  We are having physical exercise 
daily and just came below from this.  While going through these some one 
sighted a supposed whale off the starboard, though no more than its head 
could be seen.  It spouted some water above, so I guess it was a whale. 
  On our way over we also saw several large fish which were said to be 
porpoises.  Also saw quite a few flying fish.  Not many of us would believe 
the old stuff we saw in our books, but today it is a reality.  They are 
small, probably eight or ten inches, maybe smaller, and they do not rise more 
than a few inches above water, though they were seen to sail some fifty feet.
  Passed a couple ships on the way over, which caused a little talk to help 
break the monotony.  Have been exceptionally well at all times.  Just got a 
call to go up to "C" deck to take a salt shower bath.  It is cold, too, but 
you have to do it though, as they check you up.  After about twenty-five 
minutes I am back again, after going through that trying and shivering 
ordeal.  Not a bit the worse (ha!  ha!) either, after it is done with.  Feel 
good now.
  Our engines seem to be working untiringly to get us across.  After 
hearing the drumming awhile from below decks, you almost forget you are on a 
ship.  Sunday last there were some sports held on our ship.  Each company had 
a chance to look on.  Had my noon mess now, and out kits we wash in salt 
water.  It leaves them sort of greasy and to get it off you must use a cloth.  
Had beans, rice, soup and beef today.
  Would like to tell you more about everything but one must be careful what 
he writes.  There are plenty of books on board, so that those who wish can 
bury their heads in them and forget all else.  This is a new day.  Passed 
some large fish.  Have seen some very pretty sunsets over the foam-capped 
waves and enjoy watching "old Sol" disappear below the horizon.  Tell my 
friends that I am well and happy and give them all my best regards.
  Your loving son and brother,
        PRIVATE F. C. CARL,
    Company B, Forty-ninth Engineers, American E. F.

Altoona Tribune, Monday morning, August 12, 1918, page 2