The Wortham Journal newspaper - Wortham, Freestone County, Texas
Feb 14, 1919 edition, Page 1

This is a letter written back home that was published in the local paper.

"Jeff Murphy a German Prisoner Two Months

Nichy, France, Dec 20, 1918.

Mrs. J. W. Murphy,
                         Wortham, Texas.
Dear Mother and Home Folks:
I will write you a few lines to let you hear from me.  It has been some time
since I have had a chance to write home.  I wrote two letters after I was made
a prisoner, but I don't believe they went through, but I am sure you heard from
me through the Red Cross.  The Red Cross can do most anything.  I was sick most
of the time I was a prisoner, but now I am back.  Getting the good treatment
that they American soliders get.  I am getting fat again, so you need not worry
about me.  I know that I will be home before long; it may be a few months, but
that won't be very long.

I was a prisoner just two months, and I will never forget it.  I will not tryy
to tell you how I was captured and how I was treated; will tell you when I get
back home.  I am sure I will go back to my company; they are some where near
the line I am sure.  I don't believe there will be any more war, but if it
should start again I am more anxious to help whip them than ever before,
because I know more about them now.

Dec. 24.  I am well and having a good time; everything is lively here now, and
we are expecting a nice Christmas; think all of the Americans will have turkey
for Christmas dinner.

How is everything with you?  I have not heard from you in about three months,
but I hope everything is O.K.

I did not get wounded at all, but I had a piece of my legging shot off, and a
few sharpnel hit my helmet; so you see I have been lucky.

It is about supper time and I will have to close; will write again soon.  Don't
answer this until you hear from me again because I don't know where I will go
from here.  Don't worry about me.

Your loving son,
Jeff D. Murphy."