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The Oelwein Register
Oelwein, Fayette Co., Iowa
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1918
Page Seven
BRINKMAN TELLS OF TRIP ACROSS
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The Next Day After His Arrival in A French Port
He writes His Parents in Oelwein.
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Dear Mother and Father -- Hello everybody, how
is everything at home. Am feeling fine and dandy. We arrived here this
afternoon and we will unload tomorrow morning. We sure had a fine trip
but I found out one thing, I never was intended for a sailor. I sure
will be glad to get my feet on solid ground tomorrow.
We were twenty six days coming across but we were in a large convoy and
no danger of submarines. We never sighted any until just off the coast
of France. Some say we sighted four and sank three of them, but I can't
say for sure. The first two days out were stormy and most of us got
seasick. I guess the work made some use seasickness for a gag. Each of
us had twelve horses to feed and take care of, after a day or so out it
wasn't any trouble at all to take care of them.
I don't know whether they will place us with the regiment or put us in a
remnant station. I hope we go back to the regiment, but no one seems to
know where it is around here.
As soon as we pulled up to the dock French soldiers and civilians were
asking for cigarettes and tobacco. They say both are hard to get over
here. It sure seems queer to hear everyone talking French and you can't
understand a bit of it. It sounds easy though and will all be able to
understand in a short while though.
I'm glad we're going to get off here and be able to get a full meal. I
guess I am to excited to write now, and before we docked I could have
filled a book. A bunch of fellows got civilians to bring them cognac and
wines and a bunch of them are sure feeling fine. I am off of it. I've
heard enough about different things to keep off of it.
I don't know how much I am allowed to write about, so I'll just write
and trust to luck that the censors don't take all the news out of this
letter. I don't know how far we are from the firing line but we won't be
there for quite a while yet, so don't worry any. They say they aren't
using the artillery very much any way so you see it will be quite a
while before we see action. Every body seems to think the war will be
over by July and I guess they are right.
Say, I can't think of anything to write about tonight so will close.
I'll write and tell you all the news I'm allowed to. Give my love to all
the boys and a big hug and kiss for each of you. Tell the boys to write
when you answer.
Your loving son,
MARTIN
Supply Co. 15th F.A.
Base Station No 2 S.A.R.A.E.F.
France