Will try and drop you a few lines this Saturday evening. Have not heard from you since I have been in France, but I suppose that is due to the large amount of mail that is coming over here and my mail has gotten lost or is stored up some place waiting for transportation. I certainly would like to hear how everybody is at home although I very seldom get homesick, and when I do it doesn't last long. We have had some very cold weather her this winter and on new deep show, but for the last week it has been pretty warm and we have enjoyed a little sunshine in France. I suppose you have been getting the money which I allotted to you. And I also took out an insurance and you had ought to get some kind of a statement from the people with who I took the insurance. I am living in very good quarters and getting very good food to eat although there is no deserts and those good after meal dishes that we got at home. But the more substantial food such as meat, beans, potatoes and bread. Some of the French people are very good to us and some of them are a little more selfish and living for themselves only. But the majority are hard working people and the women doing men's work we cannot expect much from them. We are in a small village of about four or five hundred inhabitants and it is very interesting here the buildings and mode of living being so much different from ours. I get a New York Herald and a Chicago Tribune daily for the officer to whom I am orderly and in reading these papers I get a little news. These two papers are printed in Paris. Well Father will appreciate a letter soon and as often as you have time to write. Will close hoping to have some news next time that will pass the censor. Your affectionate Son, Clarence. Co L. 166 US Inf. A.E. F. P. O. 703 * * * * * * * * * * (YMCA Stationery) Somewhere in France Jan 31, 1918 Dear Father: Received your letter day before yesterday that was written the 25th of December. Certainly was pleased to hear from you and to hear that everybody was well. I wrote to you a few days ago and said that I heard nothing from you since arriving in France, so I hope this letter catches it before it reaches America. They told me that my appliance for insurance was O. K. And that you would in time get the policy. But I don't think they know any more about it than I do. So I guess it will have to go as it is. But as some of the insurances that went in the mine came back to the boys and mine didn't so it must be all right. Well, pop, I certainly will be glad when the war is over and we get to come home but until it is, I am going to do my duty and stand up for old glory wherever I go. I get homesick once in a while but not very often. Was certainly surprised to hear of Bernard Smith's death but I guess that the rest of my old school mates are in the army somewhere in France or in America. I am lucky enough to get to read an American paper once in a while and it seems as though the German aeroplanes are going everywhere. I seen where they dropped bombs in Paris a couple of nights ago, but I guess from the way the papers read that they didn't do any damage. The weather had been very nice here for the last two or three weeks, but I hear that America is getting much snow and cold weather. So I suppose that it will be summer here before it is over there although some of the French people here tell me that we can expect much more snow yet before the winter is over. Nearly all the boys are receiving wooden boxes of fruit cakes and candy from home which seem to cheer them more than any thing else. I got a box from the people that I worked for made up by friends. And also a box of home made candy from Mary. News isn't plentiful and it is nearing my time for bed so will close hoping to hear from you soon. I remain Your affectionate Son Clarence Co. L 166 U. S. Inf. A. E. F. P. O. 703 * * * * * * * * * * Co. L 166 U. S. Inf. A. E. F. P. O. 703 [No date] Dear Father: Will try and drop you a few lines this evening have had a pretty bad cold for the last two days but feel much better this evening. I suppose the people in the U. S. Are making up for the nice weather we are having although I see in the papers where spring is coming early this year and I hope that part of the sunshine has reached Vincent. In al probability I will be in a place for some time that is for two or three weeks that I will not get to write but I will if I possibly can. Well, father, I am glad to hear that you have added another pleasure to your farm and be sure and don't run into a telephone pole before I get home as that had ought to be left for me to do ha! Ha! Well, I hope I have a chance to try it by fall. News as usual is very scarce so will close hoping to hear from you soon I remain Your Affectionate Son, Clarence. * * * * * * * * * * * March 2, 1918 Dear Father: and Mother, Sisters, and Brother. I feel as though I have been slighting someone by addressing all my letters to you, but I have been sending my love and best wished to all in every letter. I am up now and running around although I am not working but I am feeling fine. Was operated on two weeks and two days ago as you probably already know by my last letter. U suppose you will receive this by Easter as I hope you will, but by then I will be hunting Easter eggs. But you must never worry because I feel a kind of inner happiness in doing what I am doing, and even if I must suffer a little, look what the future world may benefit by it. Well, I am enjoying the sight of a beautiful snow this morning. Large flakes are falling thick past the window by which I am sitting and each flake seems to be a message form heaven and the fill my heart with joy. But may to God they do not bother the work or interfere with the warmth of the loyal fellows and my own comrades that are in the trenches. With my best wishes to all for a happy Easter, I remain Your Loving Son Clarence. * * * * * * * * * * C. L. 166, U. S. Inf. A. E. F. PO 703 No Date, soon after Easter [March 31]. Dear Father: Will try and drop you a few lines this afternoon. I am still among the living and in splendid health. The operation which I had about two months ago has brought back to me my good health, and I am feeling better than I have for two or three years and now weight more than I have since landing in France. I hope everything is going on well at home and I am glad that you are where you are now instead of in town as it seems to me you have the advantage of not having to buy much while prices are so high. We had a splendid Easter Sunday here, and I would of liked to help hide the eggs for Mildred and the little young man, but I enjoyed myself here to a certain extent as the YMCA gave an entertainment here and it certainly was a splendid performance. One of them was the best violin player I ever heard. I have seen a great many places in France having been her nearly six months but with their beautiful ancient works of art they cannot compete in beautifulness with the Modern Good U. S.A. I have not been in Paris yet except to pass, rather by it than through it. And a couple of other places of importance but I hope to see them yet before I return. Of course I realize I am here for a purpose and after that is finished I can enjoy myself and hope to see all of France and a few other places. Spring has set in just right, and we are having some fine weather but a little rain dulls some of the days, but the rain of course makes the fields a little greener. Has the insurance policy reached you yet? And I wold like to hear, once in a while, about the progress of the wells in W. Va and also the ups and downs of remaining relatives there. One thing especially was Ora drafted? And if he was, was he exempted? I heard that Okey White and a few of those fellows had to leave. But I hope no more than wished to go, and it hurts a little when you see the shores of the States fading in the distance. But dad I, for some cause or other, am happier than I ever was before in my life, as I know that behind the dark clouds the sun is shining, and one of these days the sun will break through the clouds. And also ir seems great to be a small cog in a great large machine for humanity. Do you remember telling me that someday I would see many things that you often told me, in a much different light than I than did. Of course I now have began to change and will try to make up for some of the past and also for the change I am now in a different way, enjoying life from nature rather than from the thoughts of a foolish boy. Well, let us hope that everything ends well. I have no doubt but that the war ends soon and then I am going to stay at home for a little while at least. Must close as mess call is blowing and supper will soon be ready. Write soon and often. Your affectionate son, Clarence G. McDonald, Co. L, 166 U. S. Inf. A. E. F. PO 703. (Name three spaces below, no reason indicated. ) Henry C. Peyton, 1 Lt. 168 Inf. . * * * * * * * * * * * Hospital Unit H AEFOAS April 20, 1918 (U. S. Postmark May 22) Dear Mother: Your letter of Easter arrived today and was certainly glad to hear from you and that everybody was well and hope that infernal rheumatism leaves pop alone and that he might along better. Got a letter from Grandmother White today also the first I received since landing in France from any of them. She wanted to know about that money that was left to me, and if Father had charge of it. Am answering her letter tonight telling her yes so she won't kick on letting him have it. We are situated now in a large town surrounded by a wall about seventy-five feet high in places. The Germans would never be able to take this place even if they did get back this far, which they won't. I guess I am to stay with this Hospital all time now but of course am not sure. My old company is up at the front or at least they were the last I heard. Just met one of them down street the other day. He was shot thru the hand and having gotten well was returning to the front. I would like very much to go up myself but would not like to live there. Certainly would of liked to have been home Easter. I am sure with all of those people there you must of all enjoyed the day. I suppose Mary graduated all O. K. I hope so anyway. Oh yes can talk French pretty good but get a little mixed up in the tenses and persons. Have not been able to secure a French Belle yet. In fact have not even seen any yet although there are a few young ladies here and there. The French people are very queer in many ways. They still cook in the old style of fireplace and hanging kettle. But some of them certainly prepare fine meals. I ate Xmas dinner with one family last year and had a dandy meal. Wild Boar for one thing and of course the rest was French style. They always serve meals in courses, at least they did everyplace I have eaten. Would like to have the car over here so could travel around a little and see more of the country. But have been all over France except southwestern part either by train or walking. Got one automobile ride though and that was to the hospital. Ha! Ha! Time is short this P. M. So must close. And. Soon. Your son Clarence McDonald. Hospital Unit H. AEFOAS Hospital Unit H. A. E. F. April 21, 1918 Dear Father: Will attempt to write a few lines this lonesome afternoon. I am in excellent health since my operation except a cold now and then have gained much in weight, 190 pounds I rather judge is my limit, but I have reached that mark. I hope everything is going on well at home. I suppose Carl and Grace have changed since I last saw them. And Mary I suppose finished school this spring. I am now with a hospital unit doing hospital work, and I do not know what they will do with me next whether they will send me back to my original company or keep me within this unit. I have certainly gotten in with a nice bunch of new York boys and would like to stay with them if I can but that is not for me to decide. I have done a little of everything now since being in France. I was with a bunch of engineers, and the artillery and did some work back at headquarters and am now with a hospital unit. I am sure that everything is being done to whip the dirty Germans and I hope it won't take much longer. I am very lucky to be in a place now where I can get a paper and a magazine read once in a while. When next you write, write to the following address. your loving son, Pvt. Clarence G. McDonald, Hospital Unit H.A. E. F. and it will be forwarded to me if I am not here. Hospital Unit H. AEFOAS May, 1918 Dear Mother: Am answering the letter I received the other day, and anyway, Mother's Day is here and I cannot help writing. I am enjoying life in France fine but deep down I wold rather be back home. Was very glad to get that newspaper clipping and would be very glad to get all of them that concerns any one I know. I was surprised to hear of George Putnam being in the aviation core as I met him just before I left passing through our place on a sort of excursion trip with a bunch of fellows from Marietta. I have not yet met any of those fellows that came over earlier than I did but am in hopes of doing so. I enjoyed the trip coming over, but cannot describe it ad I would like too as it would not pass the censor, and you see I am hoarding many things away to tell when I get home. I hope pop is not having any more trouble with his rheumatism and is having things running smooth now. I am going to drop him a card some time next week as the YMCA has given us a kind of a postal card which are very nice to get in touch with the people back in the states. I am feeling fine and am now with a Hospital unit but do not know for sure whether I will stay Here or not. Must close as news is very scarce. Tell Mildred, Grace, and Carl that I sent a kiss and a hellow and may God grant that they have a Mother's day at my age. I remain your soldier boy PVT. Clarence G. McDonald Hospital Unit H. A. E. F. P. O. May 23, 1918 Dear Father: Received you letter of April 17 and was very glad to hear from you and to hear that everyone is will. Am glad that you know think I did right in joining C. L. If you know what I do now. As I have talked to many refugees from the front who have been driven from their homes since the beginning of the war, you would still be more pleased with me. I was talking to a man the other evening who with his mother and eleven year old daughter ia refugee and is wife and two older daughters are now prisoners in Germany working at god only knows what. There was another raid on London night before last and another on Paris last night, but I suppose you know about those as soon as I do. A bunch of the fellows went fishing from the hospital here as a lake about two miles from here and I guess they caught about 80 counting the very small ones, so you see it isn't so hard right now, but I am making up for what I went through last winter and what I may have to go thru in the future. But dad there seems to be an inner feeling of gladness that makes one overlook the few hardships, and in general I am having a good time and enjoying everything especially this fine weather and France in its beautiful cloak of green and here and there a rose tint. From the yard where we are now located we can see for miles out across the fields and small valleys and being upon Hospital Unit H.A. E. F. g. Would like to send some postcards of France but am afraid by the time I get a chance to get them the censors will stop them from going through. You said that you had gotten my last allotment. Well just a few weeks after I made the first allotment out for six mo. I made another out for the period of the war so it had ought to continue coming to you so in your next letter le me know if you are getting it or not and if you have heard from it or not. Did you get my insurance policy yet? Let me know about everything that happens. I guess that will be the way of asking, then won't have to name them all. Got a letter from Grandmother White. She spoke about that W. Va. money so i suppose it is all right. Well, must close as I want to answer a couple more letters this evening before going to bed. so ans soon and send all the news. have not received the box yet, but suppose I will before long. Your affectionate son Pvt. Clarence G. McDonald. Hospital Unit H.A. E. F. O. A. S. 42 division Co. L. 166 U. S. Inf. A. E. F. P. O. 703 June 5, 1918 Dear Father and all of the rest. Thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and happy and I suppose that is the reason I am leaving the hospital today tyo return to my Co. I suppose. and where they are I do not know butI guess up at the front someplace. The weather here is fine and I do not see hoe the Germans are ever going to do anything more now but I guess they have done enough meanness to last them a few hundred years. Well dad haven't much time but will write later and tell some news that I happen to have. Ans. soon. Your affectionate Son Pvt. Clarence McDonald. 42 division Co. L. 166 U. S. Inf. A. E. F. P. O. 703 June 11, 1918, Postcard Dear Father: Am dropping you a card this evening as I leave here in about ten minutes, so cannot write much. Am going to the Company and am feeling fine am now at St. Aignon the first small town name I could give. But will soon be far form here. Write soon. Your son. From a Marietta newspaper, name and date not given: C. M. McDonald received the following letter from First Lieutenant Leon Miesse, concerning the death of his son, Clarence, who was reported missing in action: Dear Sir:– As commanding officer of the organization of which your son was a member, I feel it my duty to write you concerning his death in action. The company had just been relieved in the early morning of July 19th, 1918, and he was passing down a trench on his way to the rear, when an enemy shell landed quite near him, you son being killed instantly. Owing to the fact that we were leaving the sector, it was impossible for any of the company to care for his remains, but he as carefully buried by our French comrades in arms the next morning. The location of the grave has been reported to the Grave Registration Bureau, and his grave carefully marked to make identification possible so that after the war you may learn the exact location of his grave, which is within a short distance of where he made the supreme sacrifice for his Flag and Country. He was a fine soldier and his sterling qualities will be greatly missed by his comrades in the company. Yours very respectfully, LEON W. MIESSE, 1st Lieutenant, U. S. A. 166th Infantry.