Letter, May 6, 1919

[Letter on color stationery of the American Red Cross.]

Paul B Hendrickson
Hdq. co. 129 Inf.
A.E.F.

May 6 [1919]

Dear Father and mother -

Today we are playing at the warve for departing troops. Nice place here. The red cross has very extensive accomidations for soldiers - can care for them hundreds at a time. The place here where we slept on the ground with our pup tents for shelter - now - in less than eleven months is one city of barracks & nessessary equipment for the handling of two divisions of men at a time - in other words - accomidation for over 70 000 men. paved streets & board side walks. I could hardly believe my eyes as we marched into the place where but a few months ago, was bare fields & we were the first to sleep in them. Our mess hall feeds 7000 men in 40 minutes and fine food. prepared tasty and in our barracks we are furnished two extra blankets; and with our three - makes it comfortable for us. We came in here last Friday morning about 2 oclock. We hope to be out again soon. Those old boats out in the arbor look most inviting and I never had such a desire to get on one, before. We know nothing definate when we will sail.

Well I've seen the women of many countries and no joking, it give you a wonderful feeling of pleasure to see - meet & talk with American women again. They give a home like feeling to a red cross and Y hut that you can't feel in a good french home or any other over here I know of. They get out & play ball with the boys here, and do all they can for their entertainment. Well good luck to the boys leaving today - hope to be with you soon myself - with more thots of love for you, than there is miles that part us I am as ever

Your loving son Paul B.