1917

Roy Lawler

June 25, 1917

19:31

To: Mr. Roy Lawler

This summer will be my first journey to the battlefield. I'm terrified. I've heard that the cannons and artillery were often extremely loud. I don't know if I'll be coming home anytime soon, if at all. I just don't want to leave my family alone without any prospects. I don't want to do this. The First Division of the US troops arrived in France just this morning, which includes myself. Please keep me in your prayers. I cannot even begin to stress how I have feared this moment. Roy, I have a favor to ask of you. If you never do anything again, at least do me this. Please don't speak of this to my sister or Joan. If they worry, it will only cause them pain. Please watch over Alice. I hope she is getting better as the doctor said she was. It has been so long since I last saw her. I fear she has already grown into a young woman in the place of the frail child I remember her as. I feel as if I have gotten thinner. With so many men ready to fight and not enough to eat, it is a wonder that we haven't exhausted our sustenance. Please make sure my sister is eating well. Tell her I am doing well so she does not worry over me. Tell her that I learnt that dogs were used to carry messages in capsules attached to their body so we might entertain her love of animals. I know this is much to ask, but this might very well be the last letter I write. I truly am frightened. Send my best regards to your wife and child.

Sincerely,

Private Anthony Harvey