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Bessenheim, Germany
Jan 20th, 1919

Dear Folks

I has [sic] been a long time since I have had an opportunity to write I have seen a lot of country since writing you I went from Dijon France to Coblenz Germany with a train of Ford trucks Then from Coblenz to Treve with a train of big German trucks I am now in a small town south of Coblenz by the name of Bessenheim I certainly saw some beautiful scenery especialy [sic] all along the valley of the Moiselle river The weather is very mild with seldom a freeze. The country here is mountainous and the principal product is grapes 




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The heavy work is done with oxen The people treat us fine They give us coffee and things to eat frequently, but the best thing of all is to be given the use of a feather bed I can talk to them a little but cannot carry on a conversation very freely I can usually make them understand what I want The German trucks are not much good I don't see how they used them to very good advantage They all have iron wheels as they could not get rubber

I just received your letter today of Nov 3d and one from Edd Wolff. We are not near one another He is in southern France flying areoplanes [sic] to the coast for shipment to the U.S.A. I cannot tell you anything about Arthur Campbell as I was put in the third army and He




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remained in the old Co I never see anyone I know anymore as I am traveling from one place to another To be home where one knows everybody seems only like a dream I am better satisfied to be traveling because I see lots of sights and have some great experiences I saw the tower of Portamison [sic] about the size of Kirksville with shell holes in every building and there was not a person living there They were shelling this town the day armistice was signed I saw also several small towns that were nothing but heaps of stones & brick

I have missed a couple of pay days and am getting short on spending money If I thought I would ever get the money I would have you send me some but I dont [sic] believe it would be safe to




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send it Perhaps we will soon get paid I am in perfect good health getting three good meals a day I just got some more clothes and blankets which puts me in good condition as far as clothing is concerned

You did not have as many apples as I thought you would have I would give one of my precious dollars if I had all the apples I could eat tonight When you told of making apple butter it made my mouth water We seldom get any fruit

Well I must close hoping our conversation will soon be verbal instead of written

Lovingly,
Pvt. Kenneth E. Newton
Co. F. 19th Provisional Motor Transfer Corps
Am. E. F. Germany




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W.W.I.125.47