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AMERICAN Y.M.C.A.
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
WITH THE 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Aug. 27, 1918.
Somewhere in France.

My Dear Mr. & Mrs. Henry:-
No doubt but that this will come as a surprise letter to you both, but I often think of you and the 
other good people of Kirksville & of Ely Commandery #22.

When I was in Camp Merritt, Mother & Sister Margaret came up to see one Sunday and I certainly enjoyed 
their visit, even if it was for only a day.

They told me about Dr. Clifford Henry coming to see them & how much they enjoyed his visit.

Since my arrival here in France it has been my good fortune to travel a great deal. I have travelled 
first, second, and third class (and also in Box Cars or 43rd Class as we call it). The boxcars are 
about 1/2 the size of ours and each one is labled on the sides, "Chevaux 8 - Hommes 40" which means 
"8 horses or 40 men." When 40 of us get in one of these "side door Pullmans" it is sure enough crowded.

But the trains that run to & from Paris are real good and make fast time.

I was fortunate enough to be routed via Paris not long ago and we remained there for 2 1/2 days, taking 
in the sights. I saw many things I had often read and studied about. Paris is both wonderful and beautiful 
but the good old U.S. is plenty good enough for me.

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At present our Laboratory Unit, of two officers and three men, is located in a pretty little French town. 
Just across the street from us is a Big French American Hospital. We are doing Bacteriology work for both 
them and the entire Division to which we are at present attached. It looks now as if we will be here for 
some time to come. But one can't tell one day where he will be the next.

Close to this town there are some old old castles, and about 4 kilometres from here is an old Roman 
Amphitheatre, built years & years ago, about the time of Ceasar [sic]. I haven't been out to see it yet 
but as soon as I get time I am going.

The day before I left Fort Leavenworth, Kan., I saw "Truss" Brewington in Kansas City, June 1st, and 
he told me about the K.T. Conclave, held the week before, at Columbia, and said that Mr. Hatfield had 
been elected as Grand Commander. I was indeed glad to hear that. He is one of my best friends in Moberly 
and I wish the best of success during his administration.

In one of the Camps where I happened to be I had the good fortune to come out alive, after an Air Raid, 
one night. It sure makes one feel funny to hear all the noise and see the shells explode. But I doubt 
if I'll get to be in anymore of these, unless I get close to the front.

In every camp where I have been I have met men whom

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AMERICAN Y.M.C.A.
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
WITH THE 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
191

knew in the states

The first one I saw whom I knew was a negro boy from Kirksville. I forget his name. Then again I was 
in the same Camp where Edward Howell is, but didn't find out he was there until I was ready to leave. 
Lynn Fuller, a Kirksville boy, told me about Ed. being there. Am awfully sorry I missed seeing him.

I received two K-ville Daily Express dated June 18th & 19th and in one I saw that Dr. W. [illegible text] 
Stephenson had broken his leg. Was sorry to learn of that. I hope he gets along well and recovers rapidly.

Remember kindly to Ely #22 and with kindest personal regards, I am,

Very truly yours,
Byron H. Beatty.

Sgt. Byron H. Beatty.
Divisional Laboratory,
A.P.O. 773.
Am. Ex. Forces.
France.

O.K.
M J Blen
1st SCNa

W.W.I.51.47

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