Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, October 15, 2020.
All letters in the William James Bean collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
La Courtine
Aug 2 1918
My Dear Mother.
I have been looking for a long-long time for a letter from you, but I suppose you are busy with your garden and house cleaning.
Mabel always speaks of you, I am glad to know you are well, I hope your eyes do not bother you now. You should have your classes changed. You “little Willie” is feeling fine. I am in the best of health.
You may think I look strange in the pictures, but I guess the man that took them could have done better, It is hard to make a good looking picture from a homely face. I will have some more taken soon if possible I wish you would have a snapshot
picture taken and send it to me. such things come through alright. clippings from apers are very interesting.
I suppose Mrs Finney and you go over to the pictures as much as ever. Give her my best wishes. Has Harold heard any more; I hear he is not going to be married.
Archie does not like the South very well. from what Mabel says. Has he gotten his commission yet and what branch is he in? I would like to see him. I bet there were some disappointed boys when they could not parade on the 4th. I hear You and Mabel are getting some very nice Auto rides in the Brothers Auto’s. I hear Charlie has a new red car. They want to lock them up or I will have a ride some day when I come home.
I am glade to know Happy is getting along alright, I hope he does not have another sickness (Maybe he has the Mumps)
I would have liked a picture of My Wife when she had the Mumps. She was a nice fat “Dutchee Boop.”
France is some country, the weather is swell, and Uncle Sam is using his Nephews very good. Hey are surely trying to make him proud of his “Boys” over here.
The home papers are telling you a lot of news these day and the future begins to look much brighter for the Allies, I will be glad when this big fuss is over and ^we have^ Peace on Earth; good will to all. there will be lots of happy hearts, both in Europe and America
I would like to go back by way of the “Old Dart” if I could when the war is over but I guess I will be in such a hurry I may not want to spend the time.
Give Bill and Mrs West my best wishes I hope he does not have to use a cane ^yet^
You may keep a couple pictures for yourself, I would like the Brothers to have one each; if they care for it asks Etta. I hope you receive them O.K. I sent a Hankerchief that you should have recd before now. I will wait a short while before and if you do not get it I will send another, I sent one to Mabel at the same time. I will close with best wishes to all and a Son’s Love to his Mother and Wife.
Cp’l W J. Bean
Headquarters Co
59th Arty, C.A.C.
Army Exp Forces
France
Via New York