after load. A second, and then a terrific noise, a huge spurt of red fire and with it all the earth trembling all around. There is something fascinating about it. A continual roar, and to think that day in and day out this has been going on for three years (and I believe we will see four years of it.)
During my first twenty-four hours out at our extreme post (which is mostly underground) three of us on a little side trip slid down a path some distance and, peering out through the brush, I caught my first glimpse of Germany – that is just for the time being. There were Boche trenches some distance away and here there was real action. On my first trip out I wondered whether or not I would be able to sleep, but one soon becomes accustomed to the terrific roar and can sleep – that is it took several jolts to awaken me from sound slumber. Oh! This war game is a wonderful problem and I would enjoy telling about the organization etc. of the troops, but I want you to receive this letter.
By this time of course you have taken your trip up to the cities. Hope you have a fine run. It is very fine to learn that Plainview is doing its bit to help the Red Cross. The people at home can feel assured that the money raised is going for the best of causes. The French papers give us quite a lot of news along these lines.
By the way, Mr. Lawrence, son of the Lawrence in the Big Joe Mill at Wabasha is working right in my division now. Just happened to be talking with him the other night and discovered that his home used to be at Wabasha and he knows the county real well. Right away we seemed like old friends.
It will soon be the first of August. Park has a birthday on the 8th and Edwin Jr. on the 10th. Well, birthday greetings, boys. Here’s hoping you see many more coming as they will after the war.
What kind of weather are you having over there now and how is the crop prospects – corn and potatoes for instance? Here, the crops are fine. Warm days – cool evenings.
You will receive this letter about the 20th of August, not any sooner than that. No it will be a week later now as the boats leave every Saturday.
Send reading matter and a box of Hershey’s nut bar chocolate would go fine. Also chewing gum. These luxuries are not to be had over here.
Write often.
Love, Byrl.
August 3, 1917- Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Sylvester entertained as a weekend guest, Paul G. Miller of Fort Snelling. Mr. Miller is a college friend of Rob Roy Harden. He is to receive his commission as second Lieutenant August 15.
Mrs. E. L. Sylvester spent a part of the week with Mrs. J. D. Bateman at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester. She reports Mrs. Bateman as improving.
Misses Marion Sylvester and Francis Burkhardt went to Rochester Wednesday afternoon on a short visit to friends.
Letter
Saturday August 4, 1917
(NOTE: An edited version of this letter appeared in the September 7 issue of the PLAINVIEW NEWS.)
Somewhere in France
Dear Folks,
This is going to be a very short letter as we are very busy. Just received your letter and picture of car. Very good. At present we are in a very hot place. Lots doing. Went on the job Monday morning for five days and nights. Rain all the time. Very wet. By the way, I am in need of a pair of leather boots. Alvin Dickman (NOTE: Neighbor of the Sylvesters and his father ran a clothing store in Plainview. Alvin later was a soldier.) has a pair and I would like to have you see him. Have him get a pair like his, only 1 size larger. I want a very good pair of tan leather boots – buck skin lacings common not quite up to my knees. Also 4 pair of medium weight (wool) socks – not the heavy ones – 10 1/2

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