Albert Newlove WWI Letters

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This collection includes 49 letters and postcards written by Albert W. Newlove to his parents in Arroyo Grande, California. In his letters, Newlove describes military life, sailing to Europe, the French countryside, his eagerness for battle, and observations of German prisoners. Newlove enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in early 1918, and trained at Mare Island, California. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division (5th Regiment, 17th Company) and fought on the Western Front in France. In October 1918, Newlove was stricken with influenza and recuperated in a hospital near Bordeaux. Upon return to duty he was assigned to serve in the Army of Occupation stationed in the vicinity of Neuwied, Germany. Once discharged Newlove returned to San Luis Obispo County.

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Feb 21, 1918.

Dear mother: - Rec'd your most welcome letter yesterday and sure was glad to hear from you. Also rec'd the package which you sent, but am sorry to say that I can't use the underwear and socks as we are furnished with special underwear and socks by the government and cant wear any other kind. Can use the hankerchefs though. Have plenty of them now though. Dont think I can send them back now as I am in Detention. Got my second shot in the arm this afternoon and it is a little sore

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
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now but hope it dont get any worse.

It has been raining on and off every day since I have been here and the ground is sure sloppy and slippery.

Hope you are getting plenty of rain down your way as they sure need it. How is Ray getting along over on the ranch? Has he got any one helping him or is he doing it single handed? I wrote him a letter today. George Wood passed the examination and has his uniform now.

He is in same company as I only in in different section. Tomorrow will be a holiday for us here as it is Washingtons birthday. A bunch got leave to go to Frisco tonight and they sure made some noise. All of them a singing and a hollering. All the boats were whistling.

Was talking to Will Keller today and he says that he expects to get shipped out in a few days. He has only been here five weeks or so. You ought to see us recruits drill. Its a regular circus to watch us. I am always making some bonehead mistake. But am not the only one I am glad to say. With a little more practice I guess we will pull through alright. Was quite a

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lot of excitement here the other day. Some recruit in the Applicants Barracks tried to commit suicide by walking off a bank and on out in the mud. But I guess he changed his mind after getting that far so he marched back to the Barracks and they took him to the hospital. You asked if I needed anything else. You might send a few bath towels and several wash rags. But you needn't send them for a couple of weeks as I havent much room to put anthing now. Will later on when I get a locker. Tell Bessie Furlong that I wont need the sweater and thank her just the same. Sergeant

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Feb 21, 1918. Herzog stopped off here for a day and then proceeded to Denver. I never got to see him am sorry to say. Most all of the other boys from San Luis Obispo County seen him though. Well has their been any more excitement in Arroyo lately? That must be getting to be a bad place. How did Editor Smith make it out in his trouble? He will learn to keep his mouth shut when Uncle Sam gets through with him. Feb 22 My arm feels pretty sore this morning. But am not as bad as some of them are. We

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have nothing to do today but eat and sleep as it is a holiday. We had a fine dinner which consisted of chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, oyster soup, olives & radishes, bread, butter, gravy, dressing, pie and coffee. We have plenty to eat all the time. Have been in Detention now about twelve days. In nine days or so will be at liberty and then it will be better. We want [won't] be tied down so much. It is still showering on and off today. Hope it will clear off before long as I am getting tired of this sloppy weather Duke will sure lose his bet if it is raining as much down there as it is here. Well this is all that is on my mind this time so "Au Revoir." Hoping everybody is well I remain your loving son, Albert Newlove.

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
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