One of the many letters in the Archives was written by the late Dr. Julian Ely (1894-1980) in 1918 when he was serving in France during World War I as a Private in the U. S. Army medical department. He grew up in Lyme, CT and would become a much-loved physician to the people of Lyme, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both also Lyme physicians. The letter was to Aunt Julia, his father’s sister and Uncle Will, her husband, Lyme town clerk and judge of probate for over 40 years.
(Transcription of original letter.)
Somewhere in France, Oct. 3, 1918
Dear Aunt Julia and Uncle Will,
Suppose you get all the news about me from home so there won’t be much for me to write that will be new to you. However, I thought perhaps you would be pleased to get a letter direct from one of the boys in France so here goes for a few lines. We get our mail in bunches here about once in ten days, or every time a ship comes in with a big bunch. Haven’t had any for about a week now so expect some more in a few days. One week I got 19 letters and that made me feel pretty good. Am still here in this little town where we were when we first arrived and I expect to be here for some time yet. Altho like all other things in the Army we never know at what time we will move. I have charge of the Dispensary & put up most all the prescriptions for the Doctors at “sick call” every day. In that way I have been able to pick up quite a little knowledge of the Common Medicines & Drugs. Also have charge of the Patients upstairs in the wards, seeing that they get the proper treatment and food. Was Major Power’s orderly last month, but gave that up as I had too many jobs. Was expecting to go down to the next town to a Base Hospital and work in the Laboratory, but after looking over the place decided to hang on a while here and await developments. One thing I didn’t like about the Base Hosp. job was the fact that I wouldn’t get a chance to go to the front from there, and I surely don’t want to miss out on getting there before I go back. The way things are going now it sure looks like the end wasn’t far off and the sooner it gets here the better for everybody concerned. I suppose it must be a source of much pride back in the States to read about the way our troops are proving their worth alongside of those of the other Allies and I can imagine the excitement there must be to get the latest war news. We get the accounts of the day’s fighting the following morning in the papers so are enabled to get in pretty close touch with it. We get the European Editions of the N.Y. Herald & Chicago Tribune, which are printed in English & that makes it easier reading. A large bunch of German Prisoners have arrived in the town next to us, and we frequently see them going by here under guard. Aeroplanes are around practically everyday too & sometimes they pull off some wild stunts up overheard for the amusement of the crowd in the streets below. Even though the town is very dead there is enough going on to remind us of what we are over here for.
It has been real cold here for the past three days& yesterday morning there was considerable ice on the water in pails out in the back yard. Makes pretty tough stuff to shave in as we generally have no place to heat any water, & the result is more or less of a hair pulling contest with many verbal phases on the side. Such is the Army life though, and even though it’s a tough one at times its great at other times and a healthy one in the long run, as everyone will admit. I know I wouldn’t want to miss the experience I have had with it for a good deal even though we probably have a year or so to go yet. We learn lots and see lots that we otherwise would’t, so it’s worth while anyway. I wish I could write about more interesting things, but the “real stuff” that would be interesting is under the ban, and as for the country & people I have already written home about that & I suppose you have read it all before this. I met Harold Bump over here the other day, lives down opposite Will Colt’s I believe. He is in our Reg’t. in M Co. Also had a letter from “Cliff” Payson & was surprised to find that he is stationed only a few miles from here. Want to get down to see him on a weekend pass if I can get off. Also met a fellow I knew at Wesleyan last week.
Was certainly pleased to read in today’s paper how wonderfully the 4th Liberty Loan was starting off and it does us all good to feel that the people back home are backing the “Amex” boys so bountifully. Arrangements have been made whereby we can purchase the Bonds over here and I have been thinking of purchasing a couple myself. We subscribe and then they take so much out of our pay each month until they are paid for.
Well it’s getting late and I guess I must hit the old straw bunk for the night. Hope this finds you all well & enjoying life. I am fine myself so far & having a good time. Don’t forget to write long & often as receiving mail from home is better than getting paid off, take it from me.
With lots of love
Julian
P.S. Rec’d a ballot from the Secy of State today @ Hartford, to vote in the coming election. Was quite surprised to get it – J.
Censored By Pvt 1cl Julian G. Ely
303 Inf. Med. Dept
A.P.O. #773
1st Lieut. M.C. Am. Ex. Force
France