[American Y.M.C.A.]
[On Active Service
With the
American Expeditionary Forces]
9/19/1918
Base Ordnance Depot #1,
U.S.A. P.O. #701,
American Ex. Forces,
France.
Dear Mother:
I have been so fortunate in the receipt of mail today that I must take time to answer one
or two letters. I will do that instead of taking in the “movies” here at the Y.M.C.A. this evening.
We have some kind of entertainment most every evening. I received eight letters today. They
come in bunches over here. Two were from you—one dated 7/29/18 and the other 8/11/18. One
was the letter which Mary sent one containing the pictures. Tell her I was very glad to get them. I
also received letters from Titus and Arthur. One was from a lady who had read a letter of mine
that Will must have had published, and in which she was giving me data over to my father
without attempting to solve the problem of relationship myself. Christian P. Jordan of
Waynesburg was her mother’s great grandfather. Her mother’s maiden name was Hoge,-“daughter of Solomon Hoge, formerly of Greene County, but moved to Garrett Co., Md., while
his family was quite young, except the oldest daughter Fannie who married John Hunt, and after
his death was married to George Coal, both of Greene County. Mrs. David Hoy of Pine Bank is
her mother’s twin sister. Her Grandmother Hoge’s maiden name was Yoder of Waynesburg. She
had a first cousin by the name Guy Hoge, who died in early manhood. Her name is Edith
Kimmell, daughter of Agnes Hoge Kimmell and William Kimmell. Her father is Treasury of
Garrett Co., Md., and she assists him in the office. Her address is Oakland, Garrett Co, Md.
Those are the facts. I almost re-wrote her letter. My father will know her.
I was very much revived to receive so many letters. It is hard to keep on writing when a
person is receiving no letters in return. I have not done bad, however, in receiving mail when you
consider the distance and circumstances.
I recall the date of August 11th, when you were writing a letter to me, to the exact time at
which you were writing. An incident which I shall relate when I see you causes me to recall the
time and my thought that your prayers were with me then.
I see in the casualty list of September 11th the name of Harry Dunn of Dunns Station and
Floyd T. Hickman of Waynesburg.
I like the work I am doing here first rate. I would rather be here than Camp Hancock. I
have felt that I was doing something since I came over here, though it may not be much. The
officers here are much nicer to work under. There are plenty of fellows here to associate with. I
miss the ladies whose company I enjoyed at home, but I understand several of them are coming
over to entertain us. We have two fine American ladies here in the Y.M.C.A. One of them told
me her home was in Pennsylvania. I am associated so little with Frenchmen that I can scarcely
realize I am in France. I am remaining a little closer camp [sic] than I like on account of my

funds being about two and one-half francs, and the end of the month several days off. I will soon
have three months pay due. I have moved each month just at pay-day. It is the first time my
funds have been so low without having some place near to replenish them. Outside the pleasure
of having the money, it does not make much difference here. All one needs over here is
furnished. I guess that he could see France by the means of a uniform and a mess-kit.
I was very glad indeed to receive your letters and the pictures.
Your son,
Guy.