World War I Collection

Lewis J Ashby Letters

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Twenty-seven letters written by Private Lewis J. Ashby to his girlfriend Mildred A. Neher while serving in France, and occupied Germany. Lewis J. Ashby (sometimes spelled Louis in military documents) served with the 2nd Battalion of the 117th Engineers during World War I. This battalion was recruited at the outbreak of the war for immediate active service as combat engineers who performed the dangerous work of building roads, bridges, and putting up barb wire, often while under enemy fire. The 2nd Battalion was the first complete unit from California to see active service in France and the only one to serve through all of the campaigns on all of the important fronts.

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Postmarked; May 5 2 PM 1919 Jersey City. N.J. Merritt Branch

Pvt. L.J. Ashby Co. F 117 Reg. Engrs.

Miss Mildred Neher 316 Ave 64 Los Angeles, California

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library

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Letterhead: Merritt Hall Camp Merritt New Jersey

May, 4, 1919

Dearest "Dude"

Still here, dear[underlined}, waiting for transportation. Am having a fine time here. Have been to several dances, shows and City of New York. The people in New York are sure patriotic and treat us wonderfully.

But I’m not forgetting you sweetness. I think of you continually and only wish they'd hurry up the trains. I will telegraph you the day

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library

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(2)

we reach Salt Lake City so you can meet me at the station. We are to parade in Los Angeles. After the parade we'll be given 12 hours leave, then procede to Camp Kearney, to be dis-charged. I'll telegraph you as accurately as possible the time we'll arrive. I'm sure anxious to see you "girlie of mine" and I'm overflowing with love and kisses. Say, Mildred, It's sure hard to realize that I'll soon be able to be with you dear. We'll sure have some reunion won't we honey?

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library

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Letterhead: Merritt Hall Camp Merritt New Jersey

(3)

Just a little piece of poetry but every word should be print-ed in gold.

God made a heart of gold, of gold, Shining and sweet and true; Gave it a home of the fairest mould, Blest it, and called it -- "You"

God gave the rose its grace of glow And the lark its radiant glee; But better than all, I know, I know God gave you, Heart, to me.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library

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(4)

We having regular California weather here and I bet its sure wonderful in L.A.

Will write again in a couple of days if we're still here.

Hopeing my sweetheart is enjoying the best of health

Your faithful lover,

Lewis

P.S. Say Hello for me to Harold and Dorothy. Give my best regards to your Mother.

Love and kisses

L

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library