PVT. Henry A. Eckhardt

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This collection consists mostly of letters written by Private Henry A. Eckhardt to his girlfriend Marie Jochumsen while he was stationed in France. There are also a few letters written by Marie to Henry, and some to Marie or Henry from others. Henry A. Eckhardt (1890-1962) was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1917, and served with the 162nd Infantry in France as a machine gunner, later he was transferred to the 18th Infantry. Once discharged, Eckhardt and Marie married and lived the rest of their lives in San Francisco, where he worked as a fireman.

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AMERICAN Y.M.C.A. logo On Active Service WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

back to S.F. I guess you have been wondering where I am all this time. Well I am safe and feeling fine but often get that home sick feeling. Longing to be near you and home. Dear I hope you have not forgotten me and think of me once in a while. I often read your letters and they are a comfort to me and I nearly know them by heart.

I often lay and dream of the nights on Clayton and California Sts and we used to run for the last boat in Sausalito. Do you ever look back to those days and the times we used to have? Well darling I hope that you are well and happy and will write me a nice long letter in reply to my short one and tell me about the times you are having so I can imagine that I am there I guess you can just about imagine me so far away from you wishing I was back home. Well dear I would like to write more but that is impossible, so I will close hoping to hear from you soon. With much love and many kisses from your own true sweetheart Somewhere in France. Hienie

Address. Pvt. Henry A. Eckhardt. Machine Gun Co. 162 Inf. A.E.F. c/o Postmaster New York City.

Cens. C. R. Heelgis 2nd Lt 162d Inf.

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
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Some where in France, Jan. 13, 1918.

Dear Sweetheart.

I received three letters from you yesterday and sure -was glad to hear from you. It has been the first mail I received for over a month. It made me feel happy to get your letters in this far off land. I am glad to hear that you are well and happy. I hope you received all of my letters and cards. I received the mittens you sent me and many thanks for them dear. I have not got the registered letter so far but I suppose it will get here sooner or later. The mail travels slow

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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on account of the great amount being sent over here. I received about nine letters yesterday and was tickled to get them. It made me feel happy to hear from home after what seemed an age to me.

I feel lonesome dear and many times blue and homesick but all I can do is make the best of it. Darling I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and wish I had been there with you. I am well and feeling fine with the exception of slight cold.

Well dear I guess it has been a surprise to hear that I am so far away. It seems like one big dream to me and some times I can't realize the fact. The only time I come to my senses

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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is when the bugle blows in the morning. I just had to stop writing for my name was called and I received two registered letters One from you dearie and one from brother Otto. There is a wild rush when the word mail is called out and every body is on the alert to hear his name. Dear in two of your letters you mentioned the razor, so do not bother about it dear as I have another one of the same type that I had. Many thanks just the same darling for your trouble. You know I would not have asked you to get it, but under the circumstances I could not get it myself. I would liked to have sent you some thing for Xmas but is was impossible for me to get any thing before I left. Just the same dear I will send

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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you something later one.

There are many things I would like to write you about but it is impossible as you know all mail is censored. Some day I will relate all my experiences to you. I have nothing more to write about but give my best regards to your uncle and aunt. I would have written to your folks but did not know the address but will write to them later. Give them my best regards and tell them I have been asking for them. Give my regards to Lillian and her folks. Dear I have not forgotten the promise I made you and will be true to it. With much true love and many kisses from one who thinks of you always.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hienie

Cens. C. B. Hedges 2d Lt. 162d Inf.

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
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