Behave yourself, Bill
June 22, 1918: Making friends with the French. Some pretty good look[ing] girls here. One is married and is a beauty. Her old man is an Austrian prisoner. Guess I’ll shine up to her. Her name is Sophie Viere or something like that.
June 28: Some cherries in this country, also some cherry wine. The combination sure can make a fellow sick. I know. Sophie is some kind of kid. Sure I call her by her first name. She has taken a shine to me. Watch your step Bill. Sophie wanted me to stay with her tonight. But I am still sober enough to say “no”. She may be OK but who knows. Guess I would rather go back shot to pieces than broken in health. Here’s hoping I go back all OK.
July 4: Sure celebrated this day. Kinson, Sullivan and I hiked to Lods. Thought there would be more to drink there. Well there was enough anyway. Also women. We had some party, six of us. But I can remember everything I did while there and I still have my resolution unbroken. Can’t say that for the others tho.
July 13: Same old thing, detail work and then the cafes. I have been about living in them. Sophie wants me to live at her place. She cooks good coffee, mixes good drinks and oh what a form. Behave yourself, Bill.
July 14: French holiday. Had to half celebrate. Not so good the next day tho.
July 20: The 123 F.A. Band1 came down and played for us today and I had to help entertain them after the concert. There is only one way to entertain here and it means a headache.
July 28: Went to Besançon with Kinson today. Took in the whole town. Saw the ruins of the Underground Theatre, the tunnel that the Christians used, tomb of John the Baptist, Home of Victor Hugo and the astronomical clock.2 This clock is a wonder.3 Didn’t have anything but beer today. Getting good.
July 30: 25 years old today. Had to celebrate that, so we had a party, and it was some party. Sophie entertained us later in the evening and we had more party.
Aug. 8: Took in all surplus equipment today. Almost forgot I was in the army. We have been having a good time. But it looks as tho we were getting ready to go up front.
Aug. 19: Just been having the time of my life. Guess it is nothing to write home about tho. They would not understand.
Aug. 20: Packing up ready to leave this place. Hope some day I can see this place again. It has been one grand old war so far.
