Sincerely, Joel C. Swisher

Dear Folks,

I think it has been nearly a month since I wrote to you. I think I wrote you something about the town we were near and the surrounding country. The town was a very strong citadel in old times. Caesar conquered it. Attila destroyed it and the Germans failed to take it in 1870. When Caesar captured the town the Gaulic chief Sabinus hid in a cave in the hills near here for 9 years.⁽¹⁾Joel’s information may have been mangled in translation. This article about the Gallic tribe of Lingones (now Langres) portrays them as allies and supporters of Julius Caesar. The Gallic chief was Julius Sabinus, who revolted after the death of Emperor Nero. This cave is only a few yards from the source of the —–.⁽²⁾censored: Marne

We stayed at one place for about 3 weeks repairing wooden hospital barracks. Then a detachment of 75 of us was sent up here among the hills to start and build a new camp, chiefly barracks. When we came out here there were only a few survey stakes in an oats patch. This is to be the chief school for the tank men.

It is out here on the top of a hill among hills and valleys in a country that somewhat resembles our barrens. We can look for several miles in all directions and see only one house and two church spires. Would make a good sight for a small-pox camp would it not?

However there are some small villages near here but they are in the valleys and cannot be seen from here. I like it alright out here it is healthy and we have good quarters, barracks with wooden floors. Also have good work. We are putting up sectional barracks. They are made in Switzerland and are shipped here in sections and we assemble them. There are some laborers here grading for a railroad. Also some negro troops building roads and digging for a pipeline.

Yesterday another fellow and myself took a 16 mile walk thru the surrounding country. This is the prettiest part of France we have been in yet. Plateaus with steep sides and valleys, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, but always beautiful. On the edge of the plateau directly above that cave, on a clear day you can see the top of a mountain range about 40 miles away. More than likely Caesar and Napoleon have looked out across the same view from that same spot. It is a wonderful view especially at this the harvest time.

We stopped and helped a French man with his harvest for a couple of hours. They have slow ways of harvesting in this country and do things in a way that requires a lot of unnecessary effort. This man was tying his wheat by hand. His whole family was in the field, his wife, a little boy about 11, two girls, one 16 and the other 21, and a boy 18. His oldest son has been killed in the war and the 18 yr. old boy will be called into training on the first of Sept. This man was a little more progressive than the average as he used a reaper.

Here’s hoping you are enjoying good weather and good health.

Lovingly,
Joel

J.C.Swisher
Co. B 25 Engr’s