Sincerely, Joel C. Swisher

Old walls of the city of Langres

Dear Folks,

Am waiting for the train. Have a few minutes or perhaps an hour to wait, you never can tell in this country, so will start a letter to you. We are on the move again after over 6 mos. in this one place. We are going up the road a short ways but will still be quite a distance from the front.

We are still having fine weather. Seems quite cool for this time of the year. We still can use two or three blankets at night with comfort. That is one thing I can say for this country, it certainly has fine nights for sleeping for this time of year.

A few days ago I met another fellow I knew. That makes the second since coming to France, and in fact the second since I have been in the army. Both were fellows I washed dishes with at State last winter. It seems strange I meet no one from around home.

Was certainly surprised to hear that Norman Kirk had gone to Camp Meade. The physical examination certainly must not be as strict as it was last fall when they started to examine. I wonder if Alva Ambler would pass now, but I expect he is in 2nd or third class. I have seen quite a few fellows over here that did not have very good teeth.

Aunt Hattie said the lightning came quite close to you not long ago. That is another thing in favor of this country, I have only heard it thunder a couple of times and then not at all heavy. In that respect I expect it would suit Aunt Kate and Aunt Hattie.

I have had it mighty easy for the last two months. Have been working German prisoners and for a few days I had a bunch of Chinese from French Indo-China. They certainly are a queer race of people. None over 5 ft. in height and are very much like children. One of them can do about as much work as a 12 yr. old boy. They would be much better if they did not smoke as much “hop”⁽¹⁾opium. They put some water in a pipe and draw the smoke thru the water. Sometimes they indulge too much and have to take a nap.

We are beginning to see quite a few American freight cars over here now. They are all 30 tons capacity and look somewhat different from the French cars which are mostly 10 or 12 tons capacity. To see a train of these real cars makes one realize that U.S. means business.

Here’s hoping you are well and getting along all right.

Lovingly,
Joel

J.C. Swisher
Co. B. 25th Engrs.

P.S. July 1, P.M.

Reached our destination safely this afternoon. The camp is smaller than the one from which we came. I understand we are to put up wooden hospital barracks. Do not know how long we will be here.
We are near a fair sized town built on the top of a high steep hill. The town is surrounded by a 4 ft. thick stone wall which on the outside is from 30 to 60 ft. in height. The wall is encircled by a deep moat. The scenery around here wonderfully pretty. From the town we can look up and down the valley of one of the most noted rivers of France.

Lovingly,
Joel

J.C.Swisher
Co. B. 25th Engrs.