Harry Buzzell's Letters Home to Colby, Maine

     It was my intention to transcribe all of Harry Buzzell's letters that were sent home to Colby, Maine.  The letters were found in three small stationery boxes in Stella Buzzell's house after her death  and came to me on October 14, 2001.  As much as possible, I tried to follow the original spellings, grammar, and text of the letters as Harry wrote them.

Jean Buzzell Duncan, great-niece
 
 

Springfield, Massachusetts:  Three letters, Fall 1914
1.  Nov 22, 1914
2.  Nov 29 1914
3.  Dec 28 1914
  
Orlando and Pinecastle, Florida:  Seven letters, Winters 1915 and 1916
4.  Jan 16, 1915
5.  Jan 23, 1915
6.  Jan 23 1915
7.  Jan 30.16
8.  Feb 6. 1916
9.  Feb 13. 1916
10. Mar 12 1916
 
Hartford, Connecticut:  Ten letters, Christmas 1916-February 1917
11.  Dec. 25, 1916
12.  Dec. 31. 1916
13.  Jan 2 1917
14.  Jan, 11, 1917
15.  Jan 18. 1917
16.  Jan 25. [no year]
17.  Feb 2 1917
18.  Feb 2 1917
19.  Feb 11, 1917
20.  Feb 19 1917
 
Ayre, Massachusetts:  Two letters from Camp Devens, October 1917
21.  Oct 9 1917
22.  Oct 14 1917
 

Atlanta, Georgia: Thirty-two letters, October 1917-May 1918
23.  Oct 27,28 1917
24.  Nov. 4 1917
25.  Nov 8 1917
26.  Nov 8 1917
27.  Nov 20 1917
28.  Nov 23 17
29.  Nov 29, 17
30.  Dec 9 1917
31.  Dec 15 1917
32.  Dec 22, 1917
33.  Dec 27, 17
34.  Dec 30, 17
35.  Jan 20, 1918
36.  Feb 11 1918
37.  Feb. 17 1918
38.  Feb 24, 18
39.  Mar. 2 1917[18]
40.  Mar 7, 1918
41.  Mar 10, 1918
42.  March 17 1918
43.  Mar 19,18
44.  Mar 22 1918
45.  March 23, 1918
46.  April 1 1918
47.  April 6 1918
48.  April 7, 1918
49.  April 14,18
50.  April 17 1918
51.  April 21, 1918
52.  April 23, 1918
53.  April 25,1918
54.  May 5, 1918
 
 
England:  One letter, Spring 1918
55.  2,6,18 [June 2, 1918]

France:  Five letters, Summer and Fall, 1918
56.  June 16, 1918, La Courtine France
57.  July 7th, 1918
58.  Aug 18, 1918, France
59.  France [summer 1918]
60.  Oct. 18 1918, France
 

 

Springfield, Massachusetts:  Three letters, Fall 1914

 

    In the following letter, "firing line cars" refers to the practice of hiring a worker to accompany a wood stove was put in each railroad car to keep the potatoes from freezing.  Someone was hired to move from car to car to keep the fire going.  It was a dangerous job with the possibility of falling off  the moving train while moving from one car to the next. 
 

Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know I am sory to leave you so far away but I thought it is best for me to be hear or I would not have don it.  Don't think A H Phillips courel [corralled?] me he did not he thought you would blame him for me not cumming back, he wants me just the same but I don't want eny hard feeling.
I am well and happy wishing you all the same I go to work tomorrow don't know as yet ware but expect it will be in the holsale [wholesale] first.
Don't worey about me I've got a good neat little room in the same house with Mr Bradbery cousins to Phillips he looks out for me.
How is all the kids is buster still traning his calf.  Whare are you going to spend thanksgiving this year. I wrote a card to Hanah yesterday to let them know I am near to them expect to go and see them soon.  I did not like firing line cars . I got cold but is all gorn now I was about sick when I reached hear the dust and smoke made me sick one night.
 Mr. Bradbery and I are going over to Mr Phillipps this afternoon, Mr Bradbery runs a small store for Phillips I was with him all day yesterday that is all but a little while.
He seams real nice I like him he watches me like a cat watches a mouse when we are on the street, he seams to think a feller like me cant look out for himself but I's no kid no never again.  Give my best wishes to all for a bright happy thanksgiving Write soon for I expect to be for sum hear for a while at least cant think of eny thing but of that train wrect that was arful it faily made me sick when we went past thirtywone cars piled up 9 cars of spuds they were driving about 60 miles an hour when a third of a whele droped out No train men hurt but they thought thers was to or three bows [hoboes] on.  They dident know when we went by if they were in the wreck or not they hadent found them My adress is. Springfield mass
      32 holyoke St
With love and all best wishes your
 loving son Harry Buzzell
 
      Springfield.mass
Nov 29 1914
Dear Mother.-Received your letter this morning it came last night but as I was out to Mr Bradberys store I dident get it till this morning.
 I was out to S manchester thanksgiving day had a fine time saw all the girl cousins and Christun.  The Buzzell girls and I went for a walk up to the park it was a fine day out hear.  Hannah and I are going up to see uncle Jose some sunday soon.
 I like my work very much it is not very hard and will be easier after I get used of it it is in the holsale at present but it will be in a small store pretty soon I gess.
Firing cars is no Job for me it is to much like hoboing it as they say.
Start in right.  I should hope you think I woudent start in eny other way if I not if I know myself.  I have got warm clothes and can look out for myself so don't worey about me
 I went to the Baptist church just a little ways from hear had a fine time made a acquantince with a young man Mr Jenson an usher in the church.
Don't expect to get acquainted all at once for I want to get acquainted with good people you know.
I thought papa would be hear uncle Fred and the girls will be diserpointed not to see him so will mr. Phillips.
Give my best wishes to Chester Ginn in his folly [?].  I would like to be there but it is not so I can but remember me to all.
There is not much to say about my work and myself but I am well and happy and hope all of you the same.
 I asked Ralph and Bessie to send me my things so you can eather put them in or give them to Earl. But I would like to have my famly picture if it would be all right packed in my things
Yes I would like to have my checks if you pleas I don't know how soos he will send then things he is very busy I suppors.  Has Bill gorn hunting yet is the PI there yet how is the fall work cumming. Luvving son Harry,
32 Holyok st Springfield mass
 

 

Springfield Mass
       Dec 28 1914
Dear Mother.  Well did you think I had abandened the pen and ink well I have not.  Yess I received my box all right.
Yess I am still in the holsail I like it so well I don't care if he changes me or not.  I start work at seven and quit at six with an hour noon and get 12 a week that isent too bad for a starter.  I think is easier for me then the farmwork would be.
I like the church very much the minister is all right and I ve got acquainted with one of the others man seam all right There is a boys class in the sunday school but I don't like them at all.  They are no good to pay attention.
It is good Staying out hear now most of the delivery teams use slays, sleds. One hors.  I don't know what to think about potatoes. But I hope the first of the year it will briten up.  I went to conn for exmas [xmas] had a fine time at Uncle Freds I went Friday and came back Sunday I went up to see Uncle Joe I gave him your love and best wishes and he said wish them a happy new year for me.  He said to tell papa he is about the sam as he was when he came to see him.  Mabel & Irene went with me and they said he haid improved but he looks bad to me but he can feed himself now Mildred has got a nice little boy his teeth was bothering him the day I was there.
Elcia is ben arful sick with nerversniss they say shes arful thin
Irene gave me a pretty stick pin for xmas and Ethel gave me a necktie.
I thank you for the calander and Bill for the pin.
Mr AH P gave me a pare of cuff links the are nice wones.
The men working for him gave him a capnet  [cabinet?] Brad sais it is a dandy.  I havent seen it yet
How is all the kids I surpose it is vacation
Now [no] there is no hurry about those things I don't nead them at present
How is Albert doing in the store is he doing a good bisness, I heard there war a fire today in the old ladies home in a town a little way from hear turning about 500 out
It has ben from 10 to 15 below sero [zero] & the people think that is desprit I say it is nothing to what we have in Maine they cant believe it when I tell how much snow we have
Did you have a plesent exmas
Is Bils ancle [ankle] all well now and is he all well or does he have spels like he had last summer.
Wishing you a Happy new year
I will close with love to all from
Harry.
All the girls is looking for Bill in the spring and papa this winter.
Uncle Joe wants papa to be shore to come and see him if he coms out hear.
 
 

Orlando and Pinecastle, Florida:  Seven letters, Winters 1915 and 1916

 Olando Fla Jan 16, 1915
Dear Mother.-I thought you mint like to hear from me so I will try I am well and the other boys are the same We are all getting to fat so we will have to go to work soon if we can fin eny.  I have got to or three days work this week helping a man fertirlize his grove that will be the first work besides helping Mr Philbrick I am at his place now He isint very well so I am working My board and looking for work Bill and Mark are in Olando at a bording house.  I was in Friday Bill said he was cumming out today but hasent come yet. Aunt Hatty is well and seems contented.  I like this place very much but work is scarce maybe able to pick up a day or to now and then can keep warm without working. How is all of the folks this winter Sadie said they were having a bad cold.  Is the potato bisness as good as usual.  How is Ralph and his family I havent heard from them. What do you hear from Conn.  Have the folks done enything for Ulaia yet if so what is it and did Bee have some fine wedding presents is Bee and her man at Aunt Leners yet..
How did Arthure like his trip on line cars did he go more then wonce What kind of a trip did he have.
Mr Philbrick and I went out & picked up over 200 grapefrouit & about a bushel of orenges in a man's grove one day last week the man was there pruning the tree and he cut them of and they could have wasted and the man had his hors and wago wagon there so he halld them home for us. I am putting in some pieces of
bamboo bark the bamboo shed the bark every year.  it is nice and  warm today it isent so hot as it has ben it is kinder cloudy it is a arful hot son when it is brite but in ha shade it is cool enough. They took some pictures did Bill send some home if he dident when I get myne I will send some they here of Philbricks and us boys and ant Hattey. How is Ralph standing it in the potato house this winter. Tell Arthur to tell Elmer Carlson the next time he see's him to through a lot of snow balls for me for I eat about a dozen orenges for him Every day.
Trusting this finds you all
well, I remain as ever your
loving son Harry Buzzell
Oland Fla
RFD #1 care E J Philbrick.
P S how cold has it ben
And how deep is the snow.
[Note written sideways in the top margin:]
How is Myra & Helmer coming in the hors bisness.  Tell her to not set to close to the sweds
[Note written on top margin:]
What do you hear from Elcie this winter
 
Olando Fla
Jan 23, 1915
Dear Mother.- I received your letter Friday so I will try to answer it.  We are all well and like Olando fine.
Bill is picking orenges for awhile the man has got a 75 acher grove and it will take about 2 months to pick the orenges and grapefruit but he probly wont work all through the job.  he worked to or three days last week he said he could make a little each week moor then his board and he thought it was better than loafing and paying board.  he will do better after a little I gess. but he told me I better stay hear and help mr Philbrick and get what work I can by the day.  It is a rainy sunday and we are all writing letters today Mark is to leave today for maine he hates to leave he hasent worked a day but he would like to stay he came out hear yesterday and I went in with him last night to see Bill about the orenge picking job we went to a show and got out at 9,30 and then I came out to home 3 1/2 miles just for exercise.  I was afraid it was going to rain befor I got hear but it dident rain to amount to eny thing.  Aunt Hatty is well and seams to like fine.  Philbricks'are all well now his hip bothers him some.
How are all the folks up there now I am sorey there is so much sickness I hope this finds you all well.  is Ralph working as hard as ever he wants to take care of himself.  is his colt and cows and pigs doing well this winter.  I wrote him a letter sometime ago but havent heard from him, I hope his colt & all the rest are doing well.
I recived a letter from Sadie Saturday did she get home this week.  Speaking about wood we have ben gruding [grading?] some trees pine and small oak.  he uses the oak to burn but the nice pine logs he will have to burn or give them away and when you bye lumber it cost 16 to 18 a thousand rough boards.  but it cost to much to hall to the mill and have sawd.  how are the lumbering crew doing in your woods have they finished yet.  is  Fred doing enything this winter to earn a dollar or is he just putting in his time as usual.  Are your hens laying eny this winter.  eggs are worth or you would have to pay 50 cents a dozen at the stores.
How are potatoes now are they up or down. has Clyde sold his.  Mr P had to pay 80 cents a bushel for a bushel of sweel potatoes of a farmer or a dollar at the store.  We havent had eny othre for sometime.
What he got last was poor and so high he hasent bout eny more.  Have the boys had the colts hitched up yet or havent they had time.
Hows pigs are they Bills or Pap's Bill shoud have some soon I think
Has Hjlmar got back from his trip on line [?] cars he probly will be by the time you get this how did he like the trip are they as fusy about the cars as they were the first of the season or are they getting them fixed up so they are all right.  have they got a steady in the house or does Ralph get along when Clyde is away.
Aunt Hatty planted a lot of stuff when she first got hear the string beans are 2 feet high the peas and all the rest grows fast it isent as fast as it was it has ben to dry.
Wild flowers are beginning to blossom again.
We got the Republicans you sent but they have them sent hear every week and the Companion's so I had red the paper befor yours got hear.  How is busters turkeys this winter is he raisin the little wones.  I will close now as I must wright to Sadie.  Love to all
P S. Olando Fla RFD.1 Harry.
When you see Ralph ask him if he got my letter.
 
      Olando Fla jan 23 1915
Dear Sadie.-just a line to let you know I received your letter yesterday.  I just finished my letter to mama & as it is raining I thought I would wright to you so if it clears of I can go to church this afternoon.
Well Mark will leave hear today as he is going on the boat it will take him along time to get to caribou me.  Bill said he didn't think he got the mail you mentioned.  We got the papers all right.  Bill is picking oranges now the job is about tow months so I gess he will have work as long as he wants it.  he seams well and I think by his collar (Black) he is well.[?] Yes this is a grate cuntry all rite the beans are 2 feat high now and if it clears of warm as it will they will.  Just [?] it has ben a little to dry and as the well is out of kilter they cant water them.
How is Beth and all the rest of the girls of cours you know the cousins and so on.
I expect to stay hear and work out by the day what I can till it is time to go north again.
Mark hates to come up in the cold again everytime we get a letter telling how cold it is he shivers and begins to say he gesses he wont go but I was in last night and he will go today if he don't change his plans.  Yes it is only 3 1/2 miles to Olando so I went in and walked home after the show 9,30 good exersis for an inverlid what you said in wone of your [l]etters that Miss Clark had left Ralph and went (to) Presque Isle is she there now do you see her if you shoud tell her I would like to have her address.  Just think I am sitting in a open house just boarded in with a kind of siding and one end open whare the doars ought to be wone door is made and stands against the end of the house so it partly covers the space.  We shift if round so as to keep the wind from blowing on the stove in one corner is the stove and some shelves for the dishes then a small table to cook on and a shelf on the wall for the spice and such stuff then is the table on which we eat and in the corner is the sink then is the oil stove which they don't use sinc they got their little cook stove then there is a lot of tools and such truck that is mr P. In the corner then on the wall is to shelvs of grapefruit to hundred when we got them then in the other end is the place for the door so you see it is like comeing out there isent ben eny fire in the stove sinc morning and it isent coud a bit if it is a damp day they are starting the dinner fire now.  We sleep in the canvas house it is a grate place to spend a winter and rest it is grate fun to drink grape f
Mrs P is pealing sweet potatoes for dinner they are fine right out of the ground and not bruised all up.  I eat about a dozen orenges & three or four grapefruit a day.  Aunt Hatty said we can amazin you settin on the refirigater to keep cool.  That is what we do.
Onley we don't have a refegrator we have to go in swimming.  There was a flock of 9 fine quail out in the yard when we was eating brackfast but befor he got a shot at them they flew over in the neighbors lot so we coudent go after them.
Some wone said Freda is working in the centril office how does she like it isent the work to hard for her or isent she working much.  Ask Beth if she likes accorns if she does I will try to find some good wones for the squirrel.
It is still raining I gess I will have to stay home today.
I helped a man put on fertirlizer and ashes in grove last week he harrowed it till it was like a garden.  He only had about 8 acres and he keeps that lookng grate.  It is raining as hard as it can poor {pour] worm[warm?] as you pleas just comes down as easy as it does when we want to have a social up in maine especaly a lawn party.  Will close with Love write soon Harry Buzzell
 
      Olando Fla Jan 30.16
Dear Mother.-I received your letter and was glad to get it I alco got the mail you sent to Jacksonvill.
The papers I surpose Bill got them I read the Republican hear Mr P has it come from the office every week.
I havent seen Bill sinc last Sat night you see I am out of town 3 1/2 miles and as the buss line just started to run (a week ago) over the new brick road by hear last week I would have to walk or go in at ten and stay till four and then walk 1/2 the way to the stastian.  I did not go often but I think I will go in tomorrow if he don't come out befor night.  he may come out this evining  I am glad to hear that you are all well again and hope you all will be well the rest of the winter.  I surpose R isent working so hard this winter.  I havent heard enything of Bill going north if he has thought about it he hasent said enything to me about it so his address if just Olando Fla gendel.[general?]  He went out to a felers as you see in one of my letters to pick orenges.  He only worked four or five days
A chacker[?] how borded part of the crew he stayed with him and coudent stand the board hard luck.  Mr P saw him in town Thursday and he told him I don't know if he has enything elce in new or not I think I have got a place to go to work steady soon the wages are small but if I get a little more then my board it all counts and I mint as well work as blay [lay?] round hear for my board all winter.  I will get so fat that I cant earn my salt when I get whare I have to if I get to fat.
What do you hear from Mr Lanley [?] or don't you hear enything.
Just think the peas ar blossoming out the lettice and beans are gettng big.  We went fishing last eving it is evening after noon down hear.  We got stung I gess we dident have the right kind of bate the fish were jumping all round but woodent bite a thng that is arful prevoking.  I gess like a man told me Philbrick the other day we ought to have some little old minners.
Mr Philbrick asked him how fish got in all these little lakes without eny outlit and fed by springs & he said I spects they grows from thess little old minners. & I gess it is a little early for bass and we have to fish perch in the night we are going to try them when we get the boat done if I stay.
The folks are all well and thank you for your love and sent you their best wishes.  it is very warm for this time of year the orenge trees are bloseming and they hadent ought to till march.  love to all from your little boy Harry.
[Note in top margin:]
I will try to let you know when we are going to move befor hand.
 
 

      In the following letter, reference is made to several of Harry's family members.  Clyde was Harry's brother.  Bessie Ralph was Ralph Buzzell's wife, Bessie Wiggins Buzzell.  Ralph was Harry's oldest brother.  Harry also had a sister name Bessie.  Fannie Buzzell Jacobs was Harry's sister.
 

Olando Fla   Feb 6. 1916
Dear Mother.
 I received your letter Fri-was glad to hear from home and I hope you will be well when this reaches you.  We are well and happy don't the pictures look as if we were trying to keep cool and let our hair curl.  I was in to see Bill today & let him read the letter.  he is working at present and I did not have very long to talk as he had to go out on the buss.  he told me to wright a card and tell Clyde  to sell his cobblers as you rote in the letter if they don't go up eny higher by that time.  I heard Dan Skidgel cut his hand in the mill how bad is it that will make it pretty hard for them wont it.
Aunt Hatty said she thinks yo .you would like to spend the winter hear she thinks it is fine.  How much a bushel did Papa get for the oats.
Mark was sorry to have to leave and I am glad I can stay longer if I don't get too fat I will be all right till spring.
About the papers you can send them to Olando he gets his mail there, and will be there when he isent working.
I think it would be nice for us to go to Vermont but it is a long way to look ahead yet but we may go and we may not.
I am glad to hear the folks are all well as usual in Conn.  We may stop and see them all in the spring.  Glad to hear the hens' are shlling [shelling?] out this winter.  the next time you talk with Bessie Ralph   you ask her how the little white bullet is laying this winter.  tell her I told you to ask.
It look as if we are going to have a very early spring so the crackers say.
How is the logrip [flu?] cumming I hear they are having it in new york and state and same down through the states.
Mr Philbrick and I am planning to go fishing tomorrow evening for perch.
You can tell the folks it is so hot one day last week Mr Philbrick cam home with a gug [jug] of molases and it has ben boiling ever sinc.  they think it was to new.  as I cant think of eny thing elce of intrest I will close Hoping this finds you well I will close with love Wm Harry.
How are the piggs and all the stalk.  Has the boys had the colts htched up yet, love Hary sec,[?]
[Notes in top margins:]
Did you see the clips [eclipse] of the sun last week the wimmin did but Mr Philbrick and I was so busy we dident have time.
Does the boys get their dinners up to Fannies  this winter.
Aunt Hatty is lost without an almanac .  have you eny kicking round.
 

    The next letter mentions Myra, Harry's sister.
    The Aroostook Valley Railroad was an electric trolley that provided transportation from Colby to Caribou.

      Pinecastle Fla.
 Feb 13. 1916
Dear Mother.-, We got your ltter Friday we were glad to hear from home and to hear you are all well again.  We are well and hope the grip will not come round.
The eclips brot a cold wave but it lasted onley too days gee it was grate.
Well this is sunday morning dishes done and house put in order for the day we went out for a little row on the lake and it is to hot so we came in to wright a few letters befor we go to church a 11 oclock
Bill sais he is fealing fine and he can eat like a hors and I think he is all right he seams to be.  and me I feal fine cant fell lame or enything this is a grate cuntry and grate climate.
Bill and I are in a small town a little way from Philbricks We expect to go to work tomorrow if we like we will probely stay hear for sometime.
Bill and I are keeping bachlers hall we have got a grate place a house on the shore of the lake and a boat We havent cot eny fish yet but we may have better luck later.
You can sind the papers to us hear as we will be working he will not have time to go out to Philbricks to read them there
I am glad to hear Ralph and his famley are well this winter.  I would like to see Colby very much I surpose he has grown a lot sinc we went away.
Have you got the minister yet if so how do they like him.
I dramp [dreamed] I was home last night & I thought it was spring and we was putting in the crops and it seamed as if Papa had sold all the horses and bought mules and we was having some time.  How is Myra  this winter does the school work seam hard for  her, does the kids go on the car  this winter or do they board.
We are on a 12 mile lake and we can go through a camnel [cannel]  to a smaller lake.  We was out in the boat to an island it is onley about 3 acers and is owed [owned] by a clerk of a bank in Olando it is onley seperated by marsh and he bilt a road out to it he is going to have a park on it and sell house lots round the edge it will be a very pretty place as it is covered with big oaks and nic and cool the breze [breeze] of the lake keeps it cool.  Bill is wrighting to Sadie so I wright to you folks for us too.  When you right to us it can be to both as we are together now.
Has Bill got eny pigs yet.
You can send our mail to
Pinecastle Fla, genrel.
Love to all from Harry & Bill
 
      Pinecastle Fla
       Mar 12 1916
Dear mother,-I received your ltter last week.  We are all well and glad to hear that you are all well.  We are boarding now have ben to weeks we like it much better then to trying to board our selvs.
We are working in a box mill making celery crates but are done in the mill this week and if we don't find eny more work we will be leaving for the north in a week or so.  I understand Mr Philbrick folks are going home in the last of April or the first of may Aunt Hatty seams content as yet. Do you see enything in the papers about the mexican trouble there is quite a lot of excitement about it around hear.
We have ben fishing a few times but we dident catch eny fish.  We plann to take to weeks to get home after we start if we go to see Aunt Alice we will be longer we may and we may not go to Vermont.
It has ben quite warm hear last week it was 89. to 94 above and down to 50 above.
As there isent much to wright I will close with love,
From Harry and Bill.
We cant tell exactly when we will leave hear but it will be in sometime next week I think. H.
 
 

Hartford, Connecticut:  Ten letters, Christmas 1916-February 1917

      Hartford Conn
       December 25, 1916
Dear Mother.- Well this Christmas all most done and I am glad of it.  I had a nice time at Uncle Freds house they were all getting over the grip when we got there but they are all well except Aunt Anie she has an arful coff yet Hannah and Henry was down for dinner today I like Henry grate I like him better everytime I see him he has ben takin into the church on prapation [probation?] I think he is all right good harted [hearted]and onest [honest] as he can be.  I met Irenes fellow.  He seams to be a very nice boy but he is kind of funey don't you know but he is all right I gess.  The girls are all well Irene & Hannah are both fat and look pretty good not so tired as sometimes.
What do you think . Uncle Fred is in the Congatingational or Capisilialel [Episcopal?] church he has belonged befor but gave it up now he is back again.
I went with him to prain [praying] meting Friday night he was going and asked me so I went.-Well I don't go to that church eny more to much holerin and shouting slaping their hands for me I don't like it he has got Emma to join but the other girls are methidist.  They wont go with him.  It makes him mad somtime but they don't car.  Mabel said she tried to tel me what the church was befor I went but coudent without Uncle Fred knowing it so she let me go.
Whill how is all the folks now.  Did you have a good Christmas it is ben a fine day down hear.  I got a necktie from Ethel a nice wone.  Mabel gave me a kind of a travelin tabelit [tablet] a book like thing leather case place to keep a tabelit in a place to put pen or pencil one for envelops or cards it is fine a hankerchiff from Henry and Hanah. O yes and a donkey from Mabel and a little dog from Mabel for my watch charm and a nice bocket [?] toilet set from Ralph & Besie Colby and Margret.  I got yours and Besies cards today.
Well I go to work tomorrow Ive got a pretty nice rum [room] in a boarding house I think I will like it hear this is kind of pretty place near the the capital grounds.
How is all the children now is Virginnia all right now and Uncle Franks children.
 What is potatoes going at now they are aful dear down hear everything is high but wages are good alco are they shipping eny now did Clyde get back for Christmass
Did you all get a lot of nice presents I did has Bill got the hay all presed yet I surpose he has.  The children done well with their play how did the church consert come off did they have a good night
Whell when eny of them are cumming this way let me know as I mint see them
Well thank Bessie and Ralph for my present I will send them a card when I get time I must straiten up a little and retire
Hoping this finds you well and Happy I wish you a Happy new year and love to all from your son Harry Buzzell
279 Capital Ave
Hartford
Conn,
 
      Hartford Conn
       December 31. 1916
Dear Mother.  This has ben a beautiful day Well I went to Uncle Fred's today to get the bundle you sent me was very pleased to get it and thank you very much!
How is all the folks up there I am well and getting along fine as well as I know.
I got Sadie's letter and answered it the the next day wasent that pretty good.  Uncle Joe is pretty well Ive ben to see him twice I think he likes to have some wone come once in a while it helps to pass the time away.
He aprears seams to be glad to get cards from his folks he tells me
The girls sent him some cards and he told me he sent all the children a card and he coudent remember the eleventh wone so he just rote to the missing wone it was Arthur I gess that he missed I think he done well to remember as well as he did.
Mildred & Bill is not living together and Will keeps coming to Uncle Joe and that bothers him some.
Aletha is maried and lives in New York if they would keep their troubles to themselves it would be better all round.
Well how is the potato bisness now days.  how did they come out on those New York cars.  What are they worth up there now.
There is a lot of grip goin round in manchester (but I feal fine) Aunt Anie is quite sick and Uncle Fred has ben sick is a little better they are both around but have bad cooughs.  Lizie was sick but is all well now.
The Churches are having watch night services tonight I gess I will go out and see is the wone up hear is. It is a memorial Baptist if they are. Well, I am cumming right back and go to bed.  it will do me as much good as to set up till midnight I will see 1917 in the morning.
Well I find I cann use my sweter [sweater] and that old overcoat if you will send them to me it will be apresheeted [appreciated] I can use the overcoat to ware to the shop and back as it isent a very good place to keep the cloths I don't like to ware my good wone send them the way you think best but let me know so I will be watchin for them and will get them all right.
Well as this is all I can think of at this time that will interest you I gess I will say good night and Happy new year.  With much Love From Harry
279 Capital Ave
Hartford Conn
[There is an address written on the back of the envelope:]
Mrs C Foster
186 Hemmingway
Hemingway Ave
East Haven Conn
 
      Hartford Jan 2 1917
Dear Mother.- Sunday morning-
I am arful buisy but of course I am always glad to get mail from home so must answer them.  I got your ltter Friday night or noon was glad to hear from you and am glad to hear the Folks are well am arful sorey that Myras' eyes are bad so she cant go to school but will be glad to see them in the spring when they come to Boston.
It has ben nice hear since I got hear last Sunday it was quite cold but I dident have to cover my ears up yet and there isent eny snow hear it has rained to days last week but it is fine today clear and the sun is warm I must go to church soon.
I was down to Uncle Freds Sunday last but havent heard from them since.
No I havnt made meny frinds as yet I ve ben to buisy and I ve ben to Uncle Freds but now I am done in the factery I gess I will get acquainted a little.
I thought I coud go to work in the factory and to school to nights a week but as I got through in the factory I am giving all my time to the school and I gess it will be beter this way I can get rested and go to school it is called the Hartford Auto School I like it so far it is going to cost me quite a bit but I think it is what I want a repair and driving cars combined and the repair is practical work on cars so when I get through I can eather drive or repair.  I find the best jobs and best pay is driving and a fellow isent much god [good] if he cant drive if necesery.
I am well at present never felt btter in my life it is quite a chang for me and it seams to agree with me I am counting the days till when I get out of school
I am glad they are getting such a price for their potatoes it will help the county some this year well they diserve it after the to bad year.
Ive got a nice rum a front room the onley thng I don't like about it is that the cars make such a noise all the time but they don't bother me as much as they did at first
Uncle Joe said sent his best regards to the folks in maine when you wright he gets arful discouraged at times and I don't won dorpt [??] ot  Well I gess I must stop now as I cant think of eny think elce I will be planng on Bill and Myra in the spring so lit me know the plans as they go along and if eny of the rest come this way let me know From you loving son Harry
279 Capital Ave Hartford Conn
Well I dident get this letter ready to mail when I went out to church so will wright a little more.
Well I met the pastor of the church and he asked me to have dinner with him but as I coudent today I promised him I would some day.  I stayed to sunday school and met some of the boys of the young mens class I like this church very much so far I am going to the Christan endeaver tonight and then to meeting a convert of Billie Sunday is  going to speak in the Endeaver meeting tonight I am going to see Uncle Joe now.  So you see I will be busy today and special meetings all this week so I can go someware every night this week.
Love and best wishes From Harry,
 
      Hartford Conn Jan, 11, 1917
Dear Mother,- Just a few lines to let you know I received your litter and paper.  I was very glad to hear from you.  I am glad to hear potatoes selling so good they are selling at 60 cents a peck hear or 2 dollars a bushel.  Some price all right.  I am sorey there is so much sickness in Caribou and hop this finds you much better then befor.
I havent heard of so much grip this week.
I don't remember just what I rote you in my last letter in regard to my work. But to repeat wont hurt.
My hours are as I like them but I plan to work from 8 to 5 road lesson and all.  I mint as well put in all my time as I will get through quicker if I do.  At first it botherd me when I went to see Uncle Jon [Joe?]but now I don't mind he is very good to talk with and he asks a lot of questions in regard to the folks the horses and crops and all about the new city up there.
He had quite a laugh about the time he was up there and he went down to the Nelson place to thrash do you remember how mu mudy it was.
Sunday he told me Alitha has a fine boy born the last of December.
I told you Aletha and Mildred were in New York they are in York state but in the cuntry Aletha married a farmer.
The weather is fine hear now there has not ben eny snow since I ve ben hear there was more when we got hear then ther has ben since.  And there has ben some arful pretty moon light nights just like april.  But some of the people say we will get it next monthe and some say maybe not  they say some time thy don't have eny wors weather then this.  I expect Edward Spooner to spend Sunday with me if nothing happens.  I got a letter from him this week and he said he would come up sat afternoon so I gess he will be hars Sunday.  iT is onley about 20 miles to bristol.
How is Ralph and famley this winter is Ralph standing his work in the spud house and the rest of the boys and girls.
By the way I havent heard from Sadie yet I rote her just after she went to Presqueisle.
I will find out if Uncle Joes reads and lit you know
I am well and like my work fine so far of cours I cant tell much about it yet but think I will like it.
Do you hear from Mabel very often I don't well she is buisy I surpose, in the mill again in the same job as ware she left off
How is Fannie  and her famley now. Is the baby all well again?
What do you hear from Uncle Westley and Ant Alice and Cherley [Charley] & Edith.   Ant Dot  and Uncle Fred.  I surpose you hear from them quite often.
Well I must close for this time wright soon and let me know how the folks are as I am righting the Grofunals [?] is playing that hym I surender all.
I got the coat and swetter all right and I thank you for it very much.
Hopin this finds you well and cumfortable and may God bless and keep you.
With much love to all from you ever loving son Harry Buzzell
Hartford Conn.
 
 

        The next letter mentions Fannie, Harry's oldest sibling.  Fanny Mae Buzzell (March 14, 1886-September 19, 1979) married Fred Jacobs November 3, 1909.
        Charles Edwin Thomas (May 15, 1886-October 21, 1967) married Edith M. Fields on January 16 1907.  They moved to Vermont, then Dexter and Gardiner, Maine.  Charles was Harry's maternal uncle.  Charles was thirteen years younger than his sister Mary Thomas Buzzell, Harry's mother.
        Dorcas Russell Thomas (August 19, 1878- October 27/28, 1946) married Fred Creed on April 12, 1899 in Woodland, Maine.  Dot died and was buried in Sydney, Maine.  She was Harry's maternal aunt.
Edd refers probably to Edward Spooner (1892-1952), Harry's first cousin.
 

      Hartford Conn Jan 18. 1917
Dear Mother.-. I received your letters yesterday and was very much pleased to hear from you and the kids.
I had a nice visit with Edd.  It rained Sunday till about 11 oclock but we went to manchester in the afternoon he and I are planning for march of cors there are quite a lot of if's in the way yet but we will get around them all right.  Edd and Bert is both working in the same place a pretty good job I gess.
They are all well at Uncle Freds at present.  Yes I got the picture all right and I think it is fine of them both and I thank them both very much for it  The people hear thought it was my picture and tried to teas me about it but I convinced them that it was my twin brother.  What do you thnk of it.
There has ben a number from this church to hear Sunday [Billie Sunday] and they all speak well of him.  There is some talk of him cumming hear in a year or too but you can never tell
The weather has ben fine hear this week.   Sunday it was 52 above zero but went down to 20 above in the mornings and goes to about 30 at noon and clear at that some could [cold?] the people think it is disprit [desperate] in the mornings.  Last week we had to mornings at zero well the outdore work stoped practaly.  18 inches of ice on the pond and the ice cutters think that is grate.
I went to see Uncle Joe last night he was very much pleased with his ltter and asked me to answer it as his hans are in such shape it is hard for him to right but he said he must wright a few lines this week to them.  I told him they dident expect him to answer their letters.
I am well as usual and getting along fine hope to get out of school soon.  I expect to go to Bristol on a visit soon I am glad to hear you are all well and hop you will keep so.
How did Ralph's boy come out in the jackasss barn.
Can you get me some snapshorts of the kids and colts and such things I want some for Uncle Joe I would like to have some of Colby and the colts he keeps all his cards and letters and every wonce in a while he looks them over and over again poor man.  Ask Bessie if she has had the film developed she took last fall if so I would like for her to send some of the snaps.
I will try to wright to her some day but as I am such a boar [poor] wrighter and she is so good a schoalar [scholar] I don't like to.
Uncle Joe sends his best regards to you people every time I go to see him and sais he would like to see you all again.
I thought I put my address on Sadies letter maybe I dident but I ment to at eny rate.
Hoping this fins you all well and happy
With much love from Harry.
Tell Bill Edd's address is and he would like to hear from Bill
12 Sherman St
Bristol Conn
Endee Manor.
 
 

        The next letter refers to Uncle Joe, Joseph Swallow who married Lottie Marel Buzzell (April 15, 1873-January 25, 1909, aged 35), a sister to Colby Orin Buzzell.  They lived in Rockville, Connecticut. Uncle Joe would have been a widower at this time.
  Uncle Fred is possibly  a reference to Colby Orin Buzzell's older brother, Frederick Buzzell (born 1861), who operated an art and picture framing business in Connecticut.

      Caribou
      Hartford Conn Jan 25. [1917,no year given]
Dear mother Just a line to let you know I received your letter today and the papers was very glad to hear everything so well
The weather is fine hear sunday it began to snow about 4 oclock and it snowed about 4 inches or there was when I got up in the morning but it cleared off warm it hasent ben but 20 above this week in the morning and about 30 at noon
Yes I had a very plesent visit with Ed but as to Bert Ed said they were well but I will tell you in my next letter as I expect to spend Sunday with them
I don't see eny chang in Uncle Joe  from time to time but of cors some times he is a little more discur [discouraged?] or cheerful but no pernement change eather way.
I feel pretty well but I am arful sorey for him as he is so helpless no he cant use his feet eny he wheels himself round but he cant use his feet eny.
I wish I coud go mo [?] in the autto Bisness but as there worttbe eny chance for a job till march I am going to work for the underwood typewriter co till I get what I want but I will keep on studying and go to school to nights a week and as I am the first man on the list for a job in the school I hope to get wone earley in the spring I am atto [auto] cracy [crazy].  Tell Bill the school expects to have some cars to the Boston auto show a ford truck as a special.  They have got the best idear for a ford truck I ever saw.
To make a truck out of a ford car.
I got a letter from Sadie last week and will trey to anser it when I get back from school
You know I got a watch up there just befor I left well it has lost wone minute hows that for a time keeper. and it don't alarr 4 oclock.
Uncle Joe sais he has all the reading he cars [cares] for as he has to papers and the hospital is surplied with magezens from some socal [social?] or some Christan club, so he gets all he needs.
You don't need worie about me as I think I can care for myself but will take your warning.
Hoping this finds you well as ever
I will ring off for this time
Love to all From
Harry.
Back again it is trying to snow but I gess it will turn to rain.
Some kind of weather.
The people hear think it is desprit to have to pay 60 cents a peck for spuds.
Well I must close with love to all
Harry.
PS I havent heard from Uncle Freds  latley have you so near and yet so far.
 

 
      This letter to Bessie and the following letter to Mother were sent together.  Both are dated Feb. 2, 1917.  Harry's little sister, Bessie Lena Buzzell, was born Feb 4, 1904.  She would have celebrated her 13th birthday in 1917.
 

      Hartford Conn Feb 2 1917
Dear Bessie.-I received your letter was pleased to hear from you as I have ritten about all the news in my last letter and I surpose you read the other litter I will tell you a little about me.  Well as you know by bing [being] a little acquanted with me I am bashful but as I go to church and sunday school I have met some very nice folks glad to say and some very nice fillows.
I work in a very warm rum I in my shirt sleves and them roled up and an apern [apron] but no overalls.
The department ware I work is a common labor and there is about as many girls or more then men and boys and they drive a fillur crazy especaly a bashful fellow But 5 oclock lits me free of cors to [two] nights a week I go to school but there is only men and boys
Back.  It is peace again and study or read or right till bed time and 6 oclock turn out and brackfast and 15 minute walk and then o but what do you care what about the girls and misery.
So as I don't have very much work and lots of time to loaf you see I must be happy and right [write] to my main girl.  Bessie no other
Have you heard from Mabel lately I havent.  girls hear don't want a fellers adress they wont his money that's all some of them.  Love Harry
P S) did you get the card I sent you I surpose you feal quite big now as you are quite a old chicken.
 

 

      Hartford Conn Feb 2 1917
Dear. Mother, I received your letter yesterday was very glad to hear you all are so well and spuds are so high has Ralph sold meny of his own stuff and if so at what price.  he will get a god good start this year is he getting out eny stiff for his barn.
I spent sunday in Bristol with Ed as I planned. I think they are both doing well they have a nice little rent and good nabers Bert is an inspector and Ed is sinking[?] dyes.  They both get fair wages and not very big rent.  Gladice [Gladys] and the Babies [babies] seam to be well and she wants Myra to some and see her in the spring and Ed expects Bill for a week at least.
I don't think much of Bristol but the place ware the compeny houses are is or will be a nice place it is out of the vilage and yet it has the elictric lites and are going the have a car line next summer it takes time but I think in time it will be very nice.
I went to see Uncle Joe this week and he told me Ethel said Hanah and Henry were going to look at a farm some of his relaition [relation] has and if they like it they intend to be maried right away and move on.  I havent heard from there sinc so I don't know if there is eny thing definet [definate] or not.  I like the school as well as ever and I like the work but I get quite tired as I am on my feet all day most every day.
I am in hopes to get a job earley but if I cant get what I want I will wate till I can as there is plenty work hear.
I don't know when the auto show is as I was mistaken about those cars they were going to the show but not the Boston.  If I can find enything about the Boston show I will let them know.
I am well and cant find eny fault the way things are going with me at presnt it is quite cool tonight it must be nearly down to zero.  But I reather [rather] see it that way then rainey and slushy.
There was a big fire hear Monday I am sending you a couple pictures of it.  I dident see the fire as it is quite a ways from hear but went to see the twins[?] Tuesday night Woolworth was a 5-10 sent store fox was a department store and some store.  They are keeping all their clerks and paying them just the same as they intend to build up again as quick a posible and keep on doing bisness.
In the small picture the low building is the 5-10 it was onley wone storey and now they are going to make it 4 or 5 enyway as it is in the buisy section.
Well did Sadie get home Sunday the 4th I gese she wants to get home by the letter she rote me.
Sunday I will be at home at the bapchters [bachelors] quarters as they call it as the are no wimen boarders hear thank goodness. I can have quite peace hear for a while as nearly all the fellers go out nights it is nice and quiet to study.  Hoping this finds you well. Love from Harry.
 

       In the following letter, Harry mentions his two youngest siblings at home, Bessie d Chester.
      Chester Orin Buzzell (December 14, 1905-January 6,1989), the youngest child of eleven born to Colby and Mary Buzzell, married Lena Rose McNeal (January 12, 1906-August 5, 1972) in August 1928.  Chester would have been eleven when this letter was written.
      This letter contains the first refererence that Harry made to World War I in his letters home.
 

      Hartford Conn Feb 11, 1917
Dear Mother.- I received your letter and papers was very glad to hear from home and to get the pictures.
I am glad they have done so well in the potato bisness this season and espcily for Ralph he needs it so much.  he neads some heavier horses and I hop he will get a good team.
I have not heard from Buzzell sinc I wrote befor I think Henry is all right I wish I coud go and see them but.  Well if mabie I will in march.  I am such a loafer and visitor it is hard for me to get eny ware that I want to.
Uncle Joe was very much pleased with the pictures but he said he dident have eny place for such things I shod have to keep them for him I am sorey he cant keep them but I don't object to them.
He said they are giving him the vaxien [vaccine] treatment.  It is injected in his arm, of cors he cant see eny improvement yet he is in hopes he will soon, (he still has hopes of getting out again some grit.
He said tell Bessie & Chester  he got their card and give his best regards to you all
There was a big snowstorm hear Monday last he and I got talking about the storm & he got telling the storms he has ben out in with the team.  But I think the storm is as hard as eny he is in now.
The storm Monday was quite a storm there was about 9 inches of snow, the papers say, and that like wone of our April squals but the weather has ben good since.
The people all talk war  but hop peace I think the majority think it is most all bluff to make the other naitions [nations] come to time.  But there are so meny foreners [foreigners] hear a fellow has go to know how he is talking with befor he taks war to [too] strong or says to much.  I heard there was a bunch tried to blow up the colts aactory [factory?] last week they have dubled all the gards [guards] around all the factries and watch all their forein help pretty close.  I saw in the paper Chester Gin is home is he on a visit or to stay.
Has George sold his farm yet I saw he has it advertised for sail.  If he sels what will he do them.  I shoudent think that is to much land for him.
There is three young fellows boarding hear from Florida I had quite a talk with them this noon they told me there has ben a big freze it killed young trees and spoiled a lot of orenges.
Go easy I don't know how to work others wies [wise?] and am to lazie [lazy] to if I did.
You said there is good wages for good men there always are but for the likes of me.- well there are poor farms down this way.  Yes and homes for the week minded.  Hoping this finds you all well.
Love to all Harry Irving Buzzell
 
 
 

        In the following letter, "Little Mary" is likely Mary Thomas Margeson, Harry's first cousin and  daughter of Frank Thomas (a brother to Harry's mother Mary).
 

      Hartford Conn Feb 19 1917
Dear Mother.  I received your very welcome letter Saturday was very glad to hear from you and to know you are all well.
I am very sorey for Woodburey for if he payes for that farm he needs all he can get.  and potatoes are high and scarce they are hard to get evean at 8 a bushel down hear and everything is up in prepotion. [proportion]  Well Ed came up last night and we went to the auto show and he spent today with me we had quite a visit he went back tonight.  Some claim the show hear was as good as the NY show there was some fine looking cars their all right.
Well Uncle Joe told me today Irene was maried the 14 I don't know why she told me she intended to be in june.  I havent heard from them at all for 4 weeks I don't know whats the mater. I gess their to buisy.  that's my excuse.
It has ben very warm hear this last week the snow is most all gorn.
There don't seam to be much news this week.
Have you heard from Maber or eny of the girls lately.
Ed seams to be quite contented now he is planing on Bill in march I gess if Bill gets round he will have quite a visit.  Are they going to Vermont on their way home I surpose they will so to make the rounds while thar about it.
How is all the little folks at Franks this winter is little Mary  as sickley as last summer.
Hoping this finds you well with much love to all from
Harry.
PS tell Bessie Uncle Jos said he was going to try to anser her letter this week. H
 
 

Ayre, Massachusetts:  Two letters from Camp Devens, October 1917

      [Fort Devens] Ayre Mass Oct 9 1917
Dear Mother.  Just a line to let you know I am as well as ever.  I havent heard from my examirnation yet so I cant tell how I came out yet but I think I will go mo [on?] the sick list tomorrow as I will get a btter examernation they hurrie a feller so the first time he don't get much of a exam
My side is bothering me a little as we went on a five mile hike yesterday & shoveled gravel till three today when it began to rain so we quit but I am as well as I have ben.
It is rainey tonight and it is damp & cold as the steam isent working yet but we have plenty of bedding.
Ray Swanberg is next to me and in my squad and the rest of the fellows near are pretty good fellows and very socibal and accomidation.
I got acquainted with a fellow by the name of Harold Mcintier of Caribou he worked in the Vauhn house.  H is clever fellow with the cards but he and I get along grate he uses me fine he is next to me on wone side in the barrick.
It is better then to have some of the french I don't know.  We have singel beds iron frain [frame] and spring like the couch a straw tick which we had to bill [build?] the first day.
 
 

        In the following letter, Harry asks about his first cousins, Freda and Ed Spooner.  Freda (March 9, 1898-October 12, 1990) and Edward (April 2, 1892-January 1952) were two of the eight children of Albert Spooner and Emma Francis Thomas (sister to Mary, Harry's mother).  Freda, a teacher, never married.
      Less than two weeks later Harry was in Georgia where he wrote the letter dated Oct 27 1917.
 
 
 

[Fort Devens] Ayre Mass Oct 14 1917
Dear Mother.  Sunday and a nice wone the weather has ben very disagreable last week cloudy and cold and some rain. but friday it cleared off nice and the sun is warm.
The cantiens sell magisines and papers and the YMCA has papers and books free to go there and read.
There is a YMCA every little ways and little stores for the sholdiers soap towels [?] and stasionarie and such stuff.
Glad to hear all the folks are well and hope eny of the other boys wont have to com hear
Wages are arful high hear for comon labor but that don't do me eny good.
I am as well as ever and gess I 've got a steady job all right for U S.
There is a bunch of 8000 going to Gorgia soon some say this week some of them from this company.
I wish I was in a regular company this dept bragade is a surplus and they can send a bunch eny ware at short notice it is all right but a feller got to be ready to go eny time.  Wher a man in a regular co can plan ware he will be and have a ferlo.
How is all the folks now a days.  I surpose the kids are all going to school now a days.
How is the potato bisness did they get all the contract stuff.
How is Freda  going to make out if Edd pases the examernation.
I expect the second exam and vaxation [vaccination?] and noculation [inoculation?] this week if we don't move south but if we move I surpose we will get it first.
Hoping this finds you well.
Love Harry .
 
 
 

Atlanta, Georgia: Thirty-two letters, October 1917-May 1918

[Camp Gordon] Atlanta Georgia Oct 27 1917.
Dear Mother-Just a line to let you know I am well and like this place onely it seams a long ways to eny ware I know.  As when I came they put me in the Field Artilery and ther isent enywone hear I know so I feal lonsum there is some other fellers hear I know but in other branches and I cant seam to get a line on them.
 Well I ve ben to a fire or started.  The call came and the boys were histled from every ware and asembled as it is after hour the most of them were some ware or anothers so we just got together.  When they dismised us.  it was a little excitement and I am glad it dident mean a night work for it is hot this evening.
There is some talk of them sending a lot of the northrn fellows back north I gess there is some of them sick so on acount of the change of climate and food and all, but I don't know how much there is in it they tell so much stuff.
 
 
 

        In the following letter, Harry asks about his younger sister Sadie who was teaching school.  Sadie Alice Buzzell  (June 16, 1895-May 13, 1977) was about two years younger than Harry.  She married Mark Randall on July 23, 1919,  the summer following Harry's death in November 1918.
 

Camp Gordon Oct 28, 1917.
Sunday and a beauty it is as clear as it can be the sun is hot but there is breeze enough to make it about right.  I feal fine today.
How can some people groumble when we have such good care as onley the almighty can give.  Today is certinley a gift of God.
Did you get my cards I sent some and has my souit case come yet I dident send it myself I dident get time so a John Ericsen was to send it.
There is a Y or so in every company and a good help they are to.  You can go there and wright or read and they have pictures and entertainments for the soldiers.
How are all the folks now I surpose it is winter up there or is it a late fall.
Is Earl gong [going] to High does he come home nights
How does Sadie  like her school I surpose she is buisy with  school marms duties and Myra when does it come off. Or has it come off
Have you got my trink [trunk] yet.  how is Uncle Albert this winter
Do you hear from Uncle Freds often and how are they I havent heard from them.
I planed to get a picture to send but we are so far from a vilage hear and they don't alow eny of them traveling fellers in the camp, but I gess it don't matter.  We will all be cuming home in the spring at least I hope so and every wone elce.
I saw in the paper ware the Germans are making an arful struggle, but I hope it will be the last wone.  The way I look at it is they are struggling for the last position.  can they hold out much longer I don't see how they have held so long.  I am planing to send you a box of flowers I pick in my back yard I gess I can get it off today.  Just to show you the part of the country I am in the flower of the south.
Did that bunch of fellows come last week or are they there yet.  and are they caling eny more yet I had company last Sunday that is Roy had and I was there the Johnson girls came out from Boston a little while it seamed grate to see some wone you know and some wone how can talk something but war for a little while.
How is the potato Bizness this winter spuds are pretty high aint they.
Have they cut the wood or is it to early yet.  did they get some wone to cut the lumber.
I like this place very much and I think it is a much better place to train then Devens.   The onley reason I wish they woud leave me in Devens is I mint see some of the folks from home when they come out with line cars.
Hoping this finds you all well and Happy I am as ever your Loving Son Harry Love to all.
Battery D 321 FA Camp Gorden
Atlanta Georgia
[Note in top margin:]
Pleas ask the girl in Albrts store if she is there is Roy is in the same place if not what his adress is
there was talk of him moving to but I don't know ware I want to keep a line on him so if he comes this way.  and do you know ware Edd is now.
 
      Camp Gorden
       November 4 1917
Dear Mother,-Sunday and a nice day it has ben quite cold and damp this week but it is cleared of now.  the sun is warm now.
 I am fealing fine and like this camp as well as ever some of the nothern fellers are crazy to go back north and there is quite a lot of talk of them sending them but it will be more disergreable there of cors some of the boys can go home wonce in a while if they are in their home camp so I surpose they woud stand the cold or enything to get there.  As for me I cant get home for some time as they wont give a feller more then 32 hours of at a time at present so I must stay at my home hear and make the best of it at
 I don't know if they will keep us hear all winter  We may go fifteen miles from hear for gun practice but this will be our home if we do we onley go out for a week at a time I am on the 6 [?] in gun squad I signed up for a transfer to drive for the guns but there is some talk of them making this a motor squad if they do I may get a transfer to some other kind of a job but I like this company We have good oficers that is something you may irmagin.  and there is  a good bunch of fellers hear. (as good as the Armey usely has.)
 The camps hear are full at present but they are building as fast as they can.
 We don't have to work very hard but it gets arful menotinous We are caled at 5.45 and formation 6. And Brakfast 6.15 then clean up round the building 6.45. and 7 we start drill the first is usuley exercise of some kind or other then we have singing for 15 minutes for lung exercis.
 Then work comences We march and drils till 11 or a little after then inspection of baracks then get ready for diner at 12.  We have till wone for rest till then we go in till 4 our after four we can clean up and rest till 5.15 then retreat We have to be all slicked up have our shoes brushed and our cloes [clothes] neat our jacket on and every botten buttened if not they mint give you work in the kitchen or something elce.
Tuesday and Friday are hike days that is we leave hear about 8 and march steady till about 11.30  We have to 10 minute rests wile on the hike  We start out through the country and circle round and come back.  We went last time 14 miles so the sargent said.
 Some fellers fall out most every hike then they are picked up in the ambulaence and haled along its quite a test but I havent had to fall out yet.  They make them walk as long as they can.  If they think they are onley spleney to [two] officers walk beside them and make them walk.
I saw a feller faint in a hike but he had on [no] bisness to go he had just ben noculated [inoculated] but he dident understand that, if there eny [?] thing the truble [trouble] with a feller he needent go but he cant get of [off] on bluff that don't work.
We have to take turne in the kitchen three a day so a fellers turn don't come very often they say they make them work some when they get them on that job I havent ben in the kitchen yet.
Thy [they] have to help the cooks and scrub the floor in the kitchen and the tables and floor in the dinning rum and set the tables and wait on the fellers of cors each feller has his mes kit and he has to take care of it so they onley have their kitchen dishes to wash.  When did the kids wright I havent got eny mail but your letter and Sadies sinc I ve ben hear I got them saturday afternoon and was glad to hear from home it seamed a long time sinc I had herd.  Whare did they adress the letter.
 Yes we have sweet potatoes about twice a day and beaf or rost pork or sausage but no chicken not so far most of the time they fead pretty good.
It is quite comfortiable hear they have crowded us a little we have a hot air furnace  in each barock that is a big stove to burn coal that makes it warm enough and we have plenty of fresh air they havent got the hot water system fixed in the bath yet so we have to take cold bath onley wone a week [?] We expect warm water soon
I don't mind the cold bath but I like warm water when I shave.
No I dident get a swetter or wresters [?] but I ve got my big swetter and I trined [turned] it up so I can ware it under my shirt that is ware they ware them as they make us take of our blous or coats and they wont let us ware a swetter outside a feller gets more good out of them that way especily when the windbloes.
The company gave us all woll [wool?] gloves that is in the big gun batery.
A feller mint as well try to be contented so as it don't do him eny good to get blue but at times it is prettey hard.  How high is spuds at present.
Whare is the lot of lumber they cut  is it near his other lot.  I surpose Colby and Margret are the same as ever.  Is Bordie still working for Ralph and is he going to be there all winter.
Ray is hear some ware I am going to try to find him this afternoon I don't know his adress or it wood be easie I am not shoor he is hear but I think he is I wish I had his adress.  I ddo hope and pray peace will come soon but it isent for us to reason but to do.  Gods will be done and all will be well for us at last.
Well I gess I will close or I will broke my reckord for wrighting.  See if you know this  feller it isent very good but it is as good as I can get hear.
Hoping this finds you well with best wishes and much love from your little soldier boy Harry Buzzell
P S. is Heman working for Fred.  how is Fanie and the children this fall.
I think I will Be Home in the spring for a ferlow at least.
HB.

.
        Near the end of the following letter, there is a reference that could be to the town of Colby getting electric lights.
         Perhaps the last postscript of the letter is a comment that there is not room to house new draftees in the barracks without sending home the soldiers that have finished basic training.

        Camp Gorden
       Nov 8 1917
Dear Mother- I received your letter today was very glad to hear from home and hear you are all well as usual.
I am fealing fine this is a grate climate hear
Yes I don't mind this winter, but the next chapter don't sound so good but I surpose it must be.
I am driver, or wone of the drivers, of No 2 gun squad I just got it today so I don't know how I will like it the horses aint hear yet.
I am in the same place. Ware on 3 in mounted [?] pieces for the light artilery, there is 9 squads in a battery.  they are small guns.
 There is some talk of them going home for Christmas I heard only 17 from this Batery will be aloud to go but that aint but a few that will want to go.  I ve got acquanted with a few pretty good fellers but I don't know the most of them are pretty ruff fellows I spend a lot of me evenings at the YMCA.
A fellow next to me has the Boston Post evry day and I have it to read I like it better then the papers I get hear at the Y.
I ve ben trying to believe the war woud be all over by spring but I don't see how it can be.
Yes our little city will some class [? ] I hope Carls lites  prove what you want
How are the Selander boys doing in the store this winter.  there don't seam to be much new to wright and I gess I will wright to Sadie I will close this time with Love from your Little soldier Boy Harry.
I hear a new rumor tonight that after a month or 6 weeks more they are going to send the boys home on reserve and take in some more in for training.  but I gess its all gass.
H.
not rum [room] for them both .
 
 

          This letter was written to Harry's sister, Sadie, as he stated near the end of the previous letter written to his mother.  The two letters were sent together.
          The Aroostook Trust Company was the local bank in Caribou, Maine.

      Camp Gorden Nov 8 1917
Dear Sister .
 I received your letter today was very glad to be of some service to the people at home so send me a blank check on the Aroostook trust  and I will send it back at wonce How do you thnk will be the best way, it will be all right to send it to her at PI or at Caribou.  I will send a check you know and will I need to have it registered.
Tell Freda I will send the amount she wants as soon as the mail can get it around.
I hope Myra enjoyes her trip and her work in the woods.  I onley wish I was there to go in the woods to work.  I may get a ferlo in the spring befor.  Love and best wishes
From Harry.
Billy Sunday is getting a big run in Atlanta but there are so many of the boys getting pases to go and hear him I don't know If I can get a pass or not.  We hav to have a written pas to go to Atlanta.
I may be abel to get wone befor he goes away.  The onely time I coud go is Sat and Sun and Sat I have to wash [?] so it don't give me much time.
HB.
 
      Camp Gorden
       Nov 20 1917
Dear Mother,- It is a rainey day and no work, a talk by the Lutenent so far, is all so I am going to thank you for the box I received yesterday I was very glad to get it & believe me it tasted good, after living on the chuck we get hear.  The grub is all right but they use to much grees [grease] and it is the same thing all the time with 212 men they cant fead like if there was onley a few and its hard to get a even share.
I received my box all OK and was very much surprised to get it as I dident know it was cuming
I am fealing fine, a little bit old today but I feal quite encuraged with my sucess as a sholdier.  althou I am not a first class sholdier I am gettng by.
There is some talk again of them making this batery a moter batery and if they do the men in the driving will be used on the trucks, that will be better then horses for there will be no horses to care for.
I understand there is a bunch of the boys going home for Christmass but onley a small persent [percent] of the boys can go and as it woud be so far for me to go there is no use for me to try for a pass.
The papers are all full of Billy Sunday every paper gives him a good name but some hear that hear him don't like him but some always have some falt to find.
There was a good speaker in the Y Sunday night and He gave the boys a good Sermon.
I surpose there is snow up there now it is nearley Thanksgiving, (9 days) I surpose you will be all at home for the day.
Have they got to lumbering yet how meny teams are they working.  help must be pretty high this fall.  It is arful high hear even the water boys get 2 dollars a day boys 10 or twelve years old.
The papers talk a little more encuaging then they did a short time ago.  The Officer's hear seen [seem?] to think after a month or so more we will be sent home and held on reserve till we are needed or till they can ship us across.  but I hope there wont be eny use for us over there.
I spend most of my spare time in the Y they have a piano a fomergraph [phonograph] and some kind of a entertainmint every night.  I am sending to cards I got there.  the song is a good wone for Bill. HB
 
 
 
      Camp Gorden Nov 23 17
Dear Mother.- I received your letter today and wone from Myra was glad to hear you are all well.
It is kind of cold hear a raw wind and the shacks aint very tight.
I don't think there will be meny go home Christmas mabie a few how [who] don't live far from the camp.
I have heard that they was going to send this bunch home on reserve about January but I don't build much planing on it I hope they do.  But they may send us across instead for I believe if the war sometimes as it is they will ship us as fast as they can.  the news is in faver of the alies at present I hope the [they] keep on going.
I don't know what you coud send me for Christmas.  I have all the things I can use for my conveninces as we probely will be moving often.  I have about all the stuff I can handle for we are aloud onley to cary about so much.  I wish you wodent send me enything besides your prayss [prayers?] and Love But if you think you must send me something you can send me something to eat.
Your box came the 19 in good shape and it tasted very good and I enjoyed it very much.  Wone thing I can use is razar blades I have a gillet [Gillette].
My swetter does very well as I don't ware it very often it is onley cold in the morning and it gets so warm befor noon it is to warm so I havent wore my swetter very much
Yes I got the papers all right.
Yes I found Ray all right and he likes it hear very much better then at Ayre [Massachusetts] and he is doing fine.  Bill better stay away from Washbrn if the small pox is down there Washbrn is a bad place eny way and Carson is as bad in my mind not wishing to slur eny wone but I have no use for the finer sex as you have seen
Now if you don't get eny mail from me for three weeks or so don't get nervus for I expct to go out on the target range for a month mabie at about eny time and I don't know how it will be about the mail out there.
I cant tell how long it will be befor we go or how long we will be out there but the talk is we go next week and stay three weeks but I don't know for shoor, yet.
Hoping this finds you well I will close for this time Love to all from your ever Loving Son Harry.
 
 
Camp Gordon Nov 29, 17
Thanksgiving afternoon
Dear Mother,
I had a very good diner. Roast turkey, peas stuffing sweet potatoes tea cranberies to kinds pye [pie] to kinds of cake muffing and piscuets [biscuits?] and a plenty of it.
This forenoon I went to hear Billy Sunday but I was in the back and coudent [couldn't] hear very much he my be all right but I don't like his dope.
This is a very nice day very warm.
I got Bessie's box last night it arived all right the cookies were broke up a lot but taste as well as if ther were hole.
I saw the little french feller that was working for Bill last fall and he said he is going to wright to Bill pretty soon
What do you hear about the second draft there is some talk of it down hear
Ask Arthur if he nows a feller by the name of Lavaser of Caribou.  I met a boy by that name from Caribou last night.
How do you like your new Minister does he seam to be the right man
Does he come out every Sunday I surpose he wont be abel to through the winter months.  When the roads get bad.
I hear they have changed outrtime of going on the range but I gess they don't know just when we will go themselvs.
Have you heard from Aunt Emma[Spooner] latily did she hear from Edd lately I hear there is quite a lot of newmonia [pneumonia] in Camp Devens.  I hope he don't get it.
After supper.  Yes we had apples nuts choclates and peach saus [sauce]and foread (?) and cocoa and then the Lutenent [Lieutenant] pased round the cigars. And they lit up and I got out, cigar and sigeret [cigarette] smoke makes me sick so I have to doge [dodge] some plases they are in the dining rum singin and playing tricks but I coudent stand the smoke.  All the army boys smoke.  That is the only fault I have with the Y is they go in there and smoke in the day it is all right but at night they close the window on acount of the draft & sometime it gets pretty thick
Has Sadie herd from Freda I wonder if she got my check and cashed it all right I havent herd from her so I don't know.
Nov 30 I received your letter today so I will anser and I got Chester's card.  I don't know how long it will be but I hop it will be in the near future they send me home on reserve.  It may be in Jan but I woudent plan to much on it for if you don't plan on it there will be no chance for diserpointment I will be home if I can.
If they call the second draft befor spring I gess they will have to do some thing with most of us.
They say the time on the rode don't count on a ferlow.
We have apples served raw and saus but the other frauit is caned I get apples and orenges at the cantens quite reasonible.
I am sorry the kids are sick and hop they will all be well soon.
I do not need eny stockings yet they gave me three bare [pair] and I had wone good bare of cotton wones and two pares of wafl [type of underwear?] if I need some more I will let you
There isent enything I need at present if I need eny money or enything I will let you know all right you see it is like a feller traviling I cant have but a little to carey.
I got a letter from Aunt Alma she saus [says]there is a lot of small pox I surpose it will hold the draft back of I shoud think it wood.
I am well as ever I woud like to be up there but Gods will must be done I cant believe we are going across althou the talke is strong by the boys that we will most of them talk as if they want to go across but I dred to think of spendng a week or so on the water., and I hope we don't have to go across.
I just got a letter from Freda she got my check all right and she seamed to be well as ever by what she rote.
As there dosent seam to be much news I gess I will close and go and see if I can find todays paper We watch the papers for news now days.
Perhaps a feller woud be better of if he didn't follw the news so close and think of somethng else part of the time but I seam kind of interested in the afairs over there.
Will close with love to all Harry.
Hoping this finds you all well
 
 

         The envelope containing the following letter was addressed to Arthur Buzzell (March 25, 1897 to February 18 1984).  Harry's younger brother Arthur graduated from Caribou High School in 1918.
 

Camp Gorden Dec 9 1917
Dear Brother,  Sunday afternoon, a cold wone struck hear Friday it was so cold last night the water pails in the hall froze a half inch thick and they aint sitting on the floor it is a little warmer today but it is promising to be as cold tonight there was a flurey of snow last night just arnough to say it snowed.
It isent so cold in the squad rum as we had to fires all night but we have to get right out all the same.  and the wind bloes right throu a feller.
There is a lot of the boys got bad colds as the weather is so changerable and the barricks are not very tight.  We are luckey we are not out on the target range this spell but we may get as bad when we are out there
I received your box yesterday was very glad to get it I apreshate all that you folks do for me
How is everything up there now a days do you think the second draft will come soon.  I don't think there will be eny more men called befor march.  unless they ship a lot of us across.  or send us someware elce, as the camps are full.
I am well at present and fealing fine and the boys say I am getting fat I stand the work fine and the ruf food and ruff life does not bother me but boys out of the cities are finding it reather hard to do the work and at first they grumbled a lot but now they are more satisfied and content as they are gettng used of it.
I am not afraid to give my life for this caus and will do my best for my country
Lit me tell you somethng you may be patoric [patriotic] and surport the Country and like to be a soldier but the men that are out of the draft age are the fortunate wones believe me.
There is a lot of lonsum days and a lot of hardships to be endured before our training is complete it may be a long time befor we get in eny actual service but there is no place like home and a fellow cant get a ferlow I understand there will be no ferlows for Christmas in this Battery.
Don't be misled by patoric speakers but stay ware you are as long as you can and enjoy the love of home and company.
Hoping this finds you all well and happy
Your loving Brother Harry Buzzell
[Note upside down in top margin:]
PS It has ben five week sinc ive spoken to wone of the finer sex.  think of that. HB.
 
 
Camp Gorden Atlanta Ga
       Dec 15 1917.
Dear Mother.  Just a few lines in  anser to your letter of the 9 which I received Fri.  am glad to hear you are all well and comfortible and hope the draft wont bother the rest of the boys.  the way it looks to me is if they recall a lot of those they exempted they may not draw the boys this call and all the boys that inlist helps to cut down the amount drafted.  I don't believe they will call eny more from New England States till they can use the morthern camps of cors they are using them now but they cant do much drilling these months.
As the talk goes there will be southern fellers enough to fill the southern camps for three or 4 months at least.  I hope they wont want the rest of the northern boys but is hard to tell how long it will be befor they move us to some place or other.
 I am well at present and hope to keep so a lot of the boys have got colds this cold spell
It is nearley Christmas and it has ben like it this week.  Monday night it started snowing and it snowed rained and hailed Tue & Wen, Thursday it cleared of cold there was 2 inches of icy snow it is warmer yesterday & today but it isent melting much today.  We managed to keep warm as we stayed inside most of the time
I was luckey my turn came and I was in the kitchen three days of the worst of the storm
We hase to take turns working in the kitchen it don't come very often.  it isent very hard work but it is arful greasy and dirty work so no wone likes it and when eny wone gets it they teas them if they can.
We are to have another big feed Christmas so the Lutenent tell us.  I hope so.
There is to Battries quarentined with measels they say there is a feller in this battery coming down with them but we havent not [?] ben quarintined yet. say I ve had the measles havent I or can a feller have them more then wonce
Bessie says Bill wants to know if we have grits We do they have to take the place of potatoes a lot of the time I don't mind as the potatoes we get are poor eny way the sweets are all right but a lot of the fellers don't like them so they oneley give us them wonce in a while.
You tell Bill I will swarp places with him if it is to cold for him up there it is to cold for me hear but I think I coud stand it up there all right.
The order came out this week there will be no ferlows for Christmas and onley 25 percent can get a pass of 36 hours so you see I will spend my Christmas in camp but of cors we will enjoy it for we always like the days of rest (and the YWCA are to have trees for the boys and conserts in camp. )
Well I am getting ancious to be gettng on the move again I gess it wont be long after we get back from the range befor we move some ware I reather go down on the border then go over there but it isent for us to say.
Those wolling [woolen] stockins com in handey these day I put a pare on when I come out of the kitchen and belive me I apreshate them  When a feller goes out and stand on that ice his feet ar apt to be cold the ice is as cold hear as it is up in Maine and onley shoes on but they are good heavey soals and don't leak.
The people hear say this is wone of the coldes spels they have had for years.
Hoping this finds you all well and hapy.  And much Love and Wishes for a Mery Christmas Your son Harry.  Don't worey about me.
 
 
 
      Camp Gorden Dec 22, 1917
Dear Mother.- I received your letter today.  as we have Saturday afternoon of I will anser it.
I am well at present I ve had the cold that's going round but it is better now, and I feal fine.
 It is nice weather hear now the cold did take hold but it onley lasted a week.  The nights are cold now so the ground freezes hard but the sun is very warm and runs high.
 I it has ben very mudy and such a stickie mud you can irmagin we have to walk in the mud and stir it up with the slush and then the men track in the barricks the hob nail shoes we ware are arful hard to clean as the hobs of steal stick out a quarter of an inch and fill full of slush & mud and when that melts it makes it fears [fierce] and some are not fusy [fussy] to clean their shoes.
The quarters orderly have ben very buisy keeping it clean each man sweeps round his bed and won wonce a week washes the floor and the ordlie has to keep the fires and see that the dirt is all cleaned up and look out for the venterlation
We have plenty of bedding three blankets & a good heavy comforter.
Through the cold spell we have had keep fire all night six men a night two hours each from nine to five.
Yes the day are short hear the sun sets about four and dont get up till about half past six or seven but as soon as it soms [comes?] out from behind the pines it shines warm and is warm till it sits.
Tomorrow is the shortest if I remembr right it don't seam like Christmas now sinc the snow is all gorn.  I am in the Y,M,C,A, and they are decerating the stage for tonight they are going to have what they call the White xmas I don't know what that is.  do you?  Will tel you next time I wright
 We expect a big feed xmas and the boys are planing to put on some kind of a program. Xmas night.
 Some of the Batteries went to the range this week I expect we go when they get back it will be about the 10 of Jan I shood think.
We have had a good place to sleep and a plenty to eat such as it is sometimes it isent as a feller likes but there is always enough for every body to have all they want of somethng.  Of cors sometimes it sems hard to eat dry bred or scotched [scorched?] soup or oatmeal but a feller must get youst [used] of these little things and be thankful we are not in the countries ware hunger is plentyful and that if we are in battle we know our loved wones are cared for so when we com home victorious they will welcom us for we are not cumming till we are free or victorious, if it be God's will,
 It is not for us to reason or complain but to work and trust Uncle Sam to take care of us as his boys and he will give us the best he can, and if what you rate is so it was the best he coud do in the circumstances.
The papers were ful of the disaster at Helerfaz [Halifax, Nova Scotia] it certainley was bad.
I got a letter from Aunt Dot last week and she said Willie Black was rejected.
 There is quite a lot of new men coming in hear now.  I don't know if they are volunters or drafted men the most of them are in the other side of the camp in the Infantery.  I may get a transfer to a school for an auto driver butt I don't want it.  but if they say go why it is go.
 How is Ralph this winter is he working as hard as ever or is he taking it a little easier this winter.
How is the potato bisness I surpose it is slow on acount of the short crop and what are they north now.
Do you folks hear from Uncle Freds folks  I havent for a week or so I surpose they are buisy as it is so near xmas
We are working quite hard so to be ready for duty as soon as we can.
The Atlanta people are giving the boys of Camp Gorden a invertation to xmas diner as meny as can leave camp some in the churches and some in private homes.  those at the churches is a gerenal invertation and those in the homes are written invertation.
The boys say when they go to Atlanta on sunday they ask them to have diner with thim and some of them take them out in their car and give them a grate time.
The Atlanta folks seam to like to have the boys come to their homes and make them at home.  Hoping this finds you all well.  I wish you all a Mery Christmas and a Hapy New Year. Love Harry Buzzell
 
 
 

         In the following letter, Harry tells about his Christmas in the U. S. Army near Atlanta, Georgia.  Harry's last time home for Christmas must have been 1913 or 1914.  He spent his last Christmas  alive at the Y. M. C. A. at Camp Gorden, but makes no complaints about it.
          Harry's aunt, Alma Jane Wiggin, was married to his mother's younger brother, Franklin Perez Thomas (January 8, l880 to November 20, 1954).  They lived on the New Sweden Road in Woodland and had three children, Leonard, Albert, and Mary.
          Another maternal aunt, Emma Francis Thomas (March 27, 1867 to July 11, 1936), married Albert Spooner.
 

     Camp Gorden Dec 27, 17
      Atlanta Ga.
Dear Mother.- I thout I woud rite a few lines to let you know I am well after a very comforuable xmas I receved a letter from Aunt Alice and a card from Uncle Will and Aunt Edith and a card from Eulie besides what I got from home for which I wish to thank you very much.
I dident go enyware xmas I rote letters and went to the Y and red a book and enjoyed myself at large.  Of cors it isent like bing at home but I woudent know how to act if I was home for xmas as it has ben fore years since I was home at that time of the year.   I have this afternoon to myself for I came of gard duty this noon.
As there is three Battries on the range and to quarentined it makes gard come often for the rest of us but the quarentine is lifted on wone But today and on the other wone soon it will help us out
I herd the boys on the rand [range?] like it fine they say it is just like going on a picnic they have big tents 8 in a tent and a stove in each tent so if it is not windy I don't see why we shodent be very comfortiable.
How is Earl and the rest of the kids did eny of the rest of them get the measles of him.
How is Colby and Margret now.  I surpose Fanies children ar all well by this time.  How's Aunt Alma  and her little folks this winter  What does Aunt Emma  hear from Edd or dosent she hear from him very often.  I gess it is very cold up thre by this time.
What are spuds worth up there this winter did they line eny cars this fall or did they make them use the CP line cars.
How does Arthur like the spud house don't he get sick of it or does he like it as well as he did last fall did you open my sout [suit] case or did you just put it away if you dident open it I surpose my suit and coat are in good shape but never mind I shoud worey.
What do you hear about the draft down hear they think they will call about the middle or fist of Jan.
The wones that are drafted from up there don't want to be afraid to take to soutes [suits] of heavy underware and plenty of heavy stockens as the stockings and underware are thin and if they have some of ther own they can ware them.  Love to all from Harry Buzzell
[Note in top margin:]
Do you hear from Uncle Freds folks lately I don't.
Did Philbricks go to Florida this winter or coudent they get away.
 

 
             In the following letter, Harry says that he is glad his father gets along with his son-in-law, Heman.  Heman Leonard married Myra Thomas, Harry's sister.
 

      Camp Gorden Dec 30, 17
Dear Mother.  Sunday and a real wintery day it is so cold as the last spell but it is cold it snowed a little last night so I gess it will be warmer now.  when they get a storm up north we get the edge of it and a cold spell and as this is a high elervation it is colder hear then it is round hear so they say.
I am fealing fine and am getting fat, so the boys say.  I havent felt better right along then I do now.  there is quite a lot of colds going round but other then that the boys seam to be all better the measels have about all died out so if there aint eny more come down we well be rid of them.
I am glad Aunt Emma took it as she did I was afraid I mint ofend them to ofer them money without questioning as to Edds plans but I knew or felt shore he woudent have the money to help her through I was glad to help her.  I expect to send some money home sometime in the near future will let you know what to do with it befor I send it.
I am glad to hear you are all well and all the small folks are better.
Colby certainley is some boy and a good harted boy I can see him when he told Ralph he was cold all most up to it.  Did he get his chair for Christmas I surpose he did.  he generely get what he wants.  if he dident why dident he get it..
I got the papers you send and the 20th from Caribou.  it came all right.  I certanley hope the boys wont be caled but if they do let me know at wonce & I will try to give them some good pinters it may help them a little.
I am glad Heman  and Papa get along well.
It is a shame the number of young fellers leaving camp with out a pass and the authorities catch them they go in the gard house for a few days.
There has be a few runaway for a few days and they get all the way from 20 to 25 day and 2/3 pay. And the worst as it seams to me is some get drunk and get in all kind of trubble and it don't help a boy eny to get the gard-house for when he gets out he hasent the privelages as the rest and they watch him after that.
but  a lot of the boys are nothing but bums and now they are in the Army they don't care what they do.
It is near Sunday School time so I will close for this time.
Hoping this finds you all well
love and best wishes.  Harry.
Tell me the wones how are called when you find out. HB,
[Note in top margin:]
Arthur aint thinking eny more of inlistig is he tell him to hold back for a while the drafted man is not so apt to go across as those ho volentier. HB

 

       Camp Gorden Ga Jan 20, 1918
Dear Mother,- Sunday wonce more and we are quarentined for measles so we cant go out eny ware for a while.  as soon as he came down with the measles they took him to the hospital but we are under quarentine till there isent eny danger of eny wone elce cumming down.  if there isent eny more cases we will be out the last of this week.
I am as well as ever and hope the folks will soon be all well again.  they will probely be all well when it comes warm
I don't think they will gain enything by not telling the trouth as they investergate all thesse cases and if they think they are tryng to doge [dodge] the draft they will be harder on them then ever.
 I am glad to hear they are not to take eny maried men and the talk is they are going to but the farmers in the las class so they wont call them so soon.
I got wone of those Red cross sweters last week.  they sent a bunch out from Atlanta so every wone has wone now.
I got a box of candy from Freda befor xmas but I dident get eny other box,
But that aint enything strange as there is quite a few how [who] dident get all the boxes they had sent them.  I don't know what becomes of them but they aint delivered.
I hope Heman does well if he byes the farm.  I don't see why he shoodent as every thing sells well of corse wages are arful high and help probely will be scarce but what he rases he will get a price for. or I don't see why he wont.
I hope Fannie has a good trip and Vergies eyes get all right
I am still in Camp Gorden as you see but I gess we wont be, an arful long time.
The people how live hear say this has ben an arful cold winter and an arful lot of snow for this state.
By the papers I shood say it has ben an arful cold winter all over the country but in March they say it is warm but I don't expect to be hear.  at least in much of March.
The other day we had cabbage for dinner and I was wondering if you have eaten all of Sadies cabbage as they had so much fun over last sumer.  You don't want to worie about me, of cors I am in danger at times and will be all of the time but I have a gide and a protictor in how I trust to gide me through and bring me safely home hoping this finds you all well
Love to all Harry.
 
 

        This letter was postmarked from Marietta, Ga. On Feburay 12 , 1918.  On the back of the envelope, Harry wrote the following:  Many men of many minds many birds of many kinds
          William Henry Thomas (April 10, 1871 to November 3, 1941) was Mary Thomas Buzzell's brother
 

       Black Jack February 11 1918
Dear Mother.-  I received your box a few days ago, but just got your letter to day, was very glad to get your box as we are not feading arful good as they have to cook out dores and the other things will come in handy no doubt.
 I like hear much better than at Gorden it is grate up hear the air is clear and it is nice and warm as so far and the people hear are fine as far as I have seen them I havent ben out of camp yet as I have ben to tired, but think will go down this week some evening.
 I havent heard enything of the measels sinc we came hear so I gess we are all rid of them,. They wont [weren't] the German measels eather they were the old red boys we had because those that had them were arful sick with them.
I am fealing pretty good sinc I got over the hike.  O those dots and dashes I gess they aint going to pester us eny more with them, for a while at least,
I havent ben out eny as I don't care very much to go with the bunch they go to the dances and that would leave me alone and there isent much fun going around alone but hear I can go whenever I pleas and not bother with the others.
I am glad the children are so well and woud like to see them very much am very sory for Uncle Frank they seam to have all that is going which makes it hard for them.
I am glad to hear Uncle Will  is improving and hope he will soon be all right again.
I think the strike's in germany are show of the condition of the morels of the people as a hole they are about wore out, in my mind.
I think the people has stood the suffering about as long as they can and keep still I hope they will keep up their fight against their rool [rule], it will help us if they do not surport him.
The general oponion is he wont give in till he is forced to as he has gorn so far, he cant get peace without so grate a sacerfise and he woud lose his throne so he will fight till he is killed or captured.
He don't care for a few thousand more or less.
I certainly woud like to be home again but I must do my [duty] as a true souldire to help cary out the right and bring things to what they ought to be.
I don't think it will be so oaful [awful] long.
Bessie wanted to know what time I get up well I get up 5.30 six days 6.30 Sunday quit 5 oclock.
It is good ottoring [autoing] hear and I think if Bill was hear he woudent have eny trubble in getting a girl or two.  But it woud be better for him to stay farther north as it is getting pretty warm hear now.
I gess he will stay in some northern camp all right
Hopping this finds you all well
Love to all from your little soldier boy Harry Buzzell,
[Note written in top margin:]
I think the girls are more plentyful at Camp Devens then they are hear

 

      Black Jack February 17 1918
       Y, M, C, A, Georgia F, R.
Dear Mother- Sunday and a beautiful day, it is warm and clear after a days rain which refreshed the air and set the treas [trees] to show signs of spring
I am fealing real well now and getting fat it isent because they fead us so good but the work is so different it is easy for a fellow how is used to walking.
 We are on the range but expect to be in camp next Sunday.  I wish we were to be hear longer I like up hear very much better than at Gorden but they say we are to go to the range again for our final test in a few weeks, but dident say if it was this wone.
 We have had it easy up hear except the first two days and we have had some good work in the handling of the guns and firing.  We did the best yet of eny Battery Saturday.
 I do not get eny to much mail I think coud anser more if enywone shoud happen to write me aline.
 No of cors, if a feller makes up his mind he is not going to like it he wont.  of cors it isent like being home the grub is rank at times but I woudent trade if I coud, my uniform for the wones I took of for enything till this thing is settled in the right way.  at eny cost.
 I am sorey for the suffering of women and poar inosent children.  God bless them, but I have no pitey on the german people to submit to such roal [rule] may they see the way he has fooled them and stand for their right.  Which I believe they will do in the near future.
 I saw in the papers that the German and austrian people are starving in the streets.  it makes my hart ace [ache] to think of it and makes me mad at the Kiser all the more.  I hope they hurey the troops to prepar so we can do what we can to bring this kind of a thing to an end as soon as posiable [possible]
 

 

       Camp Gorden Feb 24, 18
Dear Mother.  Sunday and hear I am in the Y, we reached hear four oclock yesterday after a hard days hike we left black jack eight and got hear four, with an hour for lunch.
 They got racing cumming, every hour a different Battery woud take the lead and they woud go as fast as they coud they nearly played a lot of the boys out as it was hot it was so hot the sweat run of the end of my n nose and dusty at that, but we got hear at last and the barricks looked good believe me.  I am on [no] wors for the hike except that I am a little soar.  as soon as I got supper I took a hot watter bath as hot as I coud stand and then turn to cold and I think it took most of the sorness out of my bones.  So I feal pretty good.
 The waggons was with ous [us] most of the way but they brake a culvert so had to stop but the mules and the officers horses were all in when they got hear.
 The little brook at the range isent big e enough to swim in and I am keeping most of my washing for tomorrow night.  I dident wash onley a few things I had to have as the cold water don't take the dirt out very good and scrub them on a rock isent so easy as it mint be.
 The boys say there is a good swimming pool in the Y in Atlanta but I never was there.
 We had a very good spell of weather wile at the range and I enjoyed it very much.
 The band came up the 21 and on Washington birthday we went on a parade on  the square in Marieatta our Battery did the foot drill and Battery F had the guns Battery E pitched tents the little dog tents.  as we call them.
 I think they all did very well but we had the best croud [crowd] and got the most applaus.
 We marched on the square with the band and done some maneuvers [manuvers] in drill movement then we sang a few of our songs and then marched a little more and then went back we made a hit all right.
 The other Battries did their part as well but they dident have the chance we did to make a showin.
 In the afternoon we had some races and atheletic sports on the field at the tents & all were invited so the people turned out and we had a croud of sirvilians [civilians].
 The afternoon passed of well Battery D and Surply Co tied for the cup I don't know how they will sittle it as it was to late to settle it that night.  It don't make much different so long as F dident get it.  The captin of F was made the Curnels [Colonel's] ordley and he is in charge sometimes and he favores his Batery natural enough but the other Baty takes delight in defeating F and they can do it
 After Sunday school and preaching service wone of the men that has ben working hear went home for a while and his church presented this YMCA with a comunion set which we used in the service this morning.
 I have ben working on the guns it isent very much to do as I was working as no 6 how [who] is a spare man.  at present they dident use me eny except when they are moving or to get shells but if I stay I woud have to learn each mans job so to be abel to do eny of them in case of eny of  eny wone or eny of them get shot.  butt but I think they will try to get in the driving squad I asked the sargent and he that [thought] I coud.
 The onley green trees are the pine and a few others I don't know what they call them and some undergroth of vines and shrubs the cheries are beginning to bud but there are no leaves yet but if it keeps there soon will be.  it is cloudey today but hsent rained.
 I don't know what they are doing for farm help but I saw in the paper today ware Ohio is making a big holler for help to work on the farms.
 There is wone thing shoar if they take the help of the farms they cant raise the crops.  help was scarce befor and wages high.
 They nead all they can rain [raise] in the best of conditions I don't see what they will do if they cut it down eny.
I hop they wont take eny more farm help.
 I don't know of Ottos case of cors but there is a lot of fellows how [who] take french leave as it is called.  They get gard-house and fine or their pay taken away
 They may be more streched in other camps some get time of hard labor it depends a lot on the case and the officers and the mans past reckored [record] I hope I will never be driven to such a thing but it quite a test on a mans carector [character] and constitution.
 Bill has taken a liking to Washburn has he well it aint as far as P I eny way.  The road will probely brake up quick when you get warm weather as the snow must be light and fine.
Hoping this finds you all well and comfortiable love to all.
From your Loving Son Harry.
must Hurry home to dinner.
 
 
 

.       It seems that  the date written on the  following letter should have been 1918 because that is the postmark on the envelope
        Mary Thomas Buzzell, Harry's mother, helped to start the Baptist church in Colby.
 

      Camp Gordon Atlanta, Ga.
       March 2 1917[18]
Dear Mother.- Just a few lines to let you know I am well, and got your very welcom letter Friday.
 It is very warm hear now, even to warm for comfort in the day.  but the nights are cool, but I surpose the nights will be to warm soon.
 It seams funney it being so warm and for so long a time and there is but little green stuff it seams slow starting.
 I surpose what makes it seam that way is because there isent eny grass.
 I hop we go north our next move it is to warm hear to run and get round like we have to in Artilery
I was telling you about us trying for the cup in the track meat Washingtons birthday.  Well we played it of this week by having three races a hundred yard dash and a wheel and a relay race four on each side.  We got all three, a wheel race they took two cart wheels a hundred yards and the wone that rolled it down first wone.  They were some soar for they had done a lot of bragging.
 You asked me wone of your letters if there is blue cross I never herd of such an orginiason [organization] hear.
 I do not nead the money but what I had in mind was that I mint as well let somewone have that money to use as well as have it in the bank idle.
 I had forgoten you owed me eny thing. it is all right eny way.
 Do you think enywone woud like to use that money if so let me know. They are welcom to it.
 send me a few more checks, pleas
 I hope the boys wont be called and hope we all will be coumming home soon, but I don't see much hopes of it until things change some I hope it will be all over soon not onley for my own good but for the good of all conserned.
 I don't see much chance for a ferlow [furlow] at present but may be abel to get wone later.
 I have herd the most of them are granted on acount of sickness or bisness cases as so far.
 I surpose Colby is getting to be a big boy now, is he as well as he always was and is Margret as cute as she was last fall.
I am sending a check for the church  althow I cannot be there myself my sincere wishes for my church and my people is very grate so I am send this as my donation to help in the work.
 I will not say enything which I want it spent for as he can used for enything or eny of the bills he sees fit.
 I expect we will move befor long but don't know enything definet how long it will be or ware we are to go
 I am sending you a check I wish you to cash it and give Colby 5 and Margret 5 for me.
 Hoping this finds you all well
With much love from your
son Harry.
Don't ferget to let me now if some wone wants to use the money.
HB.
 
 
 
     Camp Gorden Mar 7, 1918
Dear Mother and home folks I received your letter today was very glad to hear from you and know you are all well and having better weather.
 It is nice and warm hear now the fruit trees are all in blosom and a few small wild flowers are blosoming.
 We have to peach trees and some wild bush in the yard in frount of us they are all in blosom the peach trees are just covered with a pink blosom and smell arful sweet the other has a yellow blosom they are arful welcom, there is so little of such stuff in camp I don't see how they were spared as most such things were all sut [cut] when the buildings were built.
 It is a shame for the few to have to be the onley wones to gladen and cheer the boys and officers in the naberhood but they are doing their best.  I think there is a lesson we shood learn from these things of nature.  altho they have ben left alone and the rest of their surounding neighbors taken away and they have ben fruched [?] and bumped still they are blooming and promise to bring a harvest under their new conditions.
So altho we may be seperated and a few of us find ourselvs in a strange surounding and tempted and brused [bruised] by all eavels [evils] still we are to be true as the little trees and bring forth a harvest for our creator as the reward of his tender care over ous [us].
 But I dident start to right a nature lesson so excuse but that is the way I feal tonight
 Yes there is quite a lot of boys cumming in now some 150 came in and joined the medical core volenteiers most from this state
 There is a niger company hear in the infitery [infantry] but a lot of those cumming in now are to work in the different parts of the camp doing rough work.  and some are to join the infitery and make a company of their own they don't mix them
 Some of the officers say the coons make good soldiers they learn hard but after they wonce get a thing they follow their orders to the letter.  they are proud to be made as near a white mans equal as to work as their comrads and fight for them.
 I am well and feal fine I am getting fat but I havent ben weighed so don't know how much I have gained but think I have gained a number of pounds.
 I surpose Arthur is crazey to go with line cars he always was.
 I woud like to see Colby all right he must be quite a boy by this time he always was a grate child and Margret for that mater.
 We have had an interesting and instructing lectur by a Pastor how [who] has ben to, well all parts of the world, his lecture was most mostely on Aftica and the queer people he has some slides of pictures he took and some of the funey pictures things he brought with him from there he was a very good speaker.
 I think there is an arful good croud of fellows in this Y and they get us a lot of good entertainments, besides being very acomidating to us boys.
 We had a very good ball game this week batterys A and D played the score was 3 to 4 in favor of D it was very exciting.
 I do not think it woud be nice for you to have eny of my letters printed I rether not if it don't make eny difference to you
 As to me doing well I am staying and I gess that is about all but I may do better after I get a little better used of the stuff well eny way if they cant use me in wone place they probely can some wares elce there is always plenty of work.  Of cors I get discuraged at times but I am willing to do all I can and that is about all a fellow can do.
 I don't think you nead fear of me disgracing you or myself, I woud rether dye onribal [honorable] then live in disgrace.
 I do not know eny news of when we may move as there aint enything ofical but the Oficers tell us we may be hear a long time and it may be onley a short time they say they don't know.
 Will try for a ferlow if I think there is eny possible chance to get it.
Hoping this finds you all well and happy love to all Harry Buzzell.
 
     Camp Gorden Mar 10, 1918
Dear Mother and home folks.-
 Sunday wonce more so thot I woud rite a few lines to let you know I am well and getting along pretty well.
 We are having fine weather hear now and things are beginning to look like summer and it makes me think I woud like to be on the farm to comence putting in the crop.
 I saw in the paper ware the south was trying to get some of the soldier hay shakers to help put in their crops, don't know how they made out, I havent seen eny more about.
 It looks to me as though the help question was going to be quite serious in some parts what do they seam to think of it up there.
 I don't think they will take eny more of the boys of the farms till they have, to if they have to.
 I am glad Uncle Will is improving and hope he soon will be all well again.
 How is Uncle Albert lately, I am sorey he is sick so much it makes it hard for them.
 There is quite a lot of boys cumming in every day and going to the different branches of the work hear.
 I am wondering if the boys have got eny more of their papers yet.  I don't think they will be called this spring at eny rate, but it is hard to tell.
 By the way the Officers talk it will be some time befor we move from hear. but there is some leaving hear every day, to go some ware or other the most of them has ben engineers and Infitery.
 Acordin to the papere the Samies [?] have done good work warever they have ben at it I hope they keep it up and the Samies are no quiters.
 We have Sunday school hear every sunday and we have a very good man and he preaches a good sermon to.
 I surpose you don't get out every weak does the minister come out every weak now.
 How do they like him at Caribou, do they like him as well as they did Mr Field.
 There don't seam to be much of intrest to rite and it is near church time so will close for this time love to all from your ever loving son
Harry.
Will try to rite more next time.
Say is Elmer Carlson home this winter.
 
 

        This letter is the only letter that was written on letterhead of the "Rotary Soldiers' Club maintained by Rotary Club of Atlanta."
 

      March 17 1918 Atlanta Georgia
 Dear Mother- Just a few lines to let you know I am well and as you see in Atlanta come in Saturday afternoon going back this afternoon.  I had my picture taken if it is good will get them in about a week, or he promised me them in that time
 This club is a place for the boys to come and rest read or rite and there is the telerphone and a piano and a grafonela [?] besides they have a lot of rumes to let to the soldiers in diferent places at a sheap [cheap] rate the hotels soak the Soldiers something fierce for rums, the ladies have cake and sandwitches and coffee to sell hear to, it makes it kind of nice.  it is very good of Atlanta
 I am willing to let your note run as long as you want it that is all right and if Papa wants some or all of what I have to spare why it don't make eny difference to me how [who] has it as long as some wone is getting some good out of it, it seamed to bad to have it laying Idle idle when it mint as well be working.
 I think I will have some ware round thre hundred dollars as I ve got some more to send home soon.  the last of the week I will send it and a check for what I can spare or what I ve got.
 All the money I have out up there is what I let Freda have.  We dident make eny terms on that she can make her own terms when she gets ready.  so there isent eny for you to [take] care of.
If some of the folks will see to letting what of my money they don't want, why I will apreshhated it very much.
 I don't know how it will be if we go north but I shall try for a ferlow and am in hopes I can get wone, I will let you know as soon as I find out when we are to move and to what place we are to go.
 I do not want you to send me enything at all, altho I apreshate all you are trying to do for me but when you take in considertion we have to pack in a bag that will hold about as much as a flour bag you use bsides what you can carey in a role & we have three blanckets a comfter and a straw tick besides our cloths you cant put in much besides what you have got to have and as we are about to be on the go for the rest of the time we are in this side there is nothing I can think of.
 You asked me if they objected to the boys having food sent them then; in our regiment they don't they rether seam to like to have it but in some places they wont alow it at all, but I gess that was because some of the boys had licure [liquor] sent them.
 They are sending Soldiers out of hear everywone in a while but the most of them have ben Infitery or Enginers besides a few spare are scattering wones.  Some just go north.
 I get the Republican every week and the Boston Poste when I want to bye it but I ve got tired reading this war stuff the war will be over as quick if I read it or not.  I certainley hop it will be all over soon in the right way.
 I saw a picture in the paper the other day about blue cross they have it over there but I gess they don't call it that hear
 I am glad to hear the folks are all well and that Uncle Will is getting all well again.
 There don't seam much to rite so will close for this time with much love from your Soldier Boy Harry.
Do you think there is eny danger of the boys being called this spring.  I shodent think so.
 
 
 
     Camp Gorden Mar 19,18
Dear Mother. Just a few lines to let you know I am well at present besides being pretty homesick at present, I am still in hopes to get a ferlow, but the fellows with property or a wife get the preference
I havent heard enything but some way I feal it wont be long now befor we are going over I don't hardly see eny ware elce there is for us to go.
 Of cors we have another examination but if they want men very bad it wont be very hard, they wont send eny weaklin or or eny wone they don't think strong in any way, not at present, but unles they discover my side I am all Ok for F, S. that means foreign service.
 We are having a weak of evangelistic meatings hear in Camp We have a very good speaker a Mr Moar I think he is fine, a very good speaker and seams to in earnest he strikes strate. And that is what I like.
 There is a lady how comes to help with the singing and sings some herself or alone.  We were to have a part of a quree [choir?], is that rite, from Atlanta but as it is raining don't know if they will come or not.
 So the people up that way think the war will be over in a few month's well I hope so, the papers look a little more encuraging then they did. It cant close eny to quick for me.
 I wish you woud send me Aunt Alic's adress as I was thinking I don't believe Ive got it and I want to send some pictures to her if they are food for her and Uncle Charly and Aunt Dot I don't know what they can do with it, may anser the purpos to keep rot out.
 You havent rote me enything about Uncle Wesley do you hear from them often or are they to busy to write.  Like lots of other people.
 I am glad to hear the folks are well and hope they they will stay well, I don't see eny since [sense] in being sick all the time eny way.  That's the Army way of thinking.  About what I always said.
 Well I am sending a check and a money order and wone of my traveling checks if somewone will take it to the bank I don't think there will be eny trouble in having them give me credit for it if there is let me know.
 I can let a little more but don't want to sent it till I am shore I cant get a ferlow for if I did I mint need some of it, but if I send some more later if it is to much father to let it why you can deposit it to my acount in the trust co.
 You don't nead to send my eny rectit [receipt] as it woud only be a bother to me and you as I wont have eny place to carey eny more then I have to.
 You don't nead to put yourself out to much about this money as a few montsh wont make much difference, but I thot that I woud send it so if they want it they can have it.
 I saw in the paper they are to make a draft the last of this month but I don't know how meny they will call
Well I must close now as it is time for the service to start.
 Hoping this finds you all well
 Love to all from Harry Buzz
That craud[crowd] has come so must say good night for they will be saying say good by honey if I dond.
 That is what he says.
  Son, Harry
 
      Camp Gorden Mar 22 1918
 Dear Mother.- I received your letter today was very glad to hear you are all so well and everything all right
 It is very warm hear today evean to warm.
 I surpose it isent much like your weather up there with all your snow.
 Altho it has be very much better hear then up there, but it is the last of march and getting to warm for us northern fellows.
 We are surposed to go to marieatta the 24 or 25 and when we come back it wont be very long befor we move, things look moveable now and as the other draft is to be called the 22 acordin to the papers.  I expect we will get out so as to make rum, but nothing ofical as yet at eny rate.
 I am fealing pretty well at present I have to stretch my irmagination to think of the piles of snow, when the trees are all leaved out and the grass is green [continued on 3] and flowers are in blosom, but as it is March yet, I surpose it hadent ought to be
 The potato house is a grate place for colds eny way I hope it isent eny thing serious.
 Whare does Clyde go for his examernation to Fort Fairfield or someware elce I saw in the paper wonce ware they were to be examinined after they got to camp.
 I must close now with much love to all from your everloving son
Harry.
Hoping this finds you all well. and happy Harry,
Will wright to the children as soon as I get time.
I am on gard today so will not feal like it tonight,
[page 2] I understand we are to have another examernation for foreign service soon.
 We are having some grate ball games hear now, we are tie with the other best team now.
 If they shoud take Clyde or Bill it woud make them short of help woud it not.  Or can they get all the help they nead.  I surpose it is to early to tell yet how it will be.
 What are they going to do for ferterlizer this year have they got eny yet.
 Well I hope this will soon be all over so we can all come home and live in peace.
 How does Papa take it if the boys shoud happen to be called this spring
 What kind of a looking hors did Ralph get of Lufkin.  I wonder if I have seen it.  I remembr the most of his horses.
Has he got all his colts yet I surpose he has got prince eny way.
 
 

        This letter dated March 23, 1918, was in the same envelope with the previous letter dated March 22.
 

      March 23, 1918,
 Dear MotheróJust a few lines to let you know I am well and buisy as usual for tomorrow we go to the range again if nothing happens to hinder us.
 But thot I woud take time to let you know I am sending some pictures wone for Fannie Ralph Myra Uncle Frank Uncle Will and wone for Aunt Emma. And there will be two for you but there is wone with some sports [spots] of something that looks like oil on it. so don't give that wone to eny wone but I thot I mint as well send it to.
 They are not very good but will give you an idear how I look in the uniform, I don't like then the finish looks ruff.
 Well I must close now and finish packing my bag as we are to leave hear 6.45 tomorrow hoping this finds you all well with much love from your soldier boy Harry.
We have ben having a week of very good meetings.
The howl [whole] regimemint is going to the range this time.
 
 
          This letter refers to Aunt Dot who is likely Mary Thomas Buzzell's sister, Dorcas Russell Thomas (August 19, 1878-October 27, 1946) who married  Fred Creed and lived in Sydney, Maine.
      April 1 1918
Dear Mother.- Just a few lines in anser to your very welcom litter I received yesterday on my return to gorden.
 I am pretty well after the hike we are having a day off today and believe me it is welcom as most of the boys are pretty tired and everybody neaded to wash some cloths as there isent much chance to wash at the range
 I am glad to hear the folks are all well.
 When I looked in my adress book I found I had Aunt Dots  adress so I sent the pictures to her and asked her to send the others to them
 I don't know when or ware we are to move, but hope we wont have to hike eny more to Marietta I reather go north as some say we we are to go.
 I hope the Homestead makes out and puts the thing over for if they don't I don't see what the farmers will do.
 I hope eather of the boys be called this spring at eny rate if they are not I don't think they will be called at all.
 Well I must close with much love to all from you Loving son Harry Buzzell.
 
 

        In the following letter,  Harry refers to working for his father on the farm in Colby, Maine.  Harry's father was Colby Orin Buzzell (July 1, 1863-October 7, 1940).
 

      Camp Gorden April 6 1918
 Dear Mother- Just a few lines in anser to your very welcom letter of the  3 first [31st?].
 I am as well as ever, except for a cold or something of the sort it seams to be going round some are quite sick but I stayed up and worked all the time and feal just as well for it I gess.  it seams like distemper or as some call it spring feaver, it is the weather I gess as it changes so often, wone day it will be so hot a feller will be all swet and prehaps the next day the wind will blow so cold a sweater isent hardley enough so you see its no wonder they catch cold.
 How do you like the picture it is a good wone for me as I don't take a very good picture yess I am as fat as the picture makes me look.  If I keep on I will get to fat and lazy but as it is getting hot weather now and I always get thin in the summer, or I always did.  Wish I was to work my fat of for C O Buzzell.
 Well I think we will leave hear soon, you will get sick of me wrighting this I gess, for the new men are cumming in hear now by the trainload and in time it will come our turn to move and give them rum.  the boys say they are shipping them now as fast as they can get them ready.  I mean by that their equipment all ready which is some junk.
Well I hope we do get out of hear soon for I am afraid of the hot weather hear the south and so crouded conditions
I am scat [scared] of feaver or something or direar.  The water aint eny to good hear in the sumer. of cors it is surposed to be the best that we get so I surpose it is all right.
 A cold wave struck hear Thursday night the wind has blew ever sinc and cold too but I think it is better then so hot but I don't like it so changerable.  it aint good.
 Well I am getting anxious to be moving as well as the most of the fellers are. of cors I woud like to come home but as there don't don't  seam to be much chance for that I am anxious for some kind of a move.  I am getting arful tired of this camp and its suroundings
I do not wish to bost [boast] or brag but Battery D 321 is as good as eny in the regiment, in Athletics or in work.  I mint say the Cournel congratulated us on our shooting at the range. and our Captin told us we carried of all orners [honors] for the time being.  Which don't listen [sound] to bad.
No I dident go to eny Easter Service as the top Sargent said put on your old bonet with the red tasles on it for we will hike home today and after a feller has hiked between 25 and 30 miles the bed look pretty good for a night or to.
Well I don't think we will have to go to the range again not hear eny way but the Captin told us we are to go on a three day hike soon that means two nights sleeping out and we may have to do our own cooking.  He said he dident know for shoor yet if we wood or if we shood have our cooks along.  It will be good experience for us and give us an idear of real work we will have to do later on and I think there will be some fun mixed in with it of cors we wont hike so far in a day 12 miles is the set distence I believe for a day of practice of cors there is no roul [rule] in regular service that can be follered all the time. Its what ever necesity  necesity calls for a day, is a days work.
I am glad to hear Uncle Will is gaining and hope he will keep on gaining.  I hope the folks are all well as ever I surpose you will soon be all slush and water.  but I surpose it will be very welcom after such a long cold winter.  How is the potato bisness this spring are they getting theirs pretty well cleaned up by this time.  Hoping this finds you well and happy from your Soldier Harry
Have you got my policey yet. it is funey about it I cant understand.
Did they get my traveling check cashed all right.  I mean did they give me credit for it pleas let me know so I can tell how to plan on it.  Love to all and much comfort from your evr loving Son Harry B.
[Note written sideways in top margin:]
I am not a blud thirsty man but I am anxious to get over and hit those germans wone for luck but Gods will be done on earth.
 
      Camp Gorden April 7, 1918
Dear Mother and Home Folks.-
Just a few lines, it is Sunday and a rainey day it started last night and is raining hard today but it seams kind of nice after the last to [two] Sundays of hiking.
I am fealing fine today and am thinking of you.  This rain is like wone that woud come the last of April or the first of may, you see everything hear is like something up there to me.  onley I cant find eny people like myne.
Don't be alarmed because I wright so soon but I thot I mint as well, as I may not be so I can in a short time so must make the best of it wile I can.
Well I am wondering what you folks think, it is a time of anxious and more or less excited. boys are wondering ware we are to move and how soon, if they will get a chance to go home befor we go. and if we, or they will ever come back at all, some look at it wone way and some another and there are so meny stories going round it helps to confuse us and the officers don't tell us eny to much if they know or not I cant say.
Well it is enough to make a feller stop and study to think you may not get a chance to come home and don't know what danger you are takeing which is grate you must admit.
I don't see how some of them stand it at all it is a wonder to me there aint more french leaves and I gess there will be meny if they get a chance when they get up north, but I don't think there will be much of a chance at all.
I know I coudent stand it if I dident have enything but this earthley life to cling to but as you know I have something biger to live and fight and die if necesery, for, then this present life and may I not hesertate [hesitate] to do his will.
Not that I do not value my life or that I do not love my folks and all the people in large for I do altho I never was much of a boy to show my love, but I do not think the folks understood me in meny ways, but now I am willing to fight suffer and die for you and them, that the world may be free and have peace that cant be had till this war is wone, in the right way, which I pray may come soon.  All I am sorey for is I aint a stronger and better man for him
           It seems likely that the rest of the above letter is missing.
 
 
 
      Camp Gorden April 14,18
Dear Mother---Sunday afternoon it is a cloudy dreary day and looks like it mint rain soon.
 I am thinking as I look out at the green grass and trees and see the flowers every day, just how things look up there, I surpose it is all slush and water by this time but as it makes a difference the kind of a spring you are having as to the conditions, as to the way I would find you if I were to look in on you today.
 I woud like to call, but as the distance is so far I must content myself with the hopes I may be abel to some day and may that day be hastened.
 It has not ben so hot hear the last week it has ben rainey and cloudy part of the time and there was a cool breze the rest of the time, altho it is pretty good weather for colds a feller don't sufer from the heat whice is wors.
 I am glad to hear Myra and Heman are getting along well and that they have things comfortiable and that mr and mrs Larnard likes her it makes it good for them if they can get along at home.
 I got a letter from Aunt Alice last week and she rote Uncle Wesley is well for him and she was buisy of cors caring for him
 What class is Mark in or hasent he ben of or his examernation yet. or will he get excused as a farmer.
Well I was up to see Ray Swomberg Fri evening I hadent seen him for over a month so as the Inf, is moving I thot I woud go and see him and I am glad I went for by this time I surpose he has moved
They were all ready to go when I was there but hadent got the word, but it was their turn to go so they are probely gorn [gone].
 Ray is a very good Soldier and in very good sprit that night, he seamed to always look on the better side of things he dident seam to care ware he went all the same to him.
 He said he was going to try for a ferlow when he gets up north.  I hope he get it.
 There are quite a lot of Rokies [rookies] cuming in all the time and they seam to be sending troops all the time, so our time will come after a while all we can do is waite till it is our turn.
 I am in hopes we will move soon altho we may not stop long in the north.  I am anxious to be moving, as you know I am am uneasy criter and want to be on the go most of the time.
 I certainley woud like to see all the stalk you must have some arful pretty cattle this spring, has he got both pares of twines this spring and how is the little wones?
 They woud be worth a nice bit as beef is scarce and high, as well as other stuff, down hear they wont sell but so much flower [flour] to a famley a week I don't know the amount.  I know it seamed to me it was an arful small amount to a person that it the way it is sold so much for each person.
 I ricive your box and was very glad to get it and it tasted very good and I thank you very much for it.
 It came through in very good shape the mail is not so crouded now.
 Vacation I am almost out of the idear of ever having such a thing, 6 months and some more, duty subject to call at eny time, day or night and 15 hours of and not ben drunk yet.  no I havent ben confined to quarters yet for sickness of eny other cause.  Prity good for an iflid [invalid].
 Well I don't see why I shoudent have a coraspondence with you and why we shoud shoudent have as much to wright as eny body, I ve got a sweet hart, Mother is her nam [name]
 Well I am in hopes Clyde will get in the navy for I believe it is the best branch of the service in meny wayes and I even wish I was in it myself.
Hoping this finds you all will, Love to all from your ever Loving Son
Harry Buzzell.
Have they got their spuds pretty well all shipped.
 
 
 
In the following letter, a remark is made about Clyde, Harry's  older brother.  Clyde Fred (February 5, 1890-October 13, 1953), must have been in the service now.  A third brother, Arthur, also served during World War I.
      Camp Gorden April 17 1918
Dear Mother---Just a few lines to let you now I am well and received your very welcom letter today.
 I am pretty well over my cold but my throat has ben botherin me some I gess it is my tonsels, efected by the cold.  they seam a little better today I am in hopes they will be all right with out an orperation, I don't like doctor's or nurses.
 You spoke about Barney Skidgel I think he was in the Infitery and if he is he probely is on his way by this time.  he may be in some of the northern camp's, for I don't know how long they were to stay in the north, but all most all of them have left hear.  I havent seen him sinc we left camp Devens last fall.
 Most all of the fellers I knew from up that way have moved all except Byron Larby of Perham how [who] is in 320 F A I go to see him quite often, it is onley a step.
 [page 4 is written on top, pages 2 and 3 are missing]
 I expect we will be cumming north in a very short time but don't know ware we are to stop or when we will leave we are not told or woud not dare wright it if we did.
 I don't surpose Clyde  has eny idear when he will go or ware he will be  first.  As soon as he finds out let me know.
 How about Fred Mahoney did he pass or did he quit
 As soon as I find out ware we are to move or when I will let you know.
 I will try to wright to Sadie in a day or to eny way.
Love Harry.
 
 

        In the following letter, Harry tells about a letter he received from his Aunt Edith.  Charley, Charles Thomas (May 15, 1886-October 21, 1967), was Mary's Thomas Buzzell's younger brother by thirteen years.  He moved to Vermont with his wife Edith M. Fields.  Later they lived in Dexter and Gardiner, Maine.

      Camp Gorden April 21, 1918
 Dear Mother,- Well Sunday and a very nice day warm and bright.
 Recived your letter and was very glad to hear from you so soon again and to know you are all well at present
 I am all over my cool [cold] and dident have to have eny orperation on my throat for which I am much pleased.
 We have not ben on that to [two] day hike yet, I don't know if we will or if the order was ben cansled or just put off.
 We expect to go to the range this week about the 24 or so I am told, it will be onley for a few days 4 or five
 Well I am wondering if Papa took his Henry out this Sunday or if it is to mudy and rough yet for a ford.
 The Battery D baseball team played the Georgia team the best in Georgia Sat, at Atlanta.  they played 11 innins the scour [score] was 2 to 3 in favor of the Gorgia team.
 They said it was some game (I was on gard so I coudent go.)  each team without meny erors and so good a score it was tied in the sixth innins and from that to the eleventh.  I don't think our boys had a even chance as they had onley smoth [smooth] shoes and their uniforms, will [while] the others had basball uniforms and spiked shoes and as they played on a grass diamond our boys would slip will [while] the others woud not, so I think they did well to make it a good game.
 There don't seam to be as much sickness as there was a few weeks ago I gess it was on acount of the change in the weather that made there don't seam to be eny new wones and the old wones are all better.
 I got a letter from Aunt Edith last week she said every body was well and that Charley  started planting the 2 of April which struck me as pretty earley as I thought it was about like main [Maine] for climate, but she said there was some snow on the other side of the hill.  I surpose it is earlier on their side of the hill then in lots of places like there is earley spots every ware, she said Uncle Wesley was gaining all the time, slowley.
 I am sorey Earl dident take enough intrist in school to study and get along as no dout he will regret it someday sooner or later.
 I am very sorey I havent got more of an education there has ben a number of times I coud have had a better job if I had the education to back me up
 The educated class of people is the class that that are getting the good jobs and the most money, brains are more costley then mussle.
 I am wondering today how soon Clyde will be called and ware he will go and if I will be eny wares near when I get north or not,
 I am glad to hear Myra and Heman are well and enjoy themselves.
 I was kind of hoping they mint work for you at Home this summer but I surpose Heman has something biger than day or monthley wages in view and no dout he has has a good chance at his farther's as most farthers give their sons a chance to start.
 I am glad to hear you like your minister and I hope he is as good as he is belived to be, when summer comes and then they will turn out to hear him.
 Yea I can picture a house on the hill as I have pictured wone there meny times but not just such a house as this wone and not exactley for this purpose.
 If I coud paint the pictures I can make in mind I woud be some artist.
 Well as there don't seam to be much to wright of intrest I will close by saying I am fealing well again.
 Wishing you all much happiness and the best of Gods blessing and a quick and just peace and an everlasting peace
Love to all from you soldier boy
Harry.
How is my little boy Colby this spring and my little girl Margret, I wish they were big enough so I coud wright to them but I surpose they will be groed [growed] up quick enough and have the worey of life all to soon to suit their Mother and Farther. HB.

 

       Camp Gorden April 23, 1918
 Dear Mother. I received your letter today and was very glad to hear from you and to know you are all well and that our little city is so prosperious.
 I am thinking of you folks all the time and wishing I coud be there very me much, but his way is best and we must trust in him and work on till his work is done and his will is done
 I am well at present in kind of a hurey tonight as we are to go to the range tomorrow we are starting about, or we are to leave headquarters 5,45 which means we are to get up 4 my old time.
 I expect we will be cumming back Sunday or Monday if nothng happens
 I do not know ware we are to go some say wone camp and some say another but I think we will go to wone near New York
 There are lots of rumors of when we will move and to ware we are to go but I think by the way the other troop troops have gorn and the amount left that our stay hear is very short now and I am not sorey for it is so hot hear we are most dead, or think we are, it aint so hot in the morning but in the middle of the day the sun is hot and the sand farley [fairly] burns you feat [feet] when you are out long.
 No we have not had eny examernation for TB as yet, some say we get that at the transport station of cors eny wone that is sick hear his reckords show it and a number of men how [who] are not well are to be transferred to the depot prigade [brigade]
 I surpose they eather will be kept hear or sent over later.
 So you see how things are at the present we are in kind of a unsettled condition.   that is us boys are.
 So I gess if I were you I woudent send me eny more boxes as I mint be gorn and by the time I woud get them.
 
 

        This undated letter was written to younger brother Chester, aged 12.

Dear Chester .  Just a few lines to let you know know I have not forgoten you.  I am not much a hand to wright and up hear we don't have much time they keep us on the go most of the time and then I am tired the rest of the time
 How is all the stalk is there eny little calvs yet and have your sheep got eny lambs.
 How is the colts, is the cab [?] colt growing eny this winter I surpose she will be your driver some of these days.  If I was there I woud like to help you brake her.
 Do you get eny eggs this spring yet.  they are worth 80 cents a dozen in the ertail [retail] stores hear, fresh eggs are scarce hear.
 How is school this spring. how does the teacher like you.  does she like you so well she likes to keep you after school.  that is the way they yoused [used] to do with me.  But I am not so well liked now days, except by the top Sgt.
 I surpose you are the chore boy and Mamma's right hand man this winter as the boys are away a lot.
 How is Couty [Colby?] and his pal's now day's does he go back and forth on the car all the time.  I surpose you make him do some of the chores, or is it easier to do them your self.  Love and best wishes from Harry.
 Bill hasent ben called for examurnation yet has he.  I don't hardley think he will pass if he tells them about his stumach truble they are more busey in that way then in some other ways.
 How are all of Uncle Fred's folks when Clyde was there.  did he have his visit befor he had to come home, or did he just get there
 How is all the folks now eny way how is Arthurs cold.  I hope it is all well by this time.  How is Colby and Margret and the rest of the little folks, does Colby get up to see you very often, I surpose he has to stay in most of the time through the cold weather, but it soon will be warm enough for him to be out some.
 It soon will be Buick time again then the nice long rides you all will take, but surpose surpose I will take a long ride befor then.
 I must close now with much love from your very loving Soldier Brother Harry. Wright soon and tell me all the news. Of Colby City Maine
 
 

      In the following letter, Harry asks about Linwood Randall who was Hazel Randall Buzzell's brother.  On September 1, 1920 Hazel married Arthur Buzzell, Harry's younger brother.
      Another question in the following letter refers to Fred Jacobs who married Fanny Mae Buzzell, Harry's oldest sister.
 

       Camp Black Jack
        April 25,1918
Dear Mother---
 As you see I am again at the range we came up hear the 24 , and this after, we are firing I got excused as they are trying out a man in my place I hope he does well for I just as soon be in the driving section ware I understand things a little better.
 It is beautiful out hear now in this grove of oaks and a scattering of pine and other trees all in full foliage.  There is a lot of wild flowers in blosom in the near by woods, and we saw a numb number of places with lovely rose gardens in full blome say but they are pretty
 I noticed in wone place a wild red clover in blosom and there is a lot of white clover in blosom in the back of the YMCA hear.
 That seams funey to you probely as it is still April but it seams more like July.
 Sadie ought to be hear there is more birds hear then she will see up there in a life time all kinds and calers.
 How are all the folks up there now has Clyde heard from his papers yet does he have eny idear ware he will go for training or when he will go.
 By the way does that girl still work for Albert, I was wondering if Roy got a ferlow.  he was going to send me a card but I havent herd from him so I thot mabe he get a ferlow.
 I surpose you folks are getting ready for cropping, have they started eny yet.  did they get all their wood handled this spring and did Ralph get enough for him for next winter
 Us boys are in hopes we will go north soon, but I gess it is hard to tell how long we will be hear.
 I am well, and am hoping your all are well and happy
 This is a pretty place and a nice place to look at but I shoud hate to come hear to make a living.  It is to hot and then the water aint no good it is warm and has a funey taste, all the water we drink hear on the range has to be purefied, they put some kind of kemicals [chemicals] to kill the germs (Germans) in it.  that makes it taste rotten, I woud give a lot for a drink of good water out of a real spring
 Most of the boys woud give a lot for something a little stronger as Georgia is dry right hear and what little they do get they have to pay an arful price for
 There don't seam to be much to wright as I onley rote the other day but thought I woud wright a few lines to let you know I am well and still in Georgia
Hoping this finds you all well and Happy love to all from your Son
Harry.
We expect to go back to camp Gorden Monday the 29 , of April.
 Has Mrs. Nilander heard from Otto lateley.
 I heard that that Ericson boy is over there now.  you know that Ericson on the Abrahamson road.
 He went to camp Devens the same time I did you kow
 What does Randles [Randall's] hear from Linwood  or don't he wright very much, I surpose he cant say very much.
 Colby must be a buisy place now so much building going on.
 Did Grover Wardwell sell his house or is it empty this summer.
 Is Fred  going to runn his place alon alone or is he going to have a man this summer
 Ware is Dell [?] now or havent you heard.  How is that for questions.
Love Harry.
 

 
            The next letter is the last one that Harry wrote in the United States before going overseas.
 

      Camp Gorden May 5, 1918
 Dear Mother.-Just a few lines as this is Suday afternoon and a fine day it is very warm hear now
 I am dicusted [disgusted] you just make up your mind that we are to move and the order is changed and we don't move the talk is we move about the middle of this month and I hope we do.
 I received your letter today and was very glad to hear you are all well and happy and of cors buisy.
 I am well as usual and trying to keep my courage up which takes all the man there is in a boy like me, in the days of work and heat and diserpointment.
 But we must fight on till the goal is wone and God's will rains [reigns] surpreme in all this grate univers.
 You may not think it is easy to just stay in a training camp, well it is but it takes a lot to do it and do it as a true Christian shoud do it which is the way I must do it or my life is a falure.
 I got a letter from Elizebeth this week and this is wone of the things she rote. for your benefit so you can see the opinion they have of me I will write.  The army life must agree with you, we got your picture and it is a much diferent looking Harry then I knew befor, the Army will make a real man out of you,  it will or a dead wone
 I surpose if it will make a real man out of me I ought to be glad but well, I wont say eny more.
 She rote Irene has ben in the hospital but is better now, she had some kind of an operation.
 Well it does seam kind of hard for them to send us without a chance to come home but I surpose it must be as they wish, not as we care.
 Well this Country is making a sacrifise but think of the other countries ware the women and children are killed and starved and have to work like men to rase crops for their
 Well there is quite a lot of new men cumming in all the time and quite a lot of men going out and I hope we will be out of hear soon.  But some say we are to go to the range again first.  I hope not
 It has ben pretty hot hear the last few days and that makes me long for the north and a coler climate.
 That reminds me of what wone of the fellers said the other day.  he heard some of the boys complaining and he said Well I don't see whatt what reason you got for kicking they sent you south for the winter and abroad for the summer.  What more coud you ask?  Some class I say to us.
 Well I surpose you will all be in the rush of putting in crops soon
 Beth and Freda both graguate [graduate] this spring I surpose but that aint till June or near to it as I remember, wish I coud be there.
 Freda will make a cute little school teacher wont she.  I can picture her.
 So Ralph is going to get along without a man this summer is he selling some horses? Or is Colby going to drive wone team
 Well a year ago no wone woud belive I woud be hear as I am now no wone woud believe I coud pass the exam or sta stand the work, but hear I am, gess I may be abel to be of some service after all if they don't look out they will make a man out of me
 Well I am hoping this finds you all well and happy.
 I think you will like your hired man he always seamed to be pretty good to me.  he cant be much wors then the wone was you had last summer.
 Well I havent ben much of a man in the past but I am going to be wone now and show the folks I am not such a weeklin as I was surposed to be and when I come back they will not look at me as a good for nothing.  unless wone of those Dutches gets a crack at me.
 Well don't worey about me I am in better phisical condition then I have ben for some time.  What is a little cold eny way
Love to all Harry Buzzell.
 
 

England:  One letter, Spring 1918

            The next letter is the first one that Harry wrote from overseas.  The envelope  is postmarked Manchester [England] and has a white paper tape printed with "Opened by  Censor" attached on one end of the envelope.  The return address is:  Harry Buzzell, 321 FA Bat D, American EF.
 
      England.  2,6,18 [June 2, 1918]
Dear Mother.  This is a beautiful Sabeth day and I am thinking of you and all of my folks, so I will wright a few lines to let you know I am well at the present.
 This is a very pritty country hear of cors it is much diferent from what I am used of most all of the buildings are made of stone or some other such stuff.
 I surpose they are planting a lot of spuds this year and grain.
 What kind of a spring did you have.  and how was it about getting help.
 I surpose the builders are buisy now in Colby making our city grow.
 by the way how is Nelson getting along with his tractor this summer..
 Has Clyde ben called yet or is he still at home I hope he will get in ware he wanted to.  Is there eny of the other boys called for their physical examernation yet or aint they calling eny more round there.
 We have just had riligious service hear and I was wondering if you folks are at Church today.
 How do you like your minister this summer and are you having a good atendance since it has got good autoing.
 How are the cars runing this sumer I surpose Bessie Ralph runs hers as much as ever, how is it runing.
 How do you like your hired man and his wife how are they getting along.
 It is hard to wright when you cant say what you like so I will close for this time
 Hoping this finds you all well and happy. Love to all. Harry Buzzell
321 FA Battery D
American EF
Via New York.
I rote wonce befor but don't know if you will get it or not.
 
 

 France:  Five letters, Summer and Fall, 1918

            The following letter was writen on stationery with this letterhead:

       AMERICAN Y. M. C. A. ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

              Sadie must have been a teacher at this time and about 23 years old.  Sadie Alice Buzzell (June 16, 1895-May 13, 1977) and Mark Randall (April 18, 1892-March 13  1977) were married July 23, 1919, the summer following Harry's death.  Harry was approximately  a year and a half older than Sadie.
              Freda and Beth Spooner must have graduated in the spring of 1918 from the Normal School in Presque Isle, Maine (now the University of Maine at Presque Isle.)

      June 14 16 1918
      La Courtine France.
Dear Mother, and Home folks.
 Just a few lines to let you know I am well, and happy and thinking of you very often and hopping [hoping] trusting and believing you are all well and happy.
 I am thinking you may ask why I say happy, well I am happy that I am so far in this grate work and am in hopes I can do the work satifactory.  Whatever it may be, and I think you ought to be happy that you have so meny son's to fight for our Country in this grate caus if they are neaded.  and may they all do their bit eather at home or in forign land as a Christan and a true pratiot [patriot] shood do at such a time of need and sacrifise.
 This a glumey Sunday as it has showered all day and looks like more rain yet.
 Alto it has ben dark day I have ben very happy or contented, as Sunday is always is a plesent day for me, this morning after doling [dolling] up as it is said I went to church, we had a very nice sing and a beautiful and inspiring sermon, the subject being the misuse of the Bible, in the past and at the present times and in diferent parts of the Countries
 The Chaplin of the regiment gave the sermon so it was more like home then if it had ben given by a stranger, besides he is a very good and inspiring speaker
 This afternoon I am sending you a few lines and tonight a Band consert and another adress besides some special singing by some of the boy's.
 I am wondering today if you are at Church and how you like your Minister and if you are having good meeting's this summer.
 I surpose Sadie's  school is closed by this time, I surpose she isent sorey of that.  I irmagin she is gardening in grate shape this year, and how is her garden.  How do you like your hired help and have you eny besides Walace.
 Did eny of you folks get to see the Normal  school Graguation this year I surpose it is quite a berden of the sholdirs [shoulders] of Aunt Emma to have the girls through school.
 How is Uncle Will and all the rest of the folks this summer.
 I surpose Ralph is busier then ever this sumer as he hasent a stidy man besides Colby. or has he.
 Has eny of the folks ben up the river yet this season.  I surpose papa will go a few times eny way.  Is Mr Wigins cumming up to go or hasent there ben eny talk about it so far.
 I surpose they are getting pretty well along on their building at Colby by this time and it must be making it quite a city, at least I surpose Carl think's so, and a few other's.  Well I wish them all the success posible for them to have
 How do the Boy's like their new Black smith. and the Celander [Selander] boys to do bisness with. and how does the Macerbies [MacAbees?] seam to be getting along on their building.
 Hoping this finds you all well and happy I will close with much Love from your soldier Boy
Harry Buzzell
321 FA Battery D
American Espd Forces
Via New York.
 
Gro C. Valentine [checked by censor]
2nd Lt. 321 F. A.
 
[probably in France]July 7th, 1918
Dear Mother and Home Folks.
 Sunday afternoon and a very nice day as, well as many others for we have ben having a very nice spell of weather lately
 I am fealing grate and like the climate hear very much.
 The people may be all right but I dont understand their talk very much. enyway.
 We had a good time the forth, the boys had a track meat and a baseball game. Which our regerment wone, or our Brigade.
 I surpose you folks had a famly gethering the forth as usual.  I wonder if you get all of my letters.  I wright every week or oftener.
 I ve got only wone letter so far.  Which I cant understand.
 How are all the folks now enyway I surpose Sadie is teaching and the kids going to school.
 How do the boy's think about the crops does the prospect look good for a fair crop this year.
 What do you hear from Clyde and how does he like the camp he's in
 Hoping this finds you all well and Happy Love to all Harry.
Harry I Buzzell
321 FA Battery D.
American Expd Force.
 
OK [written by censor]
Ed. M. Brown
2nd Lt. F. A. R. C.
 
      August 18, 1918
      Someware in France.
Dear Mother and home folks,
 Just a few lines to let you know I am well and quite comfortiable a present.
 I have received your letters, of cors some of them are quite old by the time I got them.  But I gess I get most of them
 I am thinking of you often and hope you are all well and happy.
 We are pretty buisy now so if you don't hear from me so often you will know the reason.
 Hoping this finds you all well and happy lots of love from your ever loving son Harry.
Pleas use this adress:
 Mr Harry I Buzzell
321 FA Battery D
American E F
APO # 742
 
       France [undated, summer 1918]
Dear Mother and home folks.
Sunday wonce more so I will wright you a few lines to let you know I am well and like hear very much as the weather is fine and we are in very cumfortiable suro siroundings for the present.
 We have ben through some very pretty country and some very nice looking farming land of every discription the potatoes are in smll lots but are about a foot high and look nice and thrifty and the grain looks well, I shoud say.
 They are cutting hay hear some now but in no grate extent.
About a month earlier then  at home and a lot different I havent seen eny hayloaders or eny side delivery yet.  I was talking with Lariby this morning he asked me if I was going to start haying soon, and how I woud like to be home for haying.  Well it made me homesick right away, but I was glad to talk. with him as he and I havent ben together since we left Georgia he was ahead of us most of the time.
 I havent heard from eny of the rest of the boys from round home for I don't know ware they went.
 Ware is Edd now is he still at camp Devins.  does Aunt Emma hear from him often now.
 We have a very nic Y hear which is a grate help to us boys.
 I surpose Sadie has a big garden now and how is her tomatoes growing.
 They have some nice gardens hear, radish lettice peas are all big enough to eat and some other stuff.
 Ware is Clyde now and has eny wone elce I know round there ben caled
 I woud like to have a long letter from home but as I cant , for a while, as it takes quite a long time to get mail from there all I can do is think of you and believe you are all well and happy as ever till I can hear from you.
How is all the folks now and all the kids I would like to see them all again and hope it wont be very long befor I shell.
How is Uncle Will now and what do you hear from Uncle Wesley this summer is he still in the same place now I woud like to wright to them all but is is hard to wright when you cant say what you want to say as as the mail is all sensored befor it leaves hear and they say they are quite strict.
 How do the crops look this sumer did they plant heavy this year or did they cut the acerage down some.
 I surpose wages are high this summer.
 How is Heman and Myra, did he plant a lot or just a few and how is he getting along with his work.
Have you heard from Buzzell's lately I havent or I dident for a while befor I left camp.  I gess eny of them wont get up there this summer for their visit theway things are.
 I cant wright all I want to or I cant wright long letters but I will try to let you know I am well wonce in a while So don't worie about me for I can care for myself and let the farther care for my safetey as I trust him to do.
As he said I will go with you even to the uttermost parts of the earth. so I trust him to gide [guide] me till the end.
Hoping this finds you all well and happy Love to all from Harry.
My addrss is. Harry Buzzell
Battery D 321 FA
American Expeditionary Force
Via New York
Some are wrighting just AEF but they said to have it written in fuff full as some of the mail has gorn some ware elce so pleas wright American Expeditional Force
Via New York.
HB.
 
 

        This letter is the last one that was written.  Harry was killed three days later on October 21, 1918.  The armistice ending the war was signed twenty-two days later on November 11, 1918.  The envelope was not postmarked until October 23rd, after his death.  His family would not have received the letter until long after his death. Harry was born on November 20, 1893.  He was 24 years old when he died.  In the return address on the envelope he wrote:  Harry I Buzzell, US Armey
 

      October 18 1918
       France
Dear Mother.  Just a few lines to let you know I am well as ever and am thinking of you very often.
 I am glad to hear you are all well and the crops are as good as coud be expected.
 Has Arthur gorn to camp yet and what do you hear from Clyde.
 The war news looks pretty good but you can never tell but we are all hoping it will be all over soon.
 I received your letter of Sept 17 and I get the papers right along.
 You musent think I am sick if you don't hear from me as often as you think you ought to for it is hard to get base censor & envelopes.  A feller cant ask the Officers to censor a letter when they are so buisy.
 I am driving just two horses and ride wone of them in a cadle [saddle?] of cors, I gess the boys woud think of that as a funey way to drive.
 My side is fine now I gess it is all well again.
 It has ben quite mudy but not so arful bad.  for the time of year.
 Yes some of the boys have colds but I don't think there is eny grip.
 It is a fine habit you got of sending wrighting meterial as it is hard to git when you can use it and it is something I must have.
 I am glad to hear Myra is well and I woud like to see my little nephew.  I woud like to wright to them but it is all I can do to let you know I am well.
 The first time you see Myra tell her I will fight harder for the new nephew.
 I surpose it will be hard to find a name good enough for him.
 Hoping this finds you all well and happy with much love from your Soldier boy.
Harry I Buzzell
Battery D 321 FA
AE Forces

OK
OL Garrett
1st Lt 321 F.A.
 
 

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