10 October 1918

Archangel, Russia
Oct. 10, 1918

Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters,

I thought I would drop you a few lines, for I have a few spare moments, for otherwise we are kept busy and have no chance to write.

I am well, and am in good health, under the conditions of this country. You only see the sun for a few hours a day and the rest of the time it is raining. We have fair time, while off duty and also one thing – if you stand too long in one place, you sink (into) water over your shoes.

The life is not bad, if a fellow could get some plug chewing. I received a letter from Eleanor2 day before yesterday, the first letter I have received from the States. She said I should write but the little time I have to spare is to write home, so tell her not to look for any mail from me for a while yet.

The British, Russian and Allies are helping us, the reason we are here is to help build up the Russian Army.

I think I will close for it is near mess time. I remain your loving son,

Pvt. Clement Anthony Grobbel
Co. I 339 Inf.
Am. North Russia Exp. Forces

PS: please send my best regards to Alfred3 , Raymond4 , Vohs5, Uncle Joe and Uncle Ben’s family6

"PALS !"

"Pals!" A popular postcard from 1918
(courtesy of Lucille (Kunath) Grobbel)

_______________________

2 possibly Eleanor Youngblood, his first cousin on his mother's side
3
probably Alfred Bielman, husband of his recently married second cousin, Irene Mary DeGrandchamp
4
possibly Raymond Frank Grobbel, his second cousin
5
the Vohs family, who were neighbors
6
his uncles, Joseph and Bernard Grobbel


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