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Brodhead's Tribute to her Men of the Service

1914-1918

Compiled by The Civics Club

©1921 Brodhead, Wisconsin (Cantwell Printing Co., Madison, Wis.)


Extracts from Letters of the Boys With the Colors

(Copied from Newspapers)
From Private Laube Searles (p. 124)

Autun, France, December 26, 1918.

"We are now in one of the best camps that we have been in over here - in fact the best. The barracks are built of brick
and stone with cement floors. We have a stove and bunks, also electric lights and I want to tell you it seems mighty good. There is a Y.M.C.A. in the camp and a canteen where we can buy candy, cigarettes, cigars, cookies, etc. I do not know how long we will be here, but do not think very long.
" We have a pretty good start on our work here by this time. It consists of drill and school. The school is along the line
of the duties, the powers, etc., of the Military Police. It is rather interesting as it is a change for us. We have three days of school and then an examination of some sort. The course lasts nine days, I think, and then I suppose that we will be on our way again, for somewhere. We are located just a few minutes walk from the city of Autun, a place of twenty to thirty thousand.
"Christmas we went down town and had chicken and French fried potatoes at a French cafe. We were turned loose
until midnight Christmas night. Spent most of the time taking in the city. I think that I told you that I received my Christmas package before we left Pasigne. It was in good condition, and I that you for the same."

Treves, Germany, January 16, 1919.

"We left Autun on the 10th for here and arrived on the night of the 13th. Our trip was slow as we were held up much of
the time on the road.
"One more ride is all that any of us want. There is no country like the United States, no matter where you go. One
would think that a greater share of the U.S. had been moved over here though, when you come to travel the country over. No one could ever imagine that unless they are here to see for themselves. Americans, American trucks, cars, trains, and supplies and camp most anywhere you go."

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