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World War I through the Eyes of a Mid-Missourian

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Destruction and Devastation

"I've Seen and Experienced Enough"

German Souvenirs

"I Have Seen France"

Going Home

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U.S.S. Leviathan troopship
July 1919

Troops embarking at Brest
U.S.S. Leviathan

World War I service ribbon

Lt. Pattrick at home

Going Home

Letter No. 140

Beaune, France,
Friday, 6 June, 1919

Dear Mother and Dad:
Just a line this morning to let you know that we are scheduled to leave here tomorrow, Saturday June 7th, at 1:45 in the afternoon. . . .
From all indications everything is going to work out nicely and I believe I should get home by the 4th of July. The only hitch that I can see now is at the port or at the point where we go. We are not coming home as a University unit as was originally planned but as casuals. That is, each one goes on his own hook and for this reason everyone is liable to be grabbed off to some sort of work or other. They have your record and if you are suited to something, like typewriting, etc, they may keep you there until some other unfortunate individual comes along to relieve you. Being an Engineer officer there is a bit greater chance for my being retained to do something along that line. However, since there are so many of us, I am hoping to escape and get home by the 4th of July.

(no letter #)

New York City
Saturday 11:00 p.m.
July 5 1919

Dear Mother and Dad:
We arrived tonight, getting checked off the boat at 8:30. . . .

I got away from Brest much quicker than I anticipated - arrived one day at 11:00 and sailed the next morning, the 28th. . . . but just as soon as I get my honorable discharge from the U.S. Army I will lose no time coming home. . . .

It is great to be back. . . .

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A Joint Exhibit
of the
University of Missouri
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia
and the University of Missouri-Columbia
Museum of Anthropology

Acknowledgments and World War I Links