ALS signed “George,” three pages, 5.25 x 8.25, May 26, 1918. As a lieutenant colonel, Patton writes home to his mother from France during World War I. In full: "A year ago to day we were just getting ready to leave Washington. To day I am in a French town with French Tanks and am the only American here or for about 100 kils. It is a most interesting place. The first night the Bosch dropped more bombs on us but did not hit any houses though they made large holes in the fields all around. The French said it was very loud bombing. It makes a great fuss and the shrapnel from the anti-air-craft guns fell on the roof. Since then it has been too foggy but is clear again to day so we are looking for more visits this evening. The machines have the same effect as mosquitoes they hum around and you keep expecting something to happen—then it does. But they do not worry you for the chance of being hit is so small as to be negligible and any way there is nothing to do about it. If you are hit you are hit and there will not be enough left for a funeral. I saw a funny thing yesterday. I was taking a walk and passed a huge cross larger than life. On the front of the cross was nailed a sign 'Gas' warning that you must have your mask in the alert position as gas shells have the habit of coming that way. I could not help thinking that such a sign on the cross must be rather an insult to Christ. As gas can hardly please Him. There is a good deal of shooting here so much that you cannot distinguish individual shots it is just a constant roar not so very sharp but like furniture being moved around in an empty house. The Gers are about 4 miles away." Includes an ink signature, "Geo. S. Patton, Jr., San Gabriel," on an off-white 3.5 x 1.5 slip clipped from an envelope. In fine condition.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
