WWI DEC 1918 Letter from Major of 14th ENGINEER Regt. in France GREAT CONTENT

Description

World War I soldier's letter, 2+ pgs., approx. 5-1/2" x 7-1/4", dated at
Nice, France, Dec. 8, 1918,
from Major Robert G. Henderson, 14th Engineer Regiment (Ry), to his sister-in-law, Mabel, married to his brother, Harry P. Henderson.
Written on stationery of the Hotel Negresco, at Nice.
Includes the original envelope with Dec. 8, 1918 dateed "NICE-GARE/ALPES MARMES" postmark, and Major Henderson's self-censor signature at bottom left: "OK, R.G. Henderson, Major Engr U.S." Addressed to Mrs. H.P. Henderson care of the Major's mother, Mrs. Joseph Henderson, at Lynn, Mass, and she forwarded the cover to Mabel, by crossing out the address and re-addressing it to c/o the Jerome Verde Copper Co. at Jerome, Arizona, and affixed a 3c stamp for forwarding, which was tied by a Jan. 1, 1919 dated Lynn, Mass. postmarkr handstamp.
The 14th Engineer Regiment was recruited in New England, mostly from railroad men, and arrived in France in the fall of 1917. They did important work repairing railroads, building railroads and bridges, often under gun and artillery fire.
Robert G. Henderson was born in Salem, Mass. in 1889; graduated from Harvard Univ. in 1910 and went to work for the Boston & Albany Railroad in the office of the Superintendent in 1911; Served 2 years as Capt. and Major in the 14th Engineers (Railway) in France in WWI; After the war, he continued to work for the Boston & Albany Railroad.
Great content
, written less a month after the Armistice, while on leave in Nice, enjoying the peace and quiet, and noting the difference from his last camp at Cheppy, "a nasty dirty ruined place, fit only for graves". He writes that the worst time was the previous March, when the German offensive threatened his area, and he contemplated having to swim the English Channel. He also lists all the places he and his regiment were in France, along with the dates, and notes that "I've seen a lot of the battle area, more than I've wanted to, sometimes".
"Dear Mabel,
This is like Atlantic City, only a bit more glorified. I never saw so many fine hotels in one place before. This place reminds me a little of the Copley Plaza, but I don't care so long as I can sleep day or night. The air is soft and pleasant and the blue Mediterranean is blueing away as per usual. It sure is a great place to rest up. Quite a difference from my home at Cheppy - a nasty dirty ruined place - fit only for graves...
The bad time was last March, though, and I'll neve forget that. The English channel looked pretty wide to swim, but I'd have tried it. Have I related to you the various places where I have camped?
[He then lists all the towns where he was with his regiment in France, along with the dates for each place]
.
I have been in the following big towns several times at least
[lists 12 towns, including Verdun]
. So you see, I've seen a lot of the battle area, more than I've wanted to, sometimes. Now it's over, except the dirty work of cleaning up.
A very merry Xmas and a happy new year.
Much love,
Bob"
Very Fine.
CO
MBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.
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