The following was taken from a newspaper clipping of an article titled "Word from France and the South" printed in an unknown newspaper in 1918. (The paper is likely a Plattsburgh, NY paper, another article on the back refers to the "Press", perhaps indicating the Press Republican.) The original letter of Edward Emery is in our possession, but is in French. Typos were copied as written. WORD FROM FRANCE AND THE SOUTH Letter written by Private William A. Emery, Battery D. 70th Artillery, C. A. C. Somewhere in France Private Emery has been resently wounded in France and is in an American Red Cross Hospital. Somewhere in France Sept. 20th, 1918 My dear Sister, Brother, and Niece: I rec'd your letter today and was glad to hear from you. It found me in the best of health and hope this letter will find you the same. Well, I suppose the old town is dead now most all the boys are gone. I am glad James likes it in the service. I hope you get a chance to see him in his uniform before he leaves but it may be some time before he leaves but I beat him to it. I am satisfied for it to be the way it is. It's not bad at all. The weather here is about the same as it is out home. It's no warmer or no colder as I can see. I've almost forgotten how to write I can hardly think of anything to write but will do my best to make out a letter worth while reading. It don't take long for mail to go or come now, got the one you wrote the 22nd of August today, Sept. 20th. It won't be long before you get this one and I hope it won't be delayed. I guess that is the wish of all. Well, Irene, write often to me if only a few lines to here, somewhere in France. I can lie here thinking of home all alone and that some of you are together but nevertheless I can bear my own troubles and be contented just the same. Well, dear sister, I can't think of much more to write. How is father this fall? I hope he is well and I hope he don't worry about me. For he gave two honest sons to the call to arms. Will close hoping to hear from you soon, with best regards. Your loving brother & uncle, WILL. The following letter was written by Private Emery's father during the Civil War, 54 years ago. Bermuda Hundred August 22, 1864 My dear parents, I returned from our Expedition last night and as usual was very tired but fortunately was not injured by the enemies fire. We started our Expedition August 15 for the other side of the James river to encounter the rebels. We marched the greater part of the night with short halts from time to time. The first day was passable but the following days there were many engagements without food and no rest. It was raining very hard. The last day we were in the woods there was a small skirmishing line before us. They told us to lie on the ground and prepare our bayonets for action but not to fire for there were two lines before us who were to charge the rebels. However it was not true being only skirmishing parties before us. While we were on the ground the rebels discharged their guns and shots flew over our heads without touching us. We at once charged with our bayonets double corner. We ran to the top of their breast works and stayed about 15 minutes then were obliged to return quicker than we went. However we took several prisoners but lost a lot of our men. We were very tired on our march. I must tell you the rebels fight like Tigers and I don't believe they will ever give up. But we poor soldiers must continue to fight through fatigue and privations. Much misery for nothing. I am sure if our commanders had to fight with their knapsacks on their backs they would feel like ending the war at once. I wish it would end as soon as possible nevertheless it is three years since we began fighting and the rebels are stronger than when we began. I am satisfied Francis says Lincoln is the man needed by the country at this time and I think so myself. For the ruination and spending of money and the killing of our young men is causing mourning to many families while he is opposing Mcclellan, who will give us peace we will save the union and bring back the Confederate states in the Union but not with the bayonet, but with the pen. When you write tell me in what regiment uncle is in and I'll write to him. Also tell me where Louis Dupos and Edward Moss are. I have nothing more to tell you. We are discharging the old men who have finished their time. We have lost our Colonel and the Captain and the rest of the officers. When the old soldiers go we will be about 150 men. Kind regards to all my relatives and friends. Edward Emery Edward Emery's other son in the service is: Private James E. Emery. Who is training at Camp Meade, Md.