From Verdun, November 11, 1918

On November 11, 1918, my grandfather, Frank B. Morrell, wrote the following letter from Verdun to his "sweetheart," my grandmother in Brooklyn. He finally got home in June 1919. They married on June 30, 1920.

When he got a last-minute weekend pass at Camp Meade, before leaving for France, his "Little Sweetheart" zipped down to Baltimore to see him. The Southern Hotel was conveniently located near the railroad station. While he was trudging through the mud in France, he took great comfort in the memory of her visit. "Southern & Sunshine" was a recurrent theme in his letters.

November 11, 1918

11:30 A.M.

Dearest,

Could not post this letter before.

Have just come in from outside where I heard the bells of Verdun (where I am) ring out announcing that peace has been declared or rather that the armistice has been signed. Get ready Little Heart o’ mine it won’t be long now and then a meeting that I have been looking forward to since leaving Southern & Sunshine. It is too early to make any appointments but I’ll keep you posted.

Received your letter the other day telling about your having influenza. Was worried for a moment but as long as your fever had gone down I guess there is not much danger. But take care of yourself, Little Sweetheart, because I’m practically on my way home now or will be within a month or so and that’s short considering what’s waiting for me.

Will be busy from now on unless I get help. My Sergeant was hit and I’m handling all the work but I expect to get an assistant. Pete Fusillo was hit in the finger on the 7th. Very slight wound is the report. I did not see him.

Well, Sunshine, I don’t know whether they will take us to Meade or not but if so I’m afraid you have another trip to Baltimore coming. Tell mother I’m safe & happy. I will try to write to her tonight.

Love,

Frank