I am writing to you to-night on a subject which, coming from me is perhaps quite unexpected, and which is of such a serious nature that it should demand the attention of every American citizen, namely; "The possibility of the United States entering into a state of war in the immediate future or perhaps, very probably, in the next few days." We have in this case, and as the United States seems to do in all others, quietly sat and watched the impending clouds hover over us until we are caught wholly unprepared in the midst of the storm. The whole thing in a few words is that we have deliberately ignored the numerous signs of the approaching crisis and as the result, we are wholly unprepared to meet and to combat with the great crisis which we knew was inevitable. Now this is the very thing which I am striving to avoid in my own case. I realize the importance of equipping myself now for the approaching dangers. In the event of the United States becoming involved in war, one of the first acts of the President would be to call for volunteers, and many others such calls until finally conscription is forced upon us. Now comes the question of whether I should answer the first call, or the second and third, or finally to face the disgrace of conscription. If I was alone in the world and had no ties of love and obligations, I would be one of the first to inlist, but having such ties, I fell my duty towards mother and you, and therefore, I am submitting this question to you to be carefully thought over and for you to decide what shall be my actions in the immediate future.

Intense interest over this subject prevails at present among the students and we have organized a company of over a hundred men who have pledged themselves to drill three times a week under the supervision of an army officer, and to receive instructions in military tactics. This is a step toward preparedness, and after a required amount of training, it enables one to enter the army as a officer. Now, if something unforseen should prolong the impending crisis for several months, I have decided, with your permission, to take a months training at Plattsburg beginning the 2nd of June. This months training will be of an unestimable value to me in case of war and if war shouldn't come, it would be a great benefit to me both mentally and physically. They pay all my expenses including rail-road fare, travelling expenses, clothing, equipment and etc. The only requirement is a pair of walking shoes. I will appreciate it if you will inquire into this and see for yourself the many advanttages it offers. Now Father, give this letter your careful consideration and let me know as soon as possible your advise and decision on such serious subjects.

Your devoted son,

Hargrove Bellamy.

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Have been so busy for the past week that I really have not had time to write home. Am enclosing a letter I wrote Mother Wednesday but did not mail. The weather has continued unusually cold; the thermometers registered this morning 14°. Have a few minutes to write so will drop you a few lines.

George and I went to Charlotte Saturday afternoon and spent the week end, arriving back to camp at three o'clock early this morning. We spent a very pleasant day and enjoyed our little outing.

It will be impossible for me to come home Christmas and do not know when I can get off but hope to some time around the 10th of Jan.

Tell Mother that she could sent me a pair of Officers Field Glasses and compass attached. This is required of all officers equipment so it will come in ver handy. I understand that good field glasses are very expensive. Let this be yours and Mothers Christmas present to me.

You have no idea how much equipment an officer requires. To fully equip ones self it takes close unto $500.00. This seems unreasonable but it is a plain fact.

I am working hard and getting along nicely. This is an unusually well organized company and its personnel is very high. My board here is $15.00 per month and its splendid. I think I was very fortunate to get into such a nice company. I haven't time to write further so will stop. Write often and don't work too hard. Best love for you and Mother.

Hargrove.

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Received your letter yesterday and enjoyed hearing from you. I know I haven't written as often as I should but my time is so occupied that when the days work is over I am so tired that I go straight to bed.

I am attending a "Sniper's School" conducted by English Officers. The work is most interesting, however it is quite hard and keeps you working constantly from eight thirty in the mornings up to night and then your work is only half over. You have a note book which takes any where from 3 to 4 hours. There is always some clerical or paper work of the company to be done so you see one does not have much time to write. The work and experience an officer does these days is an education in its self.

I have not had the opportunity to go to town but once since becoming an officer. We only have one day Christmas and then I am on duty all day. Things have gotten down to a serious aspect and indications are that we leave for France some times in February, however don't quote my saying this. While the snow is just about disappeared however it still continues cold. For the past week our Regiment have been taking 12 mile hikes before mid-day. In the afternoons we have been on the target range.

Where I attend my school is 3 miles from camp. We are carried to and from school in army trucks. There are 30 officers attending these lectures. We carry our dinner with us and have an hour for lunch. I have just finished lunch and have a few minutes before school begins so I am availing my self of this opportunity to write you. You will have to pardon note-book paper.

You don't know I disappointed I am that I won't be able to spend Christmas home. I don't expect we soldiers will spend a very bright Christmas here, however we shall make the best of it.

Yes Colonel Metts is in our regiment and he and all the other Colonel of the Division leave Sunday for Texas to undergo training. Don't repeat this.

Give my love to Father and Aunt Ellen and Eliza, and wishing you all a happy Christmas.

Best love

Hargrove

P.S. Buy Porter's baby a little Christmas present for me.

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My time is limited, So I made a carbon coppy of what I wrote Hoggie. To send you, And you will understand where I am. And what I am doing.

Your very much supprised letter came this morning. I must say I was some what supprised at some of its contents Tho had heard a bit of inkling of your good luck while at home during the past week end.

It gives me great pleasure to know you are to be married, at such an early date. To such a charming young lady. I don't know her personally, but have heard a lot about her.

The worst for me is; it will be impossible for me to accept the great honor you have asked of me. I know of nothing that would give me more pleasure, than to be your best man. And help tie the knott securely.

I am unable to explain my non-acceptance in detail. But when I say it will be impossible for me to be there. You will no doubt understand. We don't expect to be at this camp latter than ______ a few days.

"Old Boy," am glad you are going to be married. Think you have taken a very wise step. And I hope the happiest days of your past will be the glooomiest days of your future.

Don't forget to look me up when you come over. And we will drink to the down-fall of the damn old Kaiser in BERLIN.

Give my love to Father and Aunt Ellen and Eliza, and wishing you all a happy Christmas.

Best luck and congratulations old boy,
I am,
Very sincerely

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Am on board and will write you a few lines before sailing. Am not permitted to disclose any of my movement so this will be just a short note to bid you farewell and to tell you how much I am thinking of you both on my heart of departure. Am very comfortably quartered and the table service is very good. Many thanks for all you both have done for me and always remember that I love you dearly and that my thoughts are always with you and darling wife.

Your devoted

Hargrove

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It is hard to realize, surrounded by the stillness and beauty of the sea, that I am actually on my way to France to take part in this mighty world conflict, leaving my native country and all who are near and dear to me far far behind. Yet in the stillness of this beautiful Sunday survive my thoughts turn back to America and to you my dearest Mother and Father. Some one mentioned on deck that today was Mother's day and with this I seemed to forget the realities that surround me and I begin to live in the past and picture over and over again the scene that I leave behind me. One never realizes how dear home is until he feels that he is leaving it for a long long time, nor does he appreciate all that has been done for him and how fortunate he is to have such wonderful parents and how dearly he loves them. However he will take this opportunity to tell you both how dearly I love you and how dreadfully I miss you both. Looking back over my life I realize that I have been a very unthoughtful child and at times appearing ungrateful but with all this deep down in my heart I have felt most grateful for all you have done for me and it makes me feel very selfish not to have returned some of the many kindness or to have shown my appreciation in a better light. I realize now that you have been much too good to me and I am inclined to be spoilt however the army life has taken me down quite a bit and has taught me to be more appreciative.

Now for a short and undecriptive description of my trip. Always remember that we are only allowed to give certain information which at the most is no information at all and that every time I write is thoroughly and fully censored so I don't say half what I so desire to tell you about. The trip so far has been most pleasant and I have enjoyed every minute of it. The sea very calm and the weather delightful. The trip at the most has been uneventful, occasionally a speck on the horizon breaks the monotony. Whenever a ship is thus sighted all guns are at once trained on the object until we are wholly assured that it is a friendly sail. We take every precaution leaving nothing for granted and taking no chances. This is a very large and fast ship beautifully constructed and most comfortable. One would think to be in a large hotel instead of on board ship. The only indications is a slight tremor from the big turbine engines.

I have come to the conclusion that sea-sickness is a fact put in thought several years back by wealthy and delicate tourist but it is fast going out of style and if peace is not declared soon I am afraid that some will be sadly disappointed in the future. I know this letter has conveyed to you a vivid description of life on board a _______ and no doubt will give the enemy valuable information.

The salt air while quite exhilerating does at the same time encline to make one sleepy the lattercase being very concerning to me at present so will bid you a final good by and follow the lines of least resistance always remembering that I am the most fortunate person in the world to have such wonderful parents and last but not least an equally wonderful wife. Remember to love and do for her as you have always done for me and try to make her as happy as possible while I am gone.

With all my love
Your devoted son

Hargrove

P.S. Am enclosing a few copies of a daily paper published on board.

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We came ashore this afternoon and are now beached in a "Rent Camp" for a few days before going to our permanent camp.

Our present camp is situated on a high cliff over-looking the city at an old French Barracks surrounded by high stone walls and probably used as far back as Napolean's time. Of course we are quarantined and forbidden to leave the walls.

As we marched through the streets on our way to camp I was very much impressed by the great number who appeared in mourning, the number of very young wives and the sight of so few men. Between every smile you could detect the sadness in their hearts yet there was no loook of discouragement but on the contrary a look of confidence and determination and a spirit that the allies are going to win out.

The country is beautiful with its rolling hills and beautifully cultivated fields. Every inch of ground is cultivated and kept in the highest state of perfection. I have never seen anything in America to equal this. The food here is very poor and we have to pay high for what we eat as poor as it is. Butter $1.00 per pound. At this rate I don't think we could afford to live in France. We thought Greenville was high but this is one place that has it beat.

Have some work to do so will have to stop. Please send this letter home after reading it. Will write you tomorrow.

Hoggie

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Just a few lines Mother dear to assure you that I am safe and well and always thinking of you. Have just finished a letter to Sarah telling her all the news so you will have to read her letter. It has been very warm today but the nights are always very pleasant. It does not become dark here until eleven o'clock at nights and it is light at five in the mornings. There are a large number of negro troops here and a large percentage of them are from North Carolina. We leave for our camp near the trenches in a few days and we all are anxious to see the theater of operative. Have not heard a word from America. Hope to soon. Tell Father that it worries me to think that he is working so hard. He must(underlines twice) not continue working as he is doing now. His health will not permit it. Take good care of Sarah. Please ask Father to place money in her account at Wilmington Saving and Trust Co.

Best love,

Hargrove

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Arrived here last night after a three day trip across France. This is our [permanant] location for the next three months I hope. We are located in an old French town high up on a hill surrounded by high walls and deep moats overlooking very beautiful country. We are comfortably quartered in platune buildings used by the French many years ago. We are about [torn paper] of roads is wonderful and they are so remarkably well kept up. From our camp you can see miles and miles of the surrounding country and the smooth velvet ribbon roads winding endlessly along is very striking. We have been very fortunate in having beautiful weather. The days are long and warm, the nights short and cool.

Have been very much struck with the wonderful and admirable work of the American Red Cross and the wonderful amount of good they are doing. You people in America cannot realize the conditions over here.

It is very gratifying to see so many American soldiers and the great part the U.S. is playing in this world war. The U.S. government is represented every where and camps flying the stars and stripes are spotted all over France. Have just written Sarah a long letter address West Durham. Am anxious for her to come home and live; You must insist upon this. Haven't time to write further. Not a word from the U.S. and no prospects of hearing for many days. Do hope you and Father are well. Please take care of yourselves.

Your devoted son,

Hargrove

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Have just come from a hard mornings work and have a few minutes before lunch so will drop you a short letter both to let you know how I am getting along and also in the nature of business. As I have already written we are nicely located and well taken care of. I am taking a very interesting course in grenade work which lasts two weeks. My next course will prob ably be Automatic Riffles and Musketry lasting two weeks: From what I can gather we won't be here for over a month and from then on we haven't the slightest ideas what they will do with us; either front line trenches, back to our Regiment or back to America as instructors. The last mentioned is most doubtful, one out of a thousand chances. Now for the business side: The war will last at least two years longer and I won't be able to get back to the States for two and a half years. On my present pay I won't be able to a lot Sarah but $100.00 per month and it will be impossible for her to live off of this . I am asking you to place an additional $100.00 to her credit each month until I return. She is vey sensitive about matters of this nature so you will have to be very careful and delicate in mentioning this to her. Please go by Wilmington Saving and Trust Co. and see if Government is placing a hundred dollars each month to her credit. Also inform her to draw on her account when necessary. Now Father please take care of her for me and see that she is comfortable, happy and lacks nothing. Also write me often as letters mean everything to us over here. I am well and as happy as I can be with the circumstances. Give my love to all my friends and tell H. Taylor to write me and eveyrone else you see. Not a word from the States as yet. I saw a line of huge motor trucks heavily loaded with supplies pass. I counted two hundred in all. We are unable to tell at present what will be the result of the 2nd German offensive which began on the 27th.

Love to all,
Your devoted son,

Hargrove Bellamy

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Yesterday was "Memorial Day" and was observed throughout France. Were were given a holiday which was enjoyed very much by me. Spent the early part of the morning in walking for several miles through surrounding country and admiring the beautiful scenery. Went to town in time for lunch and had a very pleasant meal consisting of preserves, egg omelett, cheese, lettuce and dressing, potatoes and beef, coffee and wine, costing six francs.

Ceremonies and demonstrations were given by Americans and French Soldiers in honor of the day. The graves of the soldiers who have fallen in this war were decorated by soldiers and children. This part of the ceremony was very impressive. The weather continues beautiful. We all are watching the present drive of the Germans with great eagerness. However serious it may appear, we all are confident of the ability of our men to hold when the critical time arrives. The ground the allies are giving now is by no means a sign of their weakness. Its all in the game and they are playing it for what it is worth. Must stop and write Sarah.

Best love

Hargrove

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By candle light I will endeavor to write you a few lines before retiring. Have been studying for the past few hours. Now that my work is complete and a few more minutes remain before bed time I will bid you a final good night in the form of a short letter. There is nothing of interest or importance to write about. The same old thing day after day, the beautiful and pleasant weather continues and every body well. I am nice and very burned and have gradually worked myself into a splendid physical condition. I am given to understand that we will reset front lines for the purpose of observaton next week. Only for two or three days and on a quiet sector. Not a word have I heard as yet. Mail is absolutely essential. You must write me daily. Always write, if only a line or so. What are your plans for the summer and is Sarah with you? You must make her live at home. Take good care of her for me until I return.

Good night,

Hargrove

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Frank Gillian and myself have just finished a very pleasant lunch of eggs, potatoes and wine. I am now arround at the Y.M.C.A. and will write you a short letter before returnig to camp. Yesterday our sector moved our quarters to an old French Fort about three miles out of town. It is a very historical old place built about 1200 A.D.. Our quarters are very poor sleeping in a small room 30 feet underground. We take a two week course in Automatic Weapons and then will probably be sent back to our Regiment. The weather continues beautiful. The climate here is wonderful.

One of our greatest problems in France is the question of laundry. You send your wash out and its no telling when it will be returned. When you do finally get it back, half of it is missing and the half is dirtier than when you sent it out. On top of it all you pay 12 Francs. It has been five weeks since leaving New York, which seem every bit of five months. Not a line have I recieved from the States. I hope you and Sarah havn't had any trouble with my letters. Don't expect half of them ever reach you. Give my love to all and don't forget to write daily.

Am well and getting along nicely. Feel like I am 20 lbs. heavier than when I left N.Y. Don't believe you would recognize me with my sunburned face and oversized hats on. You, Sarah and Father must spend a pleasant summer.

Best love

Hargrove

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Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and am thinking or you. We keep pretty busy these day; lots of studying and firing. We expired hundreds of rounds of ammunitions daily and I am becoming quite an accurate shot with the light machine gun and the Automatic pistol. We finish one course a week from Saturday and will probably spend a few days in the front lines observing before returning to our organizations. Have kept remarkably well and have gained several pounds. Do hope you are taking care of yourself and are not working too hard. Please don't for my sake. I am very anxiousto hear from home and to know how you all are getting by

You must not count too much on what the paper say about the present conditions. Most of the news is camouflauged and the Germans haven't lost the number of men the reports sugests. The allies problem is almost as large- The situation has been very grave and continues to at the present time — I want you to take a few moments off to write me. Please! Not a word have I heared since leacing the States.

Best love of all-
Your devoted son-

Hargrove Bellamy

Love to Mother and Sarah. Take good care of them for me.

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Just a few lines to acknowledge reciept of your letter dated May 14th. My first mail since leaving the States- I can't descibe the pleasure it gave me and if you only knew what mail means to us over here you would write me daily. Goodness I was glad to hear from home once here. I thought I should never hear.

For the past three days it has been cloudy and rainy and unreasably cold for this time of the year. We are working.Hard as usual and now our nights are taken up by lectures on various subjects. Modern war-fare is a great game of brains. The soldier of today requires intellegence and a versatile mind of knowledge and of science, machinery topography, the ability to adapt himself to every exercise and to size up a situation at a moments notice: All this and good horse sence are the requirements of the soldier of today- for the past three weeks I have done more actually studying — then I did in a whole year at college.

Wish I had time to write more. Have a little work to do before retiring. Lights are out at 10:00 o'clock. It is now nearby nine so will bid you good night. Return to my Regiment at the end of the week. Am anxious to be back with my 0wn troops once more.

Best love

Hargrove

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The famous Advance School Detachment of the 30th Divs. Career [illegible] to-day at noon, and at three o'clock we begin our journey across France to our division. Darling have intended writing you since Friday, but with our time completely occupied with exams and their preparations, have been unable to do so, right now.

The last week has been a disappointing one with continuous rain and unusally cold weather for this time of year.

My first mail arrived Tuesday a letter from Mother written May 10th. It contained practically the same hope as your letter answered the day we departed from Camp Merritt, neverthless I never have enjoyed a letter quite so much before unless possibly the one I received from you just before Christmas which marked the turning point in my life. I remember every line of it — How long must I wait until I hear from you. It looks as if I never shall.

Received a notification of my promotion to 1st Lt. My promotion dates two months back. Think of the time it has taken to hear. The boys gave me quite a reception at the Club. Champagne flowed freely and as "per our agreement" to use my discretion. I considered champagne in France not a liquor but as a light wine and partook of its fragrance. Under the conditions do you consider champagne used moderately included in our compact? If so I will abstain from drinking it and be contented with light wines.

Will write you tomorrow from quite a famouse place. You will be surprised when you hear again the censor prevents my disclosing any of my movements.

I have lots to tell you — on my return to the States. Some very interesting experiences.

Haven't time to write further.

Hargrove

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I know it has been some little time since writing you but so many things have happened and I have been so busy that I have just not had the time or opportunity to write-

Will go back three weeks and tell you I had a pleasant visit of these days in Paris on my way back to my Reginent. The rules of war will not permit my disclosing of my whereabouts however I am at present only four or five weeks from the front awaiting news to move up and take over the front lines.

Have spent several days in the lines, seen and experienced all the horors of war. Been over the top twice, taken part in a fight in no-mans-land and am still safe and sound. This war is a great big game of chance and I feel confident that some fortune wll lend me a hand and see me safely through to the past.Now dashing just because I am near the front doesn't necessitate I am in any real dager. Please don't worry about me Mother. Take good care of yourself and I will be back. Now I have only had three letters from you since my arrival. Please write of times. Letters mean so much to us over here. Tell anybody that I may know to write me. Sarah has been wonderful about writing me and her letters has been one of the greatest pleasures I have had. Wish I could tell you the real conditions over here. I know you and Father would be quite surprised. The weather has been very pleasant up to a few days ago but now we have lots of rain and mud. When I have time will write you more in detail the conditions we have been under over here. They are not so bad and we enjoy life as much as usual.

Give my love to Father and Sarah if she is with you and please write often.

Your devoted Son,

Hargrove

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Just a few lines to inform you that I am well and getting along nicely- Now for a little information of the home boys. Have seen Charlie Grainges several times and he is getting along nicely. Wish you could give Mrs. Grainges my love. Charlie Taylor, Pete Cantiwell and the two Fenby boys have just reveived there Commissions and are assigned to my Battaline nearby 2nd Bm. 119 Inf. The war situation at present looks pretty menasing for us. The succesees of the French in Southern France has upset the Huns plaus on other fronts.

We are having lots of rain and mud and the waether is unusally cold. Have gotten in the habit of living like a mole and feel quite at home 20 to 40 fts underground. Letters from home are becoming a rarity and for the next few weeks my letters to you will be very few. One every two days or two weeks. Please don't be alarmed when not hearing from me. Write often and send me more paper clipping occasionally. Best love,

Your devoted son

Hargrove Bellamy

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Have just completed a seventeen day tour in the lines and am now back in camp for a few days just before returning. Am quite well and without a scratch. Have only ime to write you a few lines tonight, but will try to write you a nice long letter tomorrow. We are having lots of rainy weather and plenty of mud. Was unlucky enough to strike a rainy spell while in the trenches. The trenches were half filled with water and mud up to your knees. We were shelled pretty heavily the whole time in and were very fortunate to get out with only a few casualties.

Have seen some very exciting air fights but the end is always too horrible. To see the planes crash to the ground after a fall of thousands of ft and at nights like shooting stars down, down, down to earth is something too thrilling and heart reveling to describe.Well Mother dear must stop. Am well and happy and only hope you and Father are the same. Many thanks for Fathers letters and the pictures of himself and Will.

Your devoted son

H. Bellamy

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This is the first real course I have seen in Belgium since my arrival here nearby sex weeks ago. I spend a week in the vacintity of Calais before entering the war front and had a very pleasant time.

One camp at present is supposed to be a "Rest" camp but we always find plenty to do. After a spill in the trenches we go to our camp back of the lines for a few days rest. What we actually do is to clean up, unorganize and then spend the remaining of our time drilling and training. This life makes a man out of the poorest kind and we all feel proud of ourselves as soldeirs of the United States As hard as the life and danger is I wouldn't change places with those who remain in the States for anything in the world. Nobody knows what the Allies have have to combine with for the past four yers. Yes, if the U. P. had continued the war two years earlier the war would be over with by now. The greed for money outweighed over principle of justice and over land as a Native in the eyes of the world was being trampled in the dirt because the cry of "peace at any price" dominated over better senses.

This is just a line to let you know that I am well and happy. Charlie Grainges dropped in to see me for a few minutes this afternoon. He is looking well. The popular prices in Belguim at present are the following.

Tomatoes @ 6 frances per tomato.
Canteloupes @ 7" " canteloupe.
eggs @ 1" " egg.
Cake of chocolate 6 frances a cake
-No exaggeration-

Best love to all,
Your devoted son,

Hargrove Bellamy

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Now for a few lines to let you and Mother know that I am quite well and getting along nicely. It has been a good long time since writing home and I am afraid you have bcome anxious about me. Well not but such an intrical between letters 0ccur again.

We are out of the line and are now back at Rest Camp some six weeks from the lines. We are safe from furious artillery fire and would rest quite undisturbed if is were not for his nightly air raids. Have fun in the theatre of operations now for nearby six weeks and during this time have seen a good deal of fighting. Conditions over here at present are most uncourageing. The success of the Allies down south is outstanding and infact along the whole front the Allies seem to have the advantage in every respect.

Our artillery far surpasses the book and we send over twenty shells to his one. The Allies completely dominate the air and the German submarine menace seems to be almost a thing of the past. The moral and spirit of the Allies is splendid, while on the other hand the Germans moral is at its lowest ebb. A striking example of this is the remarks of prisoners taken by the French and Allies in their recent drives around prissions,Chateau Thierry, and Reims. The man-power of the German army has reached its climax and no longer hold Hindenberg the past number of fresh divisions to switch from one front to another. Every indication points to an early peace and I believe negotiations will begin early in December and peace will be declaerd by Spring.

Am very interested in Wilmingtons progress. Could you send me the Wilmington paper? Would like to have it very much.

By the way did you ever deposit the money to Sarahs credit in the Wilmington Saving and Trust Co as I asked you? Please attend to this at once for me.

I'm alloting at present $100.00 out of my salary each month and will increase my allotment to $150.00 beginning September. With this amount and the additional $100.00 each month you contribute Sarah could live very comfortably on is if she wishes. I don't like the idea of her living on her own money and she is too proud to mention money matters to any one. My conscience would let me rest much easier if I knew she had at her disposal $250.00 each month of my money. With your $100.00 contribution and my $150.00 this can be done so I ask you as a favor to please deposit to her credit the above mentioned $100.00 each month.

There are lots of Wilmington boys in my Regiment and a great many more throughout the Division. Perhaps you know that Pete Canlivell was injured in action not a hundered yds from me.

One of my Corporals, John R. Williams of Burgaw was wounded not over three ft from me. Most of our casualties were from heavy shell fire. A few from machine gun wounds. Must stop.

Best love to you and Mother,
Your devoted son

Hargrove Bellamy

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Have just reveived mothers letter, also one from Sarah and Charles Foebes. They were brought up with my nights rations and I had to pospone reading them for nearby 12 hours but now that I have read them and after enjoying them so much I feel rather inclinded to write a few letters myself and knowing that you are interested in the way we live over here and can appreciate our position, will take a few minutes off and try to inlighten you on the subject by the way we have been living for the past three days.

This makes the fourth tour in the lines and my company at present is occupying the extreme front lines helf by a system of out-posts and a thinly held support line. Company Hqs is situated a few yards back of the support is and old Chateau which has been completely shelled to the ground. You could never tell there ever was a building here. We live in what used to be its cellar about 20 ft in the ground. The top is nearby reinforved with concrete and sand bags.

There is absolutely no movement by day and from 7:00 A.M. until 12:00 mid-day every one sleeps with the exception of a few sentinals posted here and there. Our position is not a very encouraging one. We hold a Salient surrendred on their sides by the Huns. They hold a ridge and we are situated at the foot of the ridge. With Jerry holding all the commanding positions we are not at present in a very comfortable reality.

I took a patrol of five men out last night from one of our advanced posts for the purpose of [illegible] position 150 yds in our immidiate front to beat and investigate suspected enemy machine guns post. Were out 2 hours and sweated past. On these [illegible] patrols you have to be very very careful while in the enemies territory. You are sent out for the definite purpose of gathering information. Therefore you must accomplish your(What is Robt Taylors address) mission and return without being observed by the enemy. On these patrols we go out as lightly equipped as possible; pistol, trench knife, face and hands hacked and no helmit. It took me 2 hours to go 150 yds and return so you see its a rather ticklish job while in the enemies territory and cut off from your own lines. I was in 3 yds of a German at one time, heard their conversation located 111.G. post and returned with my patrol of five men without being supspected by Jerry (the man we have [illegible] the Huns of my being in a 1000 miles of him.

Green Fenby of Wilmington has just been Commissioned Lieutinant and is assigned to my Company. He is making a very good officer and shows indication of making an excellent officer. (Will this draft include H. Taylor? Tell him to beat the draft and enlist. Suppose you heard that "Pete" was wounded (slightly). He is getting along nicely. Our spill in the trenches so far for this time has been very quiet and we have had no casualties. Please have the Wilmington papers sent to me. Sarah has had a Mr Thomas of the British American Tobacco Co to send me out cigarettes every week from [illegible] They come in very nicely, especially as you are not able to buy good ones over here.

The life I am leading aparently is agreeing with me. I have fattened up quite considerably and have never been in better health.

Best love to Mother and yourself
Your devoted son

Hargrove

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Just a few lines Mother to tell you I am well and getting along nicely. The Mosquitos here are awful — as large as a horse-fly and a million to every square foot of ground. I know Father wouldn't relish my visitors.

The enemy planes are quite active lately — late yesterday evening several flew over our lines and engaged our planes. Three fights ensued but fortunately no planes were brought down. I counted as many as 35 over me at one time. Good by and put [illegible] .

Your devoted son

H. Bellamy

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It has been several days since writing you and I know the delay has caused you anxiety, however I am quite well and would have written oftener, but for the fact that my Company has been in the lines. You know there is better oportunity for writing when your full attention and energy is taken up by the enemy. We have just completed a three day tour in the front lines and are now back in the Reserves resting up. My Company Commanders has been [illegible] on a school and I am left in charge of the Company until his return. Was very sorry to hear of James Lorders death. I know it has been a terrible shock to his mother. Sarah wrote me of little Hamilton son's death. The whole family seemed deeptly grieved over the loss.

Mother yours and Fathers letters are becoming fewer each day. Please write often-also send me the :Morning Star"

The war situation is most incourageing. The German military powers are beaten and the former mighty army with its unlimited pisoners is a thing of the past never to be founded again. Am enclosing two pamphlets dropped from one of our many "propaganda balloons" that are sent over the German lines whenever the wind is favorable to us.

We have been having beautiful weather up to yesterday. It rained most of the night and today is is quite cool, almost to the miseable point.

All the Wilmington boys are getting along nicely.

Give my love to all and please write often
Your devoted Son

Hargrove Bellamy

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This is a typical September morning, slightly cool and the air very refreshing. We are in the Reserve line at present, about three miles behind the front lines. Every thing is very quiet. The big guns are silent and not a sound is heard, only the hum of the planes flying over — Indeed one could almost tell this is Sunday morning — a calm before the storm. To day marks the anaversary of my leaving home for camp. One year ago to day found me a buck Private. This morning Amerlia B. at the front. The good news from all fronts still continues to come in — "Kemmel" was tapereel the night of Aug. 30th/31st.

Must stop.
Your devoted son

Hargrove Bellamy.

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After a two weeks visit to Belgium we are back in glorious France again and no one is more pleased than I to be back. We are located in a very beautiful part of France twenty miles from the lines, far away from guns and shells.

Now since our limit is no further in the theatre of operations I may disclose to you rather in detail part of my past experiences.

Have been in the most famous sectors of the western front, Waverly, Ypres, Hill #60, Mont Kemmel. Here we have held the line time and again and have the honor of assesting in the retaking of the Kemmel and advancing the lines on a two mile front for over a thousand yds in [illegible] .

Our regiment has the honor of being the first American Unit to hold the lines on the Belguim front and my Company the 1st Co. to hold the front lines.

Ypres is nothing more than enumerable heaps of bricks and Hill #60 has been literally blown away. Tell Father to secure a map and at the very utmost point of the Ypres salient he will see where for the past 10 weeks my company has been holding the line off and on.

You can imagine the trying and critical position we have been in being surrounded on three sides. There is many an experience I shall never forget — never —

Now since we are far away from Belguim and once again in France things take a brighter aspect and conditions are so changed that I even imagine some times that I am back home. I have a most comfortable, [illegible] & luxurious billet in an old French home and after my days work is over, sometimes not until late at night, I return to my billet always greeted with a smile and some pleasant remark gather around the table with the family and assist them in disposing of their wonderfully good wine. Pretty soon [illegible] is passed around the table and I retire to a very old and comfortable French bed, several feet in thickness.

Sep-13-19

Was interrupted and have been unable to finish your letters until now- we have had continuous rain for the past three days making it almost impossible to drill. Tell Mr. Cantwell that I see "Pete" quite often and that he is looking well and getting along fine. Heard that Mary Bellamy is married to Franklin Smith. Understand that there is serious family objections — some people have their nerve — Imagine. Will and Mrs. John Bellamy criticizing every ones character. Franklin is a mighty fine boy. [illegible] right my dearest mother.

HB

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Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Have moved again and am now in [illegible] part of France. We are kept on the move most of the time — and are busy from early morning until late night.

Had a very interesting visit to one of the Big field Hospitals back of the line — over 500 wounded were brought in a bus there 24 hours. It is how they care for such large numbers of wounded — saw 25 men undergoing operations at one time.

Tell Harlee Bellamy that it is worth a trip over here at the risk of ones life to see how wonderfully these hospitals are [illegible] .

Am enclosing you a souvenir of France. The first opportunity I have had to buy anything since my arrival.

Best love

Hargrove Bellamy. 1st Lt. [illegible]

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Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and received your letters, also 3 from Father. Enjoyed them very much. Don't understand why you don't hear from me often. I write atleast twice a week. We are moving again. Don't stay in one place very long.

Best love to Father and with all my love for yourself
Your devoted Son

H. Bellamy

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I have let over a week go by without writing to you, so must try and get a few lines off on tonight's mail. It has been over five weeks since we have heard from you, as your last letter dated Sept. 1st. The Influenza here and all over the country has reached quite an alarming stage — there are thousands of cases of it, and a good many deaths from it. Am glad to tell you that Harlee is getting on nicely, he has been sitting up for the last four days. Your Father says never in the course of his business has he had such an ordeal to contend with — Mr. Jenkins, Potter and Darden sick, it has been impossible for your Father, Mr. Kingsbury and Mr. Mintz to supply the demand for medicines, working from early morning until late at night. Father had a letter from Sarah to day she said all the schools in Durham had been closed on account of it. There seems to be a wave of it all over the United States — Bulgaria has acted all right. The Germans only talk about peace. What must I send you Xmas? You will have to tell me in your next letter to give me time to send it. I wish you could get a leave and come over for Xmas dinner.

Thursday. Have just finished straightening up the house. Your Aunt Eliza and Aunt Ellen came in so could not finish letter last-night, was so glad to get your letter of Sept. 13th this morning. Came in again what a relief and pleasure it was to you to be away from the battle line and to be in a refined and comfortable home once more.

The papers state the Influenza situation improved — Had a letter from your Aunt Liz — she sent me the little clipping about the 30 division. I went to go down street this morning. Be good to yourself and do not take too freely of that wonderful wine.

Best love — Devotedly,

Mother

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Just a few lines to tell you that I am well and safe in Germany. Was wounded and captured on the 29th September. Shot through the right leg just above the knee. Am getting along nicely now and am able to walk. Was in a hospital slightly over three weeks. Am now at Karlsruh (Badin) a very beautiful German City. Probably won't remain here long. Do hope you and Sarah haven't worried over my being reported "missing in action". There thought of this has troubled me very much, whenever you hear from me always wire Sarah and I will ask her to do the same to you.

My present address is "Officier-Kriegs-Tefangenenlager Karlsruh (Badin)" Please write often. Hope you and Father are well, Give my love to him and tell him to take care of himself. Please do not worry about me. Am getting along nicely.

Best love
Your devoted son

Hargrove Bellamy

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War Dept has no record any mishap to your son it is assumed therefore that he is both safe and well

Lee S Overman

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It has been a very real privilege to have been able to send you a telegram to tell you that Hargrove has been located.

The cable has just come and the office force has gone, but I just could not wait until tomorrow to dictate a proper office letter, so I enclose it, you won't mind — I know.

We believe him to be well and unwounded because the cable did not advise us otherwise and he has not been sent to one of the camps where the wounded prisoners are sent.

In view of the wonderful news, I feel that before long he will be back with you.

Mr. Abbott will do anything that he can for you I am sure and the enclosed slip will help. If I could only find my other boys!

With warm congratulations and [illegible] good wishes for you and for Hargrove

Faithfully yours,

Lyra B. Conrow

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After an agonizing suspense of ten days we were officially notified on Monday 11th, the same day peace was declared, that you were a prisoner at an officers' camp — Karlsruhe Germany. Our thankfulness and rejoicing was unbounded to know you were alive for the only news we had of you was that you were missing on Sept. 29th. Several have written that you were wounded in fact that you lost an arm — my darling, this is nothing to us compared with your life if God will just let you come back to us. As all prisoners were to be released at once I trust — you are either back with your Company or on your way back home to us. Aunt Liz and Sarah have been with us since Nov. 2nd it has meant so much and such a comfort to have them with us. We have cabled in every direction to find out about you and the official report that you were a prisoner came through the American Red Cross. We will be more than anxious until we hear direct from you.

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Cablegram just received dated Geneva twenty seventh prisoner Camp Karlsruhe well signed Lieut. Hargrove Bellamy International Red Cross.

W A Erwin.

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Often have wished for the opportunity of writing you, My Dearest Mother, and to enlighten you of my safety and condition, but such a thing has been impossible, while in Germany, now that the war is over and I am once more back in France. I am now at liberty to relate to you without the fear of the censer, a few of my past experiences dating from sept. 29th the day of my capture up to the present. After three hours of fighting on the morning of the 29th, aftercrossing the Hindenburg Line, St. Quentin canal several system of trenches. I finally was shot in front of the wires of the Germans last line of resistance. I only hand a hand full of men left and these were either killed or wounded in less time its taken to complete this sentence.

My first wound was in the left shoulder, merely a scrape, then I was shot through the right left knee, fortunately I fell in a shell hole and lay there for four hours of continuous attempt on the part of the Germans to reach me with Grenades. They finally held a machine gun on the shell crater and came out and took me, I was then carried to a dressing station, sent through clearing station, back off the lines, and finally ended up in a hospital at LeCateau, France. Afer ten days there I was transfered to a hospital at Le Louviure, Belgium. There I remaind ten days, and then I was sent to Aachen, Germany. For three days, then I was sent to Karlsruhe, Via Calegne, Mauhein and Frankfort, here I remained for a week, and then was sent to Villiunen, the American Officers prison camp, from here all American Officers were sent to Henstang, and awaited here three days for transportation for Frace, Via. Switzerland, finally on the morning of November 29th, nine o clock A.M. we crossed the Swiss barrier in the land of the free, the happiest train of Americans in the world. During my two months visit to Germany I came in close touch and lived with the real conditions of Germany, I was able to study the state of affairs as they actually existed. The German nation is a whipped state in every respect,food,guns,equipment,man power, organization, morale and in fact every thing. The civilian population is actually starving. No ammunition for their artillery, no transportation facilities and no accomodation, bandages or medicine for the wounded. Boys of sixteen and Men of fifty and sixty compose the army. The great German efficiencey and organization, gone forever. The spirit of Rebelish prevails throughout Officers are depassed and at times killed by their own men.

The Kaiser, Crown Prince, and the whole Hehenzallern family are the most unpopilar people in Germany, every one was thoroughly tired of the war. Brutes while their army was [illegible] and miserable and petty cowards when the tide turned aganst them. As Lloyd George states there must be a just peace and Germany must pay full price. The Allies must have a Just Peace and not Germany. I won't go into details now, but will wait until my return to the States. Now to Switzerland, the most modern beautiful and remarkable country in Europe. I will take my hat off to her and will never forget the welcome, that was given us. It is [illegible] and can never be equalled.

We were most fortunate to pass through all of Switzerland from Kanstans the border line to Geneva, I am now in a American Hospital, being throughly disinfected, we are waiting orders from O.H.O. as can give you the further information, do not hope to see me before Christmas, I am thankful to be here and don't dare to hope for home until Spring, am very anxious to hear from you and Sarah, do hope and pray you are all well.

God keep you until my return. Love.

Hargrove

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Am now in Tours locating my bedding and re-equipping myself. Words can't express how happy I am to be back in France again after two months on Germany. Have thought of you lots [illegible] new, and wished for you many a time. Thought at one time that I was going to bug out while in a German hospital, however I pulled through alright and, thank God, am once again myself. Have not heard a word from home since the middle of Sept. and am most anxious to hear. Have not been able to have my mail or to run across anyone who has heard from home.

Do not know what dispensation the Government will make of Prisoners of War, but do hope that I will be sent back to the States in a very short time. Am expecting orders most any day, however until then I am enjoying a very pleasant vacation.

Must stop
As ever

Hoggie

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I am in receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, and to assure you that it has given me very great pleasure to serve you in the matter of procuring information concerning Lieutenant Hargrove Bellamy. Please feel free to call on me whenever I can help you out.

With high personal esteem and best wishes, I am,

Frank A. Hampton

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I acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th instant So far as I know at the present time, there has been no expense incurred in connection with the matter of locating your son. There may be a cable bill rendered me later, and perhaps a bill for funds furnished Lieutenant Bellamy in France or for some expense there. It sure bill comes in, I shall forward it to you

I assure you it has given me great pleasure to serve you in this matter, and wish you to know that I shall always be glad to have you on me whenever I can be of assistance.

With high personal esteem and best wishes, I am,
Very truly yours,

F. M. Simmons

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Just a few lines to let you know that I am back again with my Regiment and at present in command of A Co. We are stationed almost 20 kilos outside of Le Mans and are quite comfortable [illegible] a nice Billet — Two large Rooms and a most comfortable bed. The work continues as usual. Night time is always welcomed. Am rapidly getting back in to my old time form. Will form up all my last weight. There is not much chance of returning to the States until Spring. Must stop. But love and wishes for a Merry Christmas. Kiss Father for me.

Your devoted son

Hargrove

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It is now just a little after six o'clock. Have finished a light supper and am now sitting around a nice fire in my Billet writing you. TOday has been quite disagreeable, it has been either raining of snowing all day. Today has been more like a Sunday. No sign of Christmas. Had breakfast at eight, then all of the officers of the Company including myself went up town to a French [illegible] and had a big bowl of Christmas punch made + consisting of tea, fruit, rum and champagne. Sat around until one o'clock then went back to our Billet and enjoyed a nice dinner of potatoes, tomatoes, roast beef and coffee. Not so bad when you are hungry, in the afternoon went by to see George Clark and Pete Cantiwell who are both sick in bed, nothing serious.

Have received no mail from any one, am so anxious to hear from you- Sarah and Father especially. It never misses a day here to rain. Goodness, it will be good to be home again.

Hope you received my cable on Christmas day, Best wished for a most happy Christmas, may it not be long before I can give you good kiss. With best love for both--

Your devoted son

Hargrove Bellamy

P.S. Please excuse pencil. Captain Paul Cantwell has returned and back in Command of his Company. I am at present assigned to his Co. H.B.

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It is now a little after six o'clock. Have had supper and am now sitting in my Billet before a nice fire writing you. Today has been the typical French day in Winter, raining all day. It never misses a day here to rain, the weather is very disagreeable, making it almost impossible to enjoy the few hours we have to ourselves. We retire here between seven and nine at nights. Sleeping is about the ony real pleasure we have. The beds are most luxurious and comfortable. I know you would enjoy them. Have received no mail, can't imagine what has become of all of my mail.

Am requesting for a leave of England, begining Jan. 6th. Intend to spend most of my time in London. Will probably go up to Edinburgh,Scotland for a couple of days.

Most of our time is taken up in Regimental Manouvers, Road Marches, Advance and Rear Guard actions and etc.Have been assigned to "A C" under Captain cantwell for the present time. The Company is one of the best in the Regiment and am quite satisfied with my present position as second in command. Was talkin with [illegible] yesterday he is looking quite well. Saw some quite amusing accounts of myself in the paper. How on earth did you hear that I lost an arm and a thousand other reports that have gotten out. Am thankful to say that I can return home and all whole.

Must Stop
Best love

Hargrove

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Wishing you both Happy New Year well

Hargrove

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Today has been the first real cold day we have had since we moved to this area. In this section of the country the climate is very mild, the grass remains green the year around and it never fails to rain at least twice a day.

The whole day has been spent in road marching, the scenery and surrounding country is beautiful the roads throughout the whole of France all simply wonderful winding for miles and miles and never an end. This morning I arose at 5:45 o'clock. At 7:15 o'clock my company was on its way marching merrily down the road. By four in the afternoon our days work is finished and we have the remaining of the day to ourselves.

Tuesday of this week General Pershing inspected our Division and was very favorably impressed with all he saw. There are many rumors floating about as to when we sail for home. Some say the last of February and other late Spring, however I think now it will be April before our Division arrives in the states. I am most anxious to return and feel that every minute longer I spend in France is waisted. Before the armistice was signed every effort was spent on aaccomplishing a definite mission, but now since the war is over, I feel that time is wasted which should be given preparing myself for the future.

Captain Cantwell was talking to me the other day about seeing some mighty nice lace and silks in a little store down the street so I thought I would drop down there this afternoon and look them over. Took an officer with me. Who knew more about this kind of stuff then I did, bought Sarah a very pretty scarf and you a half dozen handkerchiefs. Doubt seriously if you all care for either, however, I wanted to send you something and since this was the first opportunity I have had, bought you both a little present. Am sending them [illegible] by mail.

Received a cable from Sarah yesterday. Was terribly glad to hear from her. Have sent you and Sarah several cable in the past month. Do hope you have received them.

Well mother dear is getting late and at the same time I am becoming quite sleepy so will stop for this time.

Give my love to Father and all the family.

Your devoted son,

Hargrove

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Just a few lines to night to keep you posted as to my movements. My Divsion begins moving around the middle of February and if everything goes nicely we should arrive in the states by the 1st of March. It should then take us about three weeks to be [illegible] out and after that I am once more free.

The weather has turned quite cold and it has been trying to snow for the past three days. Fritz and [illegible] Hardin came over and spent the week-end with me. We had quite an enjoyable time talking over old times together. They both are looking well. George Clark is on a leave to Paris. Hope to have a few days off myself next week to visit Nice, France.

See Frank [illegible] and Pete Cantiwell quite often. They both were down to see me last nite. Am getting along nicely and am thankful to know that you and father are the same. My first letter from home dated Jan. 4th received today and I can now express to you the joy and pleasure it gave to me.

Best love,
Our devoted son,

Hargrove

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Just a few lines to tell you that we begin moving this week to the "port of [illegible] and are scheduled to arrive in the states the last of the month. I should be out of the Service by the 10th of March at the most, prepare to take a few days off when I arrive. An we will have a hunt before the season closes. I have improved in shooting and should be able to make you and Potter take notice.

It has turned quite cold in the last few days, snow falls every morning, but by mid-day it all disappears, rather disagreeable weather. Have reveived only one letter from Sarah and mother. Mail is a scarce article these days. Called Sarah this morning, there is not much new to tell. Everybody is well and anxious to go home.

Best love
Your son

Hargrove Bellamy

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Have gotten this far on my way home. Left Beaumont on the 10th and am now in the Le Man [illegible] Forwarding camp awaiting orders to proceed to port of [illegible] . The lack of transportation facilities appearsto be the only thing holding us up at present. Am patiently awaiting, but it is mighty hard when one is as anxious to return home as I am. Am well. Will not write further. Hope to beat this letter home.

Best love

Hargrove

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Just a few lines this morning to tell you I am well and hope to sail for the states around the 5th of March. We are now in Forwarding Camp, Le Man [illegible] and have been here since the 12th. We find it hard to pass the time away. Drill a few hours a day and from then on sit around and wish that we were home. Quite an uninteresting life we are leading at present.

Received a letter from Sarah written in Washington