Camp Edwards Mass. May 7 9 AM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS MASS.
MAY 7
9 AM
1941

Miss Florence Cauchon
21 Haskell St.
No. Camridge
 Mass.

Pvt. Chas C Dupuis
Battery E 102 F.A
Camp Edwards
Mass.

9 heure
For Laurette
à Delaney ||||||
100-104-124-214

 May 6, 1941

Miss Florence Cauchon

Cambridge

Hello darling,

     How are you my sweet, fine I hope? I am ok. I intended writing you last night, but I had to move all my belongings from one barracks to another and get straightened out again and then I had to go on guard duty so I had no chance to write at all. I'm rushing this one thru because we expect to be called any minute to pack up to go out on maneuvres for two or three days. We must be all packed and ready to move out in one half hour. We sleep in small tents we put up and on the ground (or grass if we can find some) If it isn't too cold out it will be fun; but on the other hand, if it's warm, it will be just like a week-end camping trip. We go out around Provincetown or along the Canal. We may start about midnight or three or four in the morning I'm hoping we get a few hours notice 

2.

I hope I don't get sick in the meantime. Of the 7 who were injected in the arm, two have been in the hospital since saturday. I have no ill effects yet only the soreness above the muscles. Maybe I can take it and the others cannot. I'd better not bragg any too much. My wrist is still very sore, I expect it will stay that way for some time. I'm in the same barracks as Edward again. He sleeps downstairs right under me. That makes things very pleasant. Our train which was due to leave at 10:05 PM Sunday didn't pull out until 10:45. You see we had plenty of time and didn't have to rush like we did. I could have remained with you some more and been plenty happy to do o. Seeing you made my week-end so perfect. Did you get home safely! I guess you must have because my dad is usually quite careful with my dear ones. I should say one. That's you dear. By tonights paper, another soldier has died accidentally by gun fire.

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This is becoming swell here. Looks as if we can never tell wether or not we'll see home alive again. So far we have very little to do with live ammunition. All we handle now is 75MM shells. But being in the special detail (The smart French) I don't go near or touch the explosives. Only once did we have to go searching for shells which hadn't exploded. I probably told you about it. At first I didn't feel very safe, but after a while I was quite confident I wouldn't walk on them. We got plenty of warning before we started. Once kid almost died, he was so scared. All he kept saying was Charlie! watch out where you walk! Of course - you know me - fearless! Maybe! We've had no more of that since. Have you seen Pepé le Motto yet? If you did, how was it, tell me all about it. Wish I was with you when you saw it. Gee today has been beautiful, real spring weather. We were out in the woods all day and was it grand! Got spring fever and kind of

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love sick thinking of you know who. I always have so much to tell you when I see you, but when you're near me, all seems to vanish except you. Are you going horse back riding this week? Don't forget the snap you promised me. Guess I'll have to take one of you myself. Then I'll be sure I'll get it. Is Mae coming down to see you this week? When is Adolphe's show? Did you say it was pretty soon. Why don't you go see it. Look see if things have progressed any? If I was at home I would take you, but that's beyond wishing right now! Maybe things may change and we can come out Friday nights soon. Wish it would take effect at once. I'm looking forward to seeing you a week from saturday or sunday, whichever pleases you most. Even both would be perfect for me. Let me know on your reply. Awaiting a reply I remain as ever

Lovingly yours

Charlie

xxx

Transcriber's Note:
I believe the writing on the back of the envelope was Florence making note of something.

Camp Edwards Mass. Apr 23 9 AM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS MASS
APR 23
9 AM
1941

Miss Florence Cauchon
26 Haskell St.
No. Cambridge
Mass.

Pvt. Chas C. Dupuis
Btry E 102 F.A.
Camp Edwards.

Tuesday Eve

Camp Edwards

Miss Florence Cauchon

No Cambridge

Hello darling;

     Didn't know wether or not you wanted me to write first. In any case I am. How are you dear since I saw you saturday. I enjoyed being with you my dear beautifully. I had an elegant time wishing you the same. Maybe if you don't go to Hampton sunday I'll see you, or saturday night. In either case I can come after you with my dad's car and bring you home. But should you go, I'm counting on you the following week-end. Don't forget! If you usually go riding on horse-back sunday I want to see you saturday. Keep me in mind sweet. I've been thinking of you constantly since. Of course I always did anyway, but now more than usual. I'm still waiting for the photo. I didn't think of asking for it saturday, but do send me one please. One that does you justice. Sunday I went to Ware with dad and Edward and Ethel and their friends. My sister Florence was tickled to see me and so was I to see her. We stayed there for a few hours then started for Lynn again. I missed my first train back so had to take the next one. I got in camp at 10:45PM. still early enough to get a good nights sleep. Today we had a gas test. We've been practicing pulling on face masks etc, but today we had a real test. We put on

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the mask then went through the gas chamber. Then afterwards we took off the masked and went through bare faced. When we came out we were crying and boy did my eyes nose and neck burn. Quite an experience it was. Fun while it lasted. As long as it's only practice oh but when the real thing comes along excuse me! Today I started studying the instruments we are to work with in the near future. It's very interesting, something new again. The instructor said I was very intelligent, I was catching on very rapidly. -ahem. Feather in my hat maybe! We also studied maps on to locate etc., but I guess that kind of talk must be boresome to you dear. N'est-ce pas. How's all the girls at the office. Remember me & them; and my best regards to all. Darling in a few weeks we'll go see Fantasia. I'll let you know a week ahead so you won't stand me up. You wouldn't do that to me would you dear? I've already been here nearly two months now. Only 10 more. Oh for that day to hurry when I can get out and stay out. I hope we stay clear of that darned war. I saw by the Lynn papers, Tobacco Road is showing there for four days in May. Its the same company that is now in town. Did you see it. I went last year and wow! Well honey I must now say au-revoir hoping to hear from you and see you real soon

Excuse my writing please

Loads of Love

Charles

Transcriber's note:

"N'est-ce pas" roughly translates from French to "Is it not" and "au-revoir" is "goodbye".

Camp Edwards Mass. Apr 16 11 AM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS MASS.
APR 16
11 AM
1941

Miss Florence Cauchon
21 Haskell St
North Cambridge
Mass

Pvt. Chas C Dupuis
Btry E 102 F.A.
Camp Edwards
Mass

 April 15, 1941

Miss Florence Cauchon

North Cambridge

My darling;

     My appreciation dear for replying so soon and giving me an affirmative answer for my saturday date. I am eagerly looking forward to a lovely evening with you. I know it will be otherwise my week and will be sadly spent. But darling I hope you care as much as I do for you. It seems as if the day is a month away, but already tuesday has passed then only three days more. As for meeting you? I hope you can meet me around 7:45, say in front of the Hotel Touraine or in the lobby. whichever you prefer. If you'd rather some other place let me know by return mail before saturday.

     I spent a very sad easter. In fact it wasn't Easter at all for me. I stayed at camp, and we didn't even have ham and eggs for any meal. Furthermore I couldn't even go to church. It's the first time in my life I've missed the mass on that day. I was in the kitchen working practically all day, peeling potatoes in the forenoon washing floors, tables and what nots. Oh what a life. I had no company all day. The folks at home couldn't come down because they had to sing at church in the forenoon and at a pops concert in the evening. The only thing that brought me spirit was a box which I received in the morning directly after breakfast from

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the folks home. They sent me painted eggs 9 out of 15 were smashed. they also sent candies and nuts. That was the only good cheer of the entire day. In the evening after work I scanned your letters to see if I could locate something I may have overlooked in spite of my re-reading them many times. Then I retired with you my darling in my dreams.

     I didn't know Arthur had been drafted. I must contact Adolphe to find out of his whereabouts. He must detest that even more than I did at first. Poor kid. I know he must feel dreadful.

     By they way darling, I hastily opened your letter expecting a little or large photo of you, but my search was not fruitful. Did you forget me? Please send me one dear. I will look forward to it in the next one.

     Tomorrow night we are going out for a ride and as far as I know we will be sleeping out in the open. That is we have to put up small tents and sleep under them. I am hoping it doesn't get too cold. It should be quite an experience sleeping on the ground. (No springs) Well sweetheart I guess I'll say aurevoir for tonight longing for our meeting this coming saturday at 7.45, unless I hear from you to the contrary.

Lovingly,

Charles

Réponse

sil vous plait

 

Transciber's note:

"Réponse sil vous plait" translates from French into "Respond please".

Camp Edwards Mass. Apr 11 1 PM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS MASS.
APR 11
1 PM
1941

Miss Florence Cauchon
21 Haskell St
North Cambridge
Mass

Pvt. Chas. C. Dupuis
Btry E 102 F.A.
Camp Edwards

Thursday at Camp Edwards

Miss Florence Cauchon

Cambridge

Hello darling;

     Thanks so much for the letter which I eagerly awaited. Your mail surely brings me untold pleasure. It makes me feel so pleased. Especially today when I was told I cannot go home over the week end. Gee did I feel blue! Then came your sweetness and that cheered me up plenty. Tonight I feel rather sad again. I seem to get the worst breaks. I did not go home last sunday either. Now I am promised I can go home next sunday so again I am looking forward to it very much. And on saturday I would like to have you, with me, to see Rose Marie at the Shubert. That's the reason why I'm writing so soon after receipt of your letter. It's a musical with lovely lyric and I'm sure you will enjoy it. Will you grant me the pleasure of taking you. Well you answer that by mail as soon as you can, because I want to write home to have my brother go in and get me the seats. I'm praying you don't refuse my invitation.

2.

I have so few pleasant things to look forward to now. Last friday was out last day of basic training. Now I am a solider and a poor one at that! Tuesday we were notified as to what section we were chosen to be assigned to. I'm in the instrument section of special detail. In that case I won't be firing any more cannons. My job will be to locate the target and phone the locations and set the instruments so they will hit what they're aiming at. I guess the work will be very interesting. Again something new for me. I guess the reason you didn't go to see Mae two weeks ago with Dolly was that it was my weekend home and my dad stayed with me all day. That's evidently the reason why that plan never materialized. May you have better luck the next time. That was my fault although very unintentional. I wouldn't do that to you my sweet. Very glad to see you enjoy horse back riding. But don't turn out to be a horse thief. By all means send me your picture. I'd like a bigger one to keep in front of me to keep me smiling. If you have a nice one - - - please dear. Well my space is too short to say anymore honey so I'll be saying - bon-soir and write to let me know what I asked you for next saturday. Love

Regards to all 

Charlie 

Good luck to 

Raul Vincent

 

Camp Edwards Mass. Apr 1 9 AM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS MASS.
APR 1
9 AM
1941
Miss Florence Cauchon
21 Haskell St.
No. Cambridge
Mass

Pvt. Chas Dupuis
Btry E 102 F.A.
Camp Edwards
Mass
CAMBRIDGE A. MASS. 2 1941

April 1, 1941

Miss Florence Cauchon

Cambridge

Hello my sweet;

     Words cannot justly express how happy I was when I received your lovely letter. Of all those I have received thus far, yours delighted me most of all. It felt so good hearing from sweet you. I still only wish you cared for me as much as I do you. If you only did how quickly I'd pop the question, but I guess it's just made not to be. That's why I remain as I am. Maybe someday? I hope. I still love you anyway. Let me thank you whole heartedly for all the excellent news. Please do write again and write long letter as you did. It filled up my empty feeling ~ oh so much. All you wrote was news to me about Nershman and Livingston good luck to thine both and may they climb the ladder of success. Are you studying anymore?

     My brother Edward sleeps on the same floor as I non in the barrack. I am so happy. I think he's only here for a week though. But if he moves he will be only in the rear of this place so it z still ol. We've been out all day today on the gun range, practicing on the field artillery guns. It was such an excellent day and the ground being dry made things very interesting for a change. At times now things don't seem to be so very bad. I went home saturday and during my stay enjoyed

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a most excellent performance of Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana at the Met. I had a seat in the third row in the orchestra. An excellent place, and boy! what furs and fancies around me. I wasn't ashamed because I was there in my uniform. Honestly the whole thing was exquisite. It seemed only like a dream. That alone cheered me up tremendously. Then on sunday I stayed at home. The family (married ones) came over and spent the day with me. If you'd like, some sunday I would love to have you over, see my new addition and partake in my hospitality, which is always so open for you dear. If you'd like it let me know and I will arrange on my next leave. I still have plenty of nice music on hand.

     Today was pay day here. For three weeks work I received $15.30. Some salary in comparison to my $38 weekly at the arsenal. It breaks my heart I have to make it last for a whole month. I think my spending will be rather skimpy. I have you to think about so, I'll be satisfied to stay in most of the time. As long as you write to me. Did you go to the opera this year? It's swell as the theatre. Well dear, I must close now, its 9:25, the lights go out in a few minutes. Write me.

Lovingly yours,

Charlie

P.S.

Regards to Rose

and all who know me, whom you may run across,

xxx

 

Camp Edwards Mass. Mar 19 11 AM 1941

CAMP EDWARDS
MAR 19
11 AM
1941
MASS.

Miss Florence Cauchon
26 Haskell St.
Cambridge
Mass

Pvt. Chas. C Dupuis
Btry E 102nd F.A.
Camp Edwards
Falmouth, Mass

                                                 March 18, 1941

Miss Florence Cauchon                                              

Cambridge

My dear Florence,                                               but I'd rather be at home. Maybe after a

     I don't suppose it's any surprise for                month or two things may change and

you to receive a note from your soldier               I may like it, providing war doesn't

friend. I was home sunday for the                       break out here. My next leave is a

first time and saw Dolly who told me                 week from saturday. We leave here at

had spoken to you over the phone. Well             1 PM and arrive in town at 3. I get home

it wasn't my choice to come here, far                  about 3 45. Once home, I hate leaving

from it. After working like I did around              the house. Although this coming leave,

my two rooms got called into the army. I            the opera will be in town and I'm going

had finished my new music room but                  to try to make a show regardless of

two weeks when I got my notice. I was              the price. It may be the last opera I

going to see you to bid you farewell,                  will ever see. Quand on pense! I heard

but I felt too bad about it all. I had                      Arthur Vaillancount expected to be drafted

plenty of crying spells before I left. But              momentarily. Have you heard any news

now I feel somewhat better. Last week, condi-   from them recently. I saw Adolphe

tions here were terrible. We waded in                 about two weeks ago. And how are you

slush and muck up to our ankles, but on             my dear I was disappointed not seeing

friday the sun came out very warm and               you at Mabels wedding. I really looked

dried things up considerably. I still                      forward to seeing you again. You are not

don't like it here. Being a home loving                married yet are you? I'm not and

child, camp or army life as you may call             won't be ever I guess now--My

it is an awful change. My music is                      life is no more my own. We are

no more. For me now life seems so                     disciplined plenty. Just now had to

empty. At times I feel terribly lonesome.             stop writing and run outside for a

There is a nice group of men here                       fire drill, in the rigid cold and in my

                                                                            shirt sleeves. Well darling please write

                                                                            me if you can find time. Letters are
                                                                            wonderful company. Don't forget me
                                                                            as usual.                    Lovingly,

Pvt. Charles C Dupuis

Btry E.  102 F.A. 26 Div

Camp Edwards

Falmouth Mass

                         

Transcriber's Notes:

Everything has been typed out as it has been written down. This has been formatted to best represent how the letter has been written.

"Quand on pense!" is a French phrase which translates to "When you think!"

Introduction

Hello.
A while back my mother discovered a lot of letters in the attic of our house.  They were quite old and when she read the first one, she discovered they were from the 1940s.  Not only that, but they were to and from a soldier of WWII.  This blog is a public internet record of those letters.  My intention is to photograph the mail and then type out what the letters say. A post per letter. They will be released in chronological order, if possible. Not all letters have dates on them, sadly, so they may either be placed where they make most sense to be or they may wait until the end.
Enjoy.