The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota*

Bryl Sylvester gets used to his duties; witnesses artillery fire and combat

July 22, 1917 - July 29, 1917

PAGE 96

the stretcher at the hospital, the boy started walking down the street. It seems he had only a flesh wound in his hip. If all our cases were like this one how different it would be. Many we take just in back of the hospital never to return. Large trenches are dug and the bodies are put in very close, side by side. These places we have notices are NOT few and far between.
The organization system and all of this war game is wonderful, but I would venture to say that if all concerned should see what we are seeing at present, there would be a change. If America can only "SAVE" the day! Am sorry that my French language is rather limited, but am learning a few words at that. We are being treated very fine considering the circumstances. Hope that you, Fay, and the youngster are well and enjoying the summer in Northern Minnesota. Nettie, a box of that fine fudge you used to make would prove a great treat away over here.
Write soon,
Most sincerely,
Byrl.
Letter
July 22, 1917
(NOTE: This letter was taken from the PLAINVIEW NEWS August 24 issue.)
Dear Folks,
Have neglected to write for several days, but will now make up for it. Two weeks in the service at the front now. Have written Mr. Mack giving him a little idea (that is as far as I am able) of the kind of work I am in.
It seems that letters have a way of coming all at once. Have received fifteen in the last two days, Nettie and Meta both writing. Also a fine carton of cigarettes from Nettie – the first American tobacco to arrive in camp.
Just finished reading the home newspapers. So Agnes and Lewis are married. I hope they are happy.
Right now we are on the job for ten days straight. Ten cars night and day plenty to do. We are getting it down to a system and I like it very much, that is I mean I am willing to offer myself for the work. Today is a fine clear one and the planes are having some dandy encounters. On the way coming down this afternoon from a village up the line, we stopped for gas and I saw a Boche plane directly over us. It was painted snow white. Our batteries fired at it several times.
Last week I was a little off my feed but am feeling fine now. It is sure good news to know that the crops are coming fine at home and that the boys are getting ready. It means a great deal. Will not write a very long letter this time but will write again soon. Some good American bitter sweets would go nice here.
July 27, 1917- (Byrl’s Letter)-

After Week of Training He is Sent to Front.
(NOTE: Letter written June 28 is printed here.)
Letter
Sunday July 29, 1917
(NOTE: An edited version of this letter appeared in the August 24 issue of the PLAINVIEW NEWS.)
Somewhere
Dear Folks,
Have not heard from home for over a week, but expect a letter within the next two days. Just received a letter from Nettie dated June 30. It came right along you see.
The past week has been a very exciting one for me. We are now working a post right up at the front. I have been on the forty-eight hours this trip. Hope to be relieved soon. Last night our car was called out early in the evening. We were sent to a certain battery where our load was waiting for us. Just as we arrived for our load, the guns were in action. My first near up view of the real stuff. I only had time for one good look as it was necessary we make speed out of the place, but there THEY were sliding in load

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* SOURCE: Manzow, Ron (compiler), "The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota - a collection of information taken from the Plainview News, other newspapers, letters, and diaries beginning in 1884": Plainview Area History Center, 40 4th St. S.W., Plainview, MN 55964. Compiled in 2001.

NOTE: from Ron Manzow, December 2001: "Feel free to reproduce the pages for anyone who wants a copy. It was compiled to be shared... All I ask is that they consider sending a check to the [Plainview Area] History Center to help us out. That should be enough."