Letters Received

Summary:The letters received by Reverend William Bulloch have been grouped according to author, and by subject where appropriate. The majority of the letters were written to the Reverend and presumably his wife by their son George, during his training and eventual service in France during World War I. This correspondence began in May 1917, soon after George's enlistment, and continued on a fairly frequent basis through his transfer to several different bases, and his service as an army medic in France in 1918. After he was wounded the letters cease, although we know from other materials in the collection that he ce1tainly returned to the United States, married and pursued a career. There are approximately 30 letters overall that were written by George.

George's letters are full of descriptions to his parents about his new experiences as an enlisted man. In a letter dated August 8, 1917 he mentions a Frenchman that he met on the train trip to Fort Ethan Allen, and his impressions of travel.(Box 1, Folder 16)

Once at the camp, he writes home about such day-to-day details as the number of men sleeping to a tent, and the camaraderie and sharing of special treats sent from home. His letter written on June 11, 1917 requests that his parents send some sort of cake, so that he can reciprocate the generosity of his friends, who have all shared homemade baked goods with him.(Box 1, Folder 14)

George appears to often send money home to his parents, claiming he finds little need on a military base for the stipend given to the soldiers.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1917, George writes home telling them about the soldiers' Thanksgiving meal, detailing the courses and dishes that were prepared for them.(Box 1, Folder 18)

In his June 11, 1917 letter George writes about the visit and inspection of the troops by General Edwards, and describes the parade atmosphere of the review.(Box 1, Folder 14) This letter fits well with his description, written on July 31, 1917, in which he describes a Grand Passing Review and the stunning sight of rows upon rows of men with horses and guns.(Box 1, Folder 15)

In a particularly memorable letter postmarked June 30, 1917, George discusses what he has learned about trench warfare, including a detailed diagram and an explanation of the rules for Medical Corps trench movement. He explains the absolute rule that medics not leave the trench to treat the wounded in the field until nightfall, resulting in the agony of helplessly waiting in the trench, hearing the moans of the injured and dying, and waiting until nightfall before one can tend to these men.(Box 1, Folder 14)

Included in his June 11, 1917 letter is a photo published in the Boston American of himself amongst hundreds of other enlisted men. He marked himself with a large black "X" (this mark has appeared to have transferred to the bottom of the page against which it was folded as well. The darker mark is the original).

In each of his letters George sends his greetings to his parents and his siblings, especially his younger sister Esther. He responds to family news that was sent him in their preceding letters, and he attempts to calm his parents' annoyance at his brother David's enlistment, telling them to understand and forgive "Dave."

Many of his letters are filled with rumors as to his upcoming departure and likely destination-from other camps within the U.S. to France-although many of these rumors turn out to be unsubstantiated.

The two letters that Reverend William Bulloch received from his son David generally discussed attempts to arrange for furlough home, as well as attempts to contact George and arrange for a meeting between the two.

Letters received by Reverend Bulloch from others included several pe1iaining to his church service-including one from an admirer who discussed a se1mon of his in detail, providing their own observations and questions.(Box 1, Folder 10) Also included is an 1896 letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, asking Reverend Bulloch to become minister at their church.(Box 1, Folder 10) This was the first church at which he served in his long career.

Other letters received from various individuals included responses to his requests for furlough for George, a response to his request that George be transferred to a branch of the service in which he could make use of his Chemistry skills, and the telegram that info1med the Bullochs of the incident in which their son was severely wounded.