July 12, 1919

July 14, 1919

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Michigan, Ave.

Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

(from New Jersey)

typewritten

July 12, 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey,

Boston, Mass.

Dearest Rose,-

I am just going to write you a few lines again incase you did not get my other letter.

I am well and getting along fine, and hope you are the same.I am having a good time, hope you are too .I go ashore most every night. there isn’t any place to go but just to get off the ship, it sure is good that we don’t have to go acrost any more. but I think we are going to Mare Island, California, by the way of the Panama Canal, they say as soon aswe get out there they will discharge most of us.we will come back by the Rocky Mountains. That sure will be a fine trip, and am ancious to get started so I can get back. I would like to stay here for a whileif I thought I would get out any sooner I don’t think I would get out any sooner by staying, so may as well go as the time goes much sooner when we are at sea. And will see a little more.

Well Rose, just think it has ben eight months sence I saw you and only two or three times than. Still you remember me and dont for get to write me, I cant help to think of you every day. you are my best and only girlfriend, I hope with all my heart that you shall always be. I would give a good bit if I could only be with you three hundred and sixty days a year I know we could get along as good as any one. better than a lot of others, dont you think so?

Rose I hope the other girls are still there, as they will make company for you, any thing to keep you there in Manitowoc I sure would be glad to see you there when I come.

I just wrote a letter home to night, there isnt much to write but you know I have to let they know that I am still alive. I don’t hear from them very often but I have to write anyway. I dont remember when I heard from Ida last. But it was a long time. I guess they must be buisy farming now, most every one is this time of year.

I am learning this town pretty well now, I guess I have ben here long enough. remember when I get got I wont louse much time getting home, or to Manitowoc after I get out. I am coming to Manitowoc first of corse you, know what for.

We have had some hot weather here lately it rained the XXX other night, and cooled off a little but is getting a little warmer again, but not near as hot as it was a few days ago.

There is several ships going to the west coast, the U.S.S.Georgia, Nebraska, Virginia, New Jersey, and the Rhode Island, all those ships are just a link, there will also be some Distroyers go along, there will be some fleet.

You may think I am not ancious to get out. but you jst bet I am more than ever befoure, I sure am glad that I am a reserve man they can’t keep me any longer than six months after peace was signed I sure was glad than, because I knew the wouldnt keep us duration men any longer than six months.

To-day is Saturday I was not out to day or am not going out in the morning, may not go until next Saturday, all the trouble is we dont get enough pay. after buying our clothes, paying for our liberty bond and our insurance there isnt much left to our pay, I had my insurance cut down to$2000 which will only cost $1.30 a month my liberty bond is all paid for now, so I will draw almost full pay after this.

Dear Rose it is near eleven-o-clock now, there isnt any more to write just now so guess I will close for this time.

Wish you the best of luck, and many happy days. will close now.

SO GOOD-BYE GOOD LUCK.

WITH THE BEST OF LOVE AND MANY KISSES.

I HOPE TO REMAIN YOUR BEST

FRIEND FOR EVER.

I AM YOURS---

DANIEL MARTIN

June 24, 1919

Jun 26 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Boston, Mass.

(on side of envelope; “D.D. Martin 4^th div; U-S-S New Jersey, c/o Charlestown Navy yd; Boston, Mass.”)

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich, Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

(c/o Art Rankin)

U-S-S New Jersey.

Boston Navy yds;

June-24-1919.

Dearest Friend Rose,-

I am going to answer your most kind an welcome letter, I just received it yesterday. was a long time sence I heard from you, And sure was glad to hear that you were still well. I would like to hear from you real often but if you are to buisy, and don’t get time to write day times, please do not sit up at night just to write too me. I have not ben getting very much mail lately, but the only ones that interest me any is you, and my mother.

There was a circus here too. But I did not go. As you know that I do not care for them. because I got a little spunky once and wouldn’t take you.

I suppose you have ben home, and had a good time? Hope so any way. I would like a visit myself, but there is no use. I haven’t ben home sence last November. Winter had just begun. just seven months. and maybe November again befour I get home. But think I will be out by August.

you asked me in you last letter if it rained here very much. no it does not. The only time I remember of it raining was two weeks ago. I was ashore. bought me a new suit. on the way back to the ship it started to rain. I got good and wet. The stripes on my jumper turned yellow. And could not wash them white again. that’s all I know about rain. Am most always in side when I work. so don’t see much weather, unless I go ashore.

I heard from Ida about a month ago. have written to her twice sence and no answer. the last letter I got from her she said she was holding the boy so don’t amagine he allows her to write many letters. I don’t care so long as I hear from you once in a while.

Well Rose you can not amagine how much better I feel when you told me that you were not going to Milwaukee. you may have a uncle there. But he cannot be with you all the time. you don’t know that place like I do. it sure is a bad place for a girl who is not acquainted.

To have my little girl go there I would not like it at all. But you can suit your self. Green Bay is much better place. But is not to good for you. Rose I don’t wan’t to get to bossy, if I do you will be telling me farewell, so I will let you do as you please.

I think this will be all for now,

will close, with the Best of Love.

And many kisses,

Answer when you can.

Hoping to remain your best Friend for ever.

Dan M (surrounded by little x’s)

(“U-S-S, New Jersey. Charlestown Navy yds. Boston-Mass.”)

June 18, 1919

Jun 19 1919

Boston, Mass

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

(c/o Art Rankin)

(On side of envelope:) D.D. Martin 4^th Dive U-S-S New Jersey, Charlestown Navy Yds; Boston, Mass.

U-S-S. New Jersey,

Boston, Mass;

June-18, 1919

Dearest Friend Rose,-

I am just going to write a few lines, this time to let you know that I am well and getting along fine. hope this letter finds you the same.

I havn’t heard from you for a few day’s and didn’t know if you were sick, or two buisy to write. or the letter may have ben lost as most of my mail. This is a good place to have a good time, but when one hasn’t very much money it is hard luck.

Sunday I and a few other fellows were out too Revere Beach. went in swiming. stayed for about two hours. one fellow got sun burnt, his back was all blisters the next morning. I go to a show once in a while here.

I hope the girls are still in Manitowoc. I would hate to have you stay there alone. it sure would be lonesome for you alone.

You don’t need to worry about me making another trip because I think this old ship will stay in here for about six months. Do not plan on me comming back soon. I can not tell just when I will get out bu think about the first of August.

I don’t suppose you hear from Ida very often? they must be busiy farming now. My brother is home from France now I still have one in the Army at Charleston South Carolina. I suppose most of the Boy’s are home now?

I sure am ancious to get back. not so much only am ancious to see you again. You said in your last letter, that you would like to know how far from each other we would be next year. just watch and see. if ever I get back with you again, there I will stay. I know you are staying in Manitowoc just to see me when I some. you bet I sure will be glad to see you.

I think this will be about all for now. will try and write again in a few day’s.

Will Close with Best of Love And Many kisses,

I remain as ever your best Friend,-

Dan (spelled out in little x’s)

June 12, 1919

Jun 13 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Boston, Mass.

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

c/o (Art Rankin)

Boson, Mass.

June-12-1919

Dearest Friend Rose,-

I just received your most kind and welcome letter day befour yesterday. And am going to answer it now.

I am much supprised of you wanting to go to Milwaukee it most nocked me over when I read your letter. And would not like it a bit. of course you are your own boss. but you do not know what kind of a place Milwaukee is. even if you are going with other girls you know. They are not acquainted there and would be the same as you going alone. if you go you will be sorry. Please- Please, Dear Rose Obey your father and either stay in Manitowoc or at home. I expect I will be home by August and hope I will see you there then.

Well Rose I got a letter from Mother yesterda. she told me my brother and some old friends were back from France. so every time I think of it I get homesick. I sure would like to get home now.

Rose, it sure makes me feel good to have you say, that you dream of me. it makes me think that you still have a little Love for me. I can not explain my love for you in this letter. I am more than pleased to think that you enjoy your self writing to me. I will try and do better. see if I can write oftiner.

Well Rose I am getting sleepy, it i after eleven. there is nothing more to write, so think I will knock off for this time. I will write as often as I possible can.

I am well and getting along fine. Hope this letter finds you the same. You can address my mail to (Charlestown Navy Yards, Boston Mass. U-S-S New Jersey.)

This will be all for this time. Good-Night

With Oceans of Love

And Best Wishes.

Hope to remain Your

best Friend for Ever.

Dan (spelled out in little x’s)

June 8, 1919

June 9 1919

D.D. Martin

U-S-S New Jersey

Boston, Mass.

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Boston, Mass.

June-8-1919.

Dearest Friend Rose,-

I am going to answer your most kind, and welcome letter. I just received it yesterday, But you wrote it the 26^th of May. You should have waited another day and wrote it on my birthday.

I wrote you a letter when in France, I don’t suppose you have got it yet?

We sure had a rough trip, most all the way over it was wild. Comming back it wasn’t nearly so bad. We had a little hard luck for this sip, but good luck for the crew because we had to come back to Boston Navy yds for repairs. A cylinder head of starboard engine blowed up. No one was hurt we had to run on one engine all the way back to the Azores. There the fixed it a little so we could get back o-k. We coaled ship there but they would not let us go ashore.

We are going to stay in yard for about a month, and maybe longer, after that I don’t know where we will go. if we make another trip to France they are going to give us ten day Liberty so we can go too Paris. I would much rather not make the trip.

There is going to be seventy men discharged this time, I may be lucky enough to be one of them. I sure would like to be home by the 4^th of July I do not expect it befour August.

Well people are beginning to forget me I only got five letters this time After being gone for a month. I have got as many as twenty. Well there is only two in the hole world I realy care to hear from, You surly can guess who they are. My Mother, And who else do you suppose? I suppose if you do go home for awhile you will be back? When Rankins come home. If I come back when you are not there I will not stop at Manitowoc. I will go hom first than come back after words.

I heard this morning that all reserves were to get out by the first of August. But if we make another trip I will not get out until about the last of August. Yesterday I got a big box of candy from my Aunt the one that lives in Chicago the other two trips I got a box from my Mother. But best of all I would much rather get a letter from you. Well Rose I haven’t much to write, but will have a lot to tell you when I get back. I sure would like to be back there by the fourth of July. if I do not get our I will stay here in Boston for at lest a month. so you can address my letters to Boston. And write as often as you get time. As I will be here to get the mail.

This is all the time I have so will close for now will write again in a few days.

Good-Bye

With the Best Love and many kisses.

As ever your

Friend-

Daniel (spelled out in little x’s)

May 11, 1919

May 18 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave;

Manitowoc,

Wisc.

(On side of envelope: “D-Martin. 4^th Div. U.S.S. New Jersey, c/o Post M. Fortress Monroe, Va.”)

May-11-1919

At Sea.

Dearest Rose,

I am just going to write you a few lines. I would like to write too you all the time but there isn’t any news. And don’t think you are much interested in what little I do write.

Today is Mother’s day we sure had a fine time. chicken dinner, oranges, and candy. you should have seen the shape the dinner was in and how we ate it.

The sea sure was rough all day, The water was washing over the top decks. lots of it was comming through the ports and hatches. all the decks were wet, muddy, most places was a couple inches deep. The ship rolled so much we could not hardly walk, one thing sure we had to eat off the deck, hold our plates in our one hand and hang on with the other hand. some fellows sat there, plates down of course they stayed there a long time. They slid across the deck, smashed all to pieces and good-bye chicken dinner. Easter Sunday was a nice day the sea was fine, I went to church, had a good dinner, but was many miles from land.

We left Boston on May the 6^th eight-o-clock at night, it is now ten-thirty night on 11^th and are one thousand seventy four miles from Boston.

They sure keep us buisy most all the time. the time goes much faster when we are keep buisy than when we have nothing to do.

The in side of this ship is all painted white. it has to be keep white it would cost to much to paint it every time it gets dirty so we have to wash every think with soap and a rag. That’s all I done for the last few day’s is scrub paint work, and stand about four hours watch every other night.

I sure am proud of that picture you sent me if it was small. every time I get the blues. I just look at that picture, it reminds me of the old place. and the nights we used to be together. I sure would give most anything is I were back there this evening.

Here I am in the navy can’t get out, don’t know when I will. I suppose I will be the last one back. do not expect to be home until the soldiers are all out of France, we are only going to make two more trips, than will go back to Boston for nearly a year. I expect I will be discharged than or sent on some other ship. I do not expect to come home until I am discharged unless they keep me for a long time. One good think they send us back to the same place we enlisted, pay our fair for our meals on the way there, and give us sixty dollars. I am only getting small wages now. thirty-five a month. I used to get that much in a week. one good thing I subsribed for a hundred dollar bond last October, with have the last payment made July 20^th. Did you take a bond this time? Have you made up your mind to stay in Manitowoc yet? I’ll bet you sure were supprised to hear from Ida? She seems to be getting along fine, although I havn’t gotten a letter from her for a long time. she must be lazy or is keep to buisy.

I got a nice big box of candy from home just befour I’ve left. you bet it was fine it tastes all the better when one is at sea so much.

I got a big box of candy from my Aunt in Chicago about three months ago. But I havn’t heard from her for so long I have almost forgoten I have an Aunt. Most every one has stopped writing to me lately. My mother writes real often. My sister writes once in a while. but you and my mother are the only ones I can append (?) on (?). I sure like to get letters from you. hope you don’t forget as I would miss yours more than any of the rest.

The sea is much smother than it was a few hours ago. but is still rolling some. so please excuse my mistakes and extra scratches. I only have a pencil, I lost my fountain pen some time ago. And a straight pen is hard to get. so this is going to be a charm (?) letter. you are lucky if you can make it out.

I suppose the frogs are croaking and the robbins are singing, a lots of the other birds must be back by now?

We are a long way from France but this letter will be mailed as soon as we get there. you may get it a little sooner than if I did not mail it until we got back to the states.

Well dear Rose this is about all I can think of for now, so will close, I hope that you will write as often as possible.

We expect to be back in Newport News, Va. About June 6^th so you can send the mail same old way c/o Post master Fortress, Monroe.

Wishing you good luck and happyness

Will close for now with the best of love, hopping that you are getting along fine.

Hoping to remain you,

Friend forever,

Dan.

May 6, 1919

May 7 1919

U.S. Navy

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

May-6-1919

Dearest Friend,-

Just a line to let you know that we are leaving tonight For France.

I don’t care much about leaving here because it is a fine place. We do not have much work to do when we are in yards. Most of the shipyard men do the work.

We get Liberty nearly every night. Boston is a big city, there is lots of shows here. Dances and lots of parks, there sure is lots of sailors here. Most half of the people are soldiers and sailors. so one doesn’t see much of any one else. Maybe I won’t be glad when I get home for good. so I can keep out sight of this uniform. All I saw for a year was Gobs-Gobs and some more Gobs. once in a while a soldier. how I see thousands of soldiers a month. one sure gets tired of the same old thing.

There was a big oil ship caught fire here the other night. our crew was the first over there to the rescue. The fire burnt nearly all night in the morning was nearly tipped over. A few day’s befour a destroyer had two boilers blow up. hurt two men and were taken too the hospital.

We sure had some good luck sence I was on here. until we began transport duty. Than two soldiers died on the first trip, and two sailors on this last trip. But no one has ben hurt very bad sence I can remember.

We have ben coaling ship sence yesterday morning at 5-oclock. Are still working. in two day’s they took on two thousand tons. And when we get in Brest there wasn’t hardly enough to cook supper with. We take on about as much in Brest on our way back we always stop off in the Azores there we take on about eight hundred tons. you can just immagine how much work that is for some of u.

This is all for now we are leaving. Good-Bye. With Best of Love.

As Ever yours.

Friend Dan.

c/o Fortress Monroe Va.

May 2, 1919

May 2 1919

Boston, Mass.

Charlestown Station

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

May-2-1919

My Dear, Rose,-

I am going to write a few lines to you. I got your letter this morning. I sure was glad to hear from you. Thanks very much for the picture. it wasn’t very big but I was sure glad to get it. I havn’t very many pictures any more. I sent them all home when I first came on this ship. because I didn’t have any place to keep them. it sure was good to see your face again but made me lonesome because I am so far away. But will hope to be home by August.

Have you made up your mind to stay in Manitowoc yet? I sure hope you have.

You think it is a long time to wait for a letter. when I am on my way to France and back. I sure will write as often as I can when I am on this side, and hope you will do the same because I like to get letters too. You told me you had a lonely time Easter. You can just bet I did too. I was in the middle of the Ocean. We were just two day’s run this side of the Azore Islands. We have church every Sunday on our ship I go every time I get a chance.

I got a letter from my sister this morning the one that stays at home. they seem to be having a fine time. I sure would like to be there now.

We are only going to make two more trips to France. than will be back here in yards for seven or eight months. than I am going to try and get fifteen day’s to go home. I couldn’t hardly go home in much less time.

Our old ship is in the dry dock now has ben for two day’s. They are scrapping the bottom and painting it. one good thing I don’t have to help. there is lots of things I don’t have to do bu nearly every one else has to help paint, take on supplies, and coal. They have most all of the stores on now. Are about through painting. they expect to go out of the dry dock to-morrow noon ancor out in the bay. They are going to take on 2100 tons of coal Monday. Than Tuesday 6^th we are leaving for France again. They expect to be back in Newport News about the 6^th of June. I expect the weather will be a little warmer when we get back there. I expect we will be waiting our white suits about that time. I sure like to see warm weather come but I don’t like to wair the white uniform. for only one reason, because they are to hard to keep clean. and I have to wash all my own clothes.

The weather is nice here. we had a warm rain last night. it cleared off this morning and sure is fine to-day.

Well Rose I think I have written about all I can this time. Will try and write a few lines befour I leave.

Hope you wont forgit me. or go home to stay. You can not amagine how it would make me feel. You sure look good picture. I would know that smile any place. Thanks very much for the picture.

This will be all for now, So Good Bye. With best of Love. wishing you Good Luck.

--I am as ever your Friend--

Dan.

add.

c/o

Fortress Monroe.

Va.

(On back of envelope: “From.—D.D. Martin, 4^th Div U-S-S New Jersey, Charlestown Navy Yards; Boston, Mass.”)

April 23, 1919-Ida Boehmke

Apr 24 1919

Pound, Wis

From Jeff Boehmke Beaver, Wis

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Mich. Ave,

Manitowoc, Wis.

Beaver, Wis.

April 23, ‘19

My Dear Rose:-

At last I am going to answer your letter, which is always welcome to me. Everyday I keep saying I must surely write to Rose, but I am sure you know how it is to be done here and hope that you will forgive me this time and will try not to let it happen again.

Just now I am very busy trying to get the housecleaning done and to day it was to cold to work much so tried to do some sewing but the machine broke so now John is trying to get it fixed for me.

Well Rose did you go home for Easter, I hope you had a lovely time. It was a very nice day here, and my Mother and Father, two sisters and one brother and my sister’s two boys were here for dinner. In the evening John and I went to church, The church was all decorated with Easter lilies and looked very pretty I enjoyed it very much as it was the first time I had been for a long while afterwards we drove down to my home, and had some cake and ice cream, it did not take us very long as we had our (cake? ca...?). I wish that you had been here to go with us.

You are coming up this summer, aren’t you? I am planning on it any way. Be sure to come if you can.

My baby is asleep not, he sure is growing fast I will send you his picture someday.

Sunday I think that John and I will drive about 19 miles to see my brothers wife and baby. I hope that it is nice and warm then.

Yesterday was my birthday. Mother gave me a very pretty cake plate. I had a card from Douglas. I suppose you hear from him real often, don’t you?

It is awful windy here to-night. Well, Rose I must stop now with Love and Best Wishes,

From your Friend,

Ida.

Mrs. John Boehmke

Beaver, Wis.

April 19, 1919

Apr 23 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Mass.

From-

D.D. Martin.

4^th Div. U-S-S. New Jersey.

c/o Boston Navy Yds,

Boston, Mass.

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich., Ave;

Manitowoc, Wisc.

April, 19, 1919

Dearest Friend-

I am going to try and write you a few lines. It has ben so long sence I done any writing I almost forgot how.

I mailed a bunch of cards when I was in Brest did you get the one I mailed you?

The weather sure was fine all the way over and as far back as the Azor Islands

We were not going to stop there this time, but the coal burnt faster than they expected. so stopped there to take on coal.

I would much rather stop there. it is a pretty place and nice and warm there. We left France this time with twelve hundred soldiers, two hundred more than usual. We are sailing for Boston this time. Will go in the navy yards there for repairs. We are only going to be there twelve or fifteen days. Than we are going to bring two thousand soldiers back.

There are some sailor prisoners on this time. There are going to NewPort prison Rhode Island. one of them deserted the navy about two years ago. enlisted in Marines saw most of the thick fighting. Now he has to serve a year in the lock up.

The weather is a little rougher sence we left the Azors. have not eaten off the tables for some time. we are still at sea. I believe in having a letter ready as soon as we get in port. hope you are the same. and won’t keep me waiting.

I sure would like to be discharged when at Boston I am lousing all of my ambition. sometimes canot get courage to write a letter. although I have plenty of time. I was going to write my brother a letter. he is with the army of occupations, in Germany. I was going to write him a letter and mail it in France But did not get around to it.

You can just bet I sure would like to get home this trip. Most of my old friends are back now. I have two brothers that are not back home yet. one in France the other was in the army for nearly three years. and hasn’t ben acrost at all.

I hear some about United States going to war with the British. I sure hope it isn’t so. I am tired of this life. a good many others the same.

Dear Rose I am most ancious to get back near you. every time I think of you I have think of the day I left you to enlist in the navy. You sure seemed sorry to see me go. I wouldn’t have left at all if I would have known what I know now. But the war is over now, hope to return soon. Hope you will still be the same little girl when I get back. And that you will still be in Manitowoc.

I hope you will show your love for me and come back when I return if you should leave befour. it sure would be a lonesome place there with out you. I have known you a long time, and always thought a lot of you. it would make me feel bad to have you leave me now.

I hope your girlfriends are still in town, hope so anyway. it sure would be a lonesome place there for you alone. I used to be there alone befour I knew you.

How is the weather back there. was there much snow there this winter. if so I suppose it is about all gone now?

Do you hear from Ida very often? she told me in her last letter she was goin go down to see you. And that you were going back with her. hope you get up there befoure I get home. I know you would never go if I was there.

Well Rose you can mail you letters to same ship in care of Boston Navy Yards Boston Mass. for about a week after you get this letter. This will be about all for this time hopping you have a letter waiting for me when I arrive in Boston.

Good-Bye Best Love.

As ever you friend-

D. D. Martin

4^th div- U-S-S- New Jersey.

c/o Boston Navy Yards,

Boston, Mass.

March 25, 1919-James Anderley

Mar 26 1919

Hoboken, N.J.

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave,

Manitowoc, Wisc.

U.S.S. Susquehanna

March 25-1919

Dear Rose:

Received your letter today and was very glad to hear from you say Rose I was tryin my best to (step? stay?) in but you know what I would got if I was over leave when I got back hear from my (furlough?) night after that I went a shore and was only 10 minutes over leave and lost 5 libertys for that if I would be couple hours over leave I would rest of my life in brig. they are awful strick on that I got couple of letter today but didn’t get a letter from Anton Flegel yet. I heard he is discharge I expect I will have a letter from hom tomorrow I thought I was goin to be discharged this trip but by the looks I thing I will have to make another one I dont mind it here for we are in a good State I gess I will have to draw to an end give Mary Stodols my best regards when you meet her and tell her to write. I remain

James Anderley

U. S. S. Susquehanna

c/o Postmaster N.Y.

dont get angry at me

and write again

March 24, 1919

March, 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Virginia

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

U-S-S- New Jersey

March-24-1919.

My Dearest Rose,-

I am just going to write you a few lines, to let you know I got your most loving letter a few day’s ago and have answered it. hope you received the letter by now.

Well Rose I am leaving in the morning for France again. But expect to be in a white man’s town when we get back. It sure will seem nice to get back to Boston again. better still will not be satisfied until I get back to Manitowoc to stay. Than I can see you most every day. than I may be able to get a little sleep. to-night I am on watch until twelve-o-clock. and To-morrow night I have to stand watch from 12 to 4 in morning. have to get up at five thirty just the so you see I don’t get much sleep.

I just wrote a letter to my sister. My eyes are beggining to feel heavy. there isn’t much to write so won’t promice you a very big letter this time. I sure love to write to you but it seems there isn’t any news.

I sure would seem funny if I could get back to the old life again. go to shows stay out as late as I please. get up in the morning any time. Here it is a big job getting ashore for a few hours with-out staying over night. it sure is hard to stay on this ship months without liberty.

I got a letter from Ida a few day’s ago she said she was planning on going down to Manitowoc for a visit. I guess I know her too well. she has ben going down there ever sence she left.

Well Rose I am sleepy, there isn’t any thing to write so will close hopping this letter finds you well and happy.

Am well and getting along fine hope you are the same.

Good-Bye-with the greatest of love. hope this little letter will satisfy you until I get back. Will be in Boston 24^th of April.

As ever-

Dan-

4^th Div. U-S-S- New Jersey,

c/o Boston Navy Yards.

Boston,

Mass.

March 22, 1919

March 22, 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Virginia

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

U-S-S New Jersey

c/o P.O. master New York

March-22-1919

My Dearest Rose,-

I received your letter yesterday, and will answer it now. Was going to write anyway. There isn’t much to write but you know. I never would get any back if I didn’t do any writing.

Well Rose we are leaving March the 25^th for France than we are coming back to Boston. This ship is going in the navy yards for repairs. We will be in Boston twelve day’s. every one sure is ancious to get there. That is a nice city.

Well I may be discharged from there. Hope so anyway. I have a request in for a discharge so may get out when we get back to Boston. But I am not planning very much.

It sure seems funny that there hasn’t ben any snow here all winter. All I saw this winter was when I was in Boston befour Christmas. And of course there was a little when I was home.

I suppose there is a lot of soldiers comming home now? Do you see very many Sailors? I don’t suppose there is very many from that town anyway?

Do they seem to be building very many boats in the shipyards now? I want to go back there when I get back if you are still in Manitowoc, if you are home I will go home and stay there two. There isn’t any one else I care for so there won’t be any use staying.

I suppose you would go back to Manitowoc in the winter? And on the farm in the summer? That is about the way I will do if I ever got out of the navy.

This old navy wouldn’t be half bad if one could go ashore once in awhile. We are about five or six miles from shore. And can only go ashore once or twice a week. Some times not for a month. So you can just about guess how nice it is.

I got a letter from Ida the other day. She said every body were getting along fine. And that she was going to write to you. I suppose you got the letter by now. That was the first letter I got from her in a long while.

You were asking me if my brothers were back from France. I only had the one over there. The other was just in the camps. And didn’t get to go across at all. Well I beat them all. I have ben acrost twice now. And may go twice more. But hope I only have to go once. I sure am getting tired of this out fit.

I am not worrying about you not writing anymore. Because I can trust you now. My sister mailed me a letter in Fond du Lac Wisconsin October 19^th. I just got it the 19^th of March. it sure maid some (????) comming. I mailed you a letter or a card in France. Did you get it. you didn’t say anything. Did you get the picture I mailed you from Newport News, Va. I sent one home they thought I was fat. I can’t see that I am. Did you get fatter sence you were sick? It has ben a long time sence I got a picture from you if you have any taken lately please don’t forget I would like one.

I think I will have to see this letter to a finish. there isn’t much to write. And am a bit sleepy.

So Good-Bye- be good. hope you are still in Manitowoc when I get there.

Will close now with very Best love. Wishing you good-luck.

Good-Bye

Now and ever your friend-Dan.

4^th Div. U-S-S. New Jersey,

c/o POmaster New York.

xxxxxx

March 17, 1919

March 18, 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

Fort Monroe, Virginia

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

U-S-S- New Jersey.

Fortress Monroe, VA

March-17-1919

Dearest Friend,-

I am going to try and answer your most loving letter. I started to answer it befour but did not have time to finish so will start another one.

We got back from France the fifteenth of March. We had a much more nicer trip than befour. the weather was warmer and wasn’t near so rough.

We got back on Saturday, started to coal ship on Sunday. There is most always some thing to do on Sunday I sure will be glad when I can get discharged. There is no chance of being discharged this time a we are going to get our old Captain back the one we used to have last summer.

We are leaving for France again on the 20^th of this month. bringing back 2000 soldiers instead of one thousand. we are going to land them in Boston than our ship will be in navy yards about a mounth for repairs. I sure will be glad than, there wont be much work to do, and can go ashore nearly every night. I hope I will be discharged by that time.

We go to the Azores every trip that is sure a nice place. there large mountains higher than the clouds. with snow on the tops. The weather is real hot there hotter than it gets up there in summer.

They can keep all there pretty places. if I could only get back with my sweet little girl. I can not forgit the night when I left you to enlist. I sure was proud of you that night. I never thought you cared much for me until that night than I knew you cared a little for me. I wished more than once that I could get back to stay.

I could have went on a five day leave but I would not have time to go see you so may as well stay on ship.

If we go in Boston navy yards I will try and get a fifteen day leave. to go home.

I am glad the girls are still in Manitowoc. so that you do not have to go out alone nights. I don’t suppose you will be there much longer. I hope so anyway. You just can’t imagine how mean I would feel if I could not see you when I get back.

Next best I like to get mail. When we got back we got 70 bags I got 10 letters. I would like very well to have a few more letters next time. I got a big box of candy from my Aunt in Chicago. And one from my mother it sure was fine. but I didn’t last very long. There were three or four different kinds. Most all was home maid.

The letter you wrote was not a bit late. You thought I wouldn’t get it very soon. but you mailed it March 2^nd I got back on the 15^th so was waiting a long time.

I havn’t seen much snow this winter or coald weather. the last snow I saw was in Boston on Dec. 5. And a little in the Azor Islands on a mountain top. I suppose there was plenty of snow and coald weather up there?

I was ashore to night over to Newport News. from six-until nine-o-clock. I just got a real supper and some other things I needed.

I think I will have to chop off as there isn’t any more trash to write. you sure are tired of reading this letter I can almost see you.

If you don’t get a letter real often please don’t think I have forgotten to write. it is just because I am gone to France And there is no chance to mail letters at sea. I will write you a letter in France but you wont get it much sooner than if I wait until I get back to mail it.

This will be all for this time.

So Good-Bye With Best Love And Thousands of Kisses.

Hope to remain your loving friend- Dan.

(On back of envelope: From- David Martin. 4^th Div. U-S-S. New Jersey, c/o Post Master Fortress Monroe Va.)

February 20, 1919

Feb 23 1919

U.S.S. New Jersey

France

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich, Ave.,

Manitowoc

U-S-A. Wisconsin:

U-S-S- New Jersey.

Mid-Ocean

Feb., 20-1919.

Dearest Friend,-

I got your letter just befour we left Norfolk. sure was glad to hear from you. but am sorry that you havn’t ben getting my mail because I know how it is when I don’t get any of your mail. Am sorry that I didn’t get a chance to answer it. I wrote you one just a few days befour we left and sent a picture. hope you get it B-k.

You said in your other letter that you thought I had forgotten you, But not yet Rose, nor never. There isn’t one day goes by that I don’t think of you. I sure will be glad to when the day comes so I can go home to stay. There wont be any one any happier than I. There is time that we don’t get ashore for weeks at a time. No one to talk too but a bunch of cranky gobs.

There was a bunch discharged just befour we left. And about one hundred fourty new men came aboard. I wasn’t lucky enough to get out. But I will only make one more trip. Three in all. Than our ship is going in Boston for repairs. I may get out than.

I do not dislike the navy so much. I have a new job. and don’t have to work very hard any more and can get all the water I want just the reason why I want to get out is that I want to get back with you. And be a free man, work for my own account, and go any place I want to. here we can’t go only when the let us we have to be back when they tell us. we have to scrub our own clothes. keep the ship clean. And get up 5-30 every morning. well it is nearly time to go on watch so will finish this letter in the morning.

Feb. 21,

I went on watch last night from eight until twelve. the time went fast. I nearly read a book through. Finished it this afternoon. We are supposed to get in Brest-France eleven-o-clock Sat morning Washington’s Birthday. I suppose they will start coaling ship. always something to do.

I don’t care if they let us go ashore. it sure is funny to see the people. in France. women pulling two wheel carts. in place of horses. there is but a few horses. so there is a lot of women doing the work. I didn’t see hardly any men at all. I saw a good many French soldiers and a lot of German prisoners.

After we left France our ship run short of coal. We went in to the Azores to coal. a few small islands off the coast of Spain. That sure was a swell place. we could not go ashore. But could see a lot from the ship. The Island was all hills, a small city was built on the side. The houses were painted white and cream colored roofs. The grass was green there was large Dutch wind mills scattered among the hills. The weather was fine. just as hot as any Wisconsin summer day.

Well Rose you may hear a lot of people talking about the pretty little French girls. But I don’t want any. I am comming back to Wisconsin for mine.

I have written about all I can think of just now will try and write more when I get back to the states.

I hope you wont forget my address. if any thing should happen that you don’t hear from me any more. write to my home.

No matter where I go I will write to you just the same. We are just in sight of land. so will finish this letter so it will go back to the slates of the first steamer.

Good-Bye little Girl.

Will write again as soon as I get back.

Close with best Love.

Dan.

February 14, 1919

Feb 14 1919

Newport News VA.

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave,

Manitowoc, Wis.

“RETURN WITHIN FIVE DAYS TO

J.A. Anderley

U.S.S. Susquehaning (?)

c/o Postmaster Mi

(No letter)

February 9, 1919

Feb 10 1919

Newport News, VA

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich; Ave;

Manitowoc,

Wisconsin

(Art Rankin)

Feb-9-1919

U-S-S- New Jersey,

Dear Rose-

I suppose you thought I haven’t got back. I have ben back for a week but was so buisy all the time. when I didn’t have any thing to do I was so discouraged I couldn’t sit down and write.

I sure had a fine trip. after we left here, the weather got warmer just like summer there wasn’t a roughle on the water. About two day’s befoure we got in France it got rough. Tables up set broke dishes we couldn’t eat off the tables for two day’s.

We got in Brest France on the 12^th of Jan, stayed there for three days. left with 986 soldiers. we had to stop off at the Azor Islands for coal and engine repairs. That sure was a pretty place all white houses big hills back from the ocean and wind mills all over them. The grass was green there and it was very hot. The people of the Island sold us pineapples, oranges, and other fruit.

After we left there, there was Two soldiers died with pneumonia. There was fifty one sick at one time. There sure was a jolly bunch of soldiers when we got back. They were over in France a year and a half.

Our ship is ancored about five miles from shore. We have taken on stores, which took us nearly a week. We started to coal Friday after noon at one-o-clock. We worked until one that night, we couldn’t sleep in our hammocks because we were to dirty and couldn’t get any water to wash with. so had to sleep on the deck. I nearly froze, and in the morning my bones were sore. and stiff. we went to work a 5-30 and got done at ten in the morning. Half of the men got Liberty. we could go a shore for 40 hours I was one of the lucky ones. I am now in the Y-M-C-A at New Port News, Va.

Well Rose I am going too church this morning the first time sence I left home. it soon will be time, so will have to mak this letter a short one. I had some pictures taken. if they are any good I will put one in this letter.

There was one hundred twenty seven new men came on our ship Friday And there will be as many discharges. I was not lucky enough for that so will have to wait my turn.

There was 94 bags of mail for our ship when we got back from France but there wasn’t any from you. Now there wont be any until I get back from the second trip. But hope you haven’t forgotten me and will write so I will get it when I get back. Am leaving Tuesday the 11^th won’t be back till April the 10^th

Good-Bye

With Best Love.

4^th Div. U-S-S. New Jersey Dan

c/o Postmaster

Fortress Monroe.

Va.

On back of envelope: “From- D. Martin. U-S-S- New Jersey, 4^th Div, c/o Postmaster,- Fortress Monroe, Va.”