Letter from A. W. "Jake" Avis to family of Pat Carrigan during World War I
(C. Avis Catalog entry #957)
(Document ID #008)
"Somewhere In France"
Tuesday, 9:30 PM
Nov. 12, 1918
Dearest Family:-
I suppose some friends would consider it an unpleasant thing to do, to write a bereaved family in their dark hours of bereavement, but such is not my case, for its [sic] a releif [sic] to tell you of his noble work. He was of the Red Bloods, and since they headed the list in ending this awful war, and when a brave, Hero who so willingly went over the top, in Command of many more Red Bloods, gave his life, its [sic] a pleasure I assure you, to tell you and all the whole world that he showed every sign of a man.
I was in the front the day of the contest, doing my bit getting water to the boys, and when the news came up to Hdq. that Lieut Carrigan had been killed the personality of the war came to me. I was just as much hurt as the Runner who brought the news, but after talking to a number of his men, whom are suffering the great loss, I was glad to hear of his splendid work, for they told me he was just as cool headed and eager to go over when the order was given, as if he was only going out to drill, and they all said after hearing of the loss they were more anxious to do just as they knew that Pat would want them to do. so with that record, and the sentiments of all his men, there seems there is always something to be thankful for.
Now when his Heroism is left off, dear people words of condolence are inadequate to express to you the loss of such a man for the world will never know a more brave, and in every respect a man than that of Lieut. A. H. Carrigan or better known to us as Pat, in the Regiment there was not a man more efficient than Pat and in the minds of his many friends there was not a man any more lovable, so the world reknown has had a great loss, but this loss has many great things behind it.
Dear people knowing Pat as I did, it was an awful thing to have seen him on the field dead, but the look of bravery on his face, and knowing of his noble work, and loyalty to his Country which he helped to be at peace, I can’t as yet picture him as being dead, it seems he has gone but soon to return, for the knowledge of his manhood and his loyalty will be everlasting to his friends, his men, who so anxiously went over the top under his command and the whole world, so now with that feeling through out the entire division, and especially through out the Regiment and his many friends, we must not picture his as being dead, but picture him to be a living Hero.
I could write you many and any things of his noble work that his men tell off [sic] but am sure others will tell you more than I can for maybe they can express them in a more plain way than myself but I just want you to know that we all loved him and will miss him an awful lot, but the memory of his true manhood has brightened our sorrows, and when I see you I can make you understand more clearly our sentiments.
We boys felt it would have been a relief to has [sic] buried dear little Pat, but as burial is done in the Army by only the burial detail, it was impossible for us to have done it, but we know he was laid to rest in the best available way and that is some consolation.
Dear people we all could say much more for Pat but knowing that the [sic] came of one of the Richest Red Blooded American families we deem enough has been said, and to you all, none others have done their bit more than you for you have given to it one of the bravest Heros [sic].
We boys in the Supply Co have his bedding roll, and most of his personal equipment, and will assure you we will use every available effort in getting them to you, I have personally his ring and will wear it, so there will be no way in which to lose it and in going thru his equipment I found three photos, and if you want me to forward them as well as anything else at once I will do so, but will assure you we will do our best to keep everything.
All we boys, also including our noble Hon. Captain, have been with you people every moment since the loss of such a man, and we all offer every word of condolence and beg of you to please let us share your bereavement for Pat was one of us, and we rejoice to know that he showed none other blood than that of the Richest Red and the knowledge of his great work and the memory of his Heroism will be everlasting.
I must close now, but before doing so, I want to assure you that all the above comes from our hearts and not the pen. So with many kind wishes for you and a heart full of sympathy and love, I remain
Very sincerely a Friend,
Sgt. A. W. Jake Avis
Supply Co. 142nd Inf.
American E. F.
APO #796.
OK
D M Rentree [?]
Capt B Avery [?]
