France, G. E. F. April 8, 1918 Mr. and Mrs. Howe: You have no doubt by this time been informed by the War Dept of the death of your son Earle F. Howe. It is with the deepest regret and most sincere sympathy on the part of myself, fellow officers and the men of our company and the entire regiment that I am writing you just to tell you that he died fighting for liberty, justice and for our flag. He was killed by a shell bursting near him, a piece entering his left side. Death occurred almost instantly and he suffered no pain. I brought the body from the front line in the middle of last night down here a little village not far from the front. This afternoon the body was placed very tenderly in a casket, a plain strong pine box, but as much to us as tho it had been of silver and polished wood. At 4:00 p.m. the casket was lifted from its position by four bearers, and thru the guard of honor forming a straight line, standing at present arms, the flag draped box was carried to the auto, to be taken to the cemetry. While the band was playing a funeral march and the casket was placed in the machine every head in the hundreds of fellow comrades was uncovered. A silent tribute to a brother who had given to his country everything he had.

 

 

As the procession went thru the streets everyone paid their respects to his memory. Even the soldiers of allied country and the civilians. Arriving at the cemetry, a wonderful resting place, among tall swaying pines the casket was again carried thru the guard of honor, to the side of the grave. Father Davault, and Chaplain Danker officiated and read the prayers. Both paid high tribute to the boy in years, yet man in spirit and courage. The cemetry was packed with bared heads during the entire service. And when the body was lowered to its final resting place, the bugler blew tapes, a soldiers farewell. Everyone swallowed hard and silently resolved to avenge the death of their comrade. I personally perhaps more than anyone in our company regret to have him taken away. If you remember when I was a sergeant I conducted the recruiting campaign, for the 2nd regiment thru Ware, Palmer, and the surrounding towns. Therefore, I am exceedingly sorry that he, one of the men I enlisted had to be the first in o

 

He performed whatever was required of him in a most satisfactory manner. Did his share and always ready to do more. Once again let me express for us all our profound regret in your loss, offering our heartfelt sympathy and assuring you his death shall not be unavenged. Sincerely yours Albert W. Macauley 2nd Lt U.S.N.G. 104th Infantry

 

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