TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MENA WEEKLY STAR NOVEMBER 15, 1917 P. 4
Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Ambrose.
Received your letter yesterday morning and in the afternoon I got the “Housewife.”
It was mighty nice of you and the class to send it to me. There is nothing more useful, and because of the fact that your class made it, I prize it even more highly. It is the right size, too, and complete, and thank all of you for giving it to me. The verses were very nice and I appreciate the spirit which each one had in making the gift.
Will try to give an idea of our camp life.
Reveille at 5:30 now is preceded by first call at 5:15 a. m. Between the two calls the band plays one piece, marching down regimental street. Then we form in front of our cantonment and the roll is called after assembly is blown at 5:35. We then march on parade ground and go thru setting up exercises for 15 minutes, which is followed by a 1/4-mile trot on the parade ground. We then are dismissed and have time to wash for breakfast at 6:15. This morning we had corn flakes and milk (condensed), two pieces of bacon, bread and coffee. By the time we get our plates, cups etc., washed and dried, our bunks made and cantonment swept, it is 7 o’clock.
Sick call blows at seven, and all men that are sick or need any medicine are listed in sick book and sent to hospital. Drills usually start at 7:15. This morning we had no drill, but yesterday we made a six-mile hike in heavy marching order. Will give you an idea of what we carry in heavy marching order.
Around our waist we wear belt with the following attached to it. First aid packet and pouch, canteen of water (enough to last 24 hours, must be full when we start out), holster, 45 Colt’s automatic and 21 rounds of ammunition, 2 extra magazine clips and punch.
On our left side hangs a haversack, which is held up by strap which goes over our right shoulder. Haversack contains large can corned beef. 4 packages hardtack, sack coffee, sugar and salt, one mess kit (meat can and cover, cup, knife, fork and spoon), and 5 tent pins. Over our left shoulder rests our blanket roll, which is about 5 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. It contains 1/2 shelter tent, 2 blankets, poncho (a slicker for a raincoat), 1 tent pole, 1 tent rope, extra suit of underwear, 2 pair socks, comb and brush and foot powder.
Our equipment weighs about 60 pounds, so you can see we are loaded down.
Yesterday Company E made a 20 mile hike and only two men in company fell out. They are giving all of us hikes now, and getting the men hardened.
Mail call blows at eight, then the man in charge of quarters gets the mail for company.
We are supposed to have litter drill from 11 to 12, six times a week. They drill us with the Hospital Corps in above drill. Dinner is at 12 and drill call at one. The band does not have to drill in afternoon, but all other men must. At 3:10 first call is sounded for guard mount. Assembly at 3:20, which is followed by adjutant call. The band assembles in formation on parade ground and plays while the guard is formed. They go on duty for 24 hours, working 3 hours on and 4 hours off, etc. Think they have 36 mount guards each day. The adjutant inspects each gun, then we all pass in review before the officer of the day. We usually get thru about 4 o’clock and have mess call at 5:30.
Retreat is at 6:20, when flag is lowered. Three nights a week all the regiment has parade after retreat, headed by the band and all pass in front of the colonel. On such parades is the only time the regimental flag is out. It is a beauty. Cost the regiment $171.00.
We can only go up town at night from 7 to 11, then we must have passes and have them signed each time by the 1 st sergeant.
Tattoo is at 9:30, call to quarters at 10:45 and taps at 11. Such is the program during the day.
Again thanks for the kit.
With love.
J. Lloyd Ambrose.
Headquarters Company,
Fourth Texas Infantry.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by John Lloyd Ambrose, a member of the Second Battalion Band, 61st Depot Brigade, Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on November 25, 1890 in Illinois, and died on February 22, 1969. He is buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery at Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was described as being of medium height and slender build with blue eyes and blonde hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Ambrose.
Received your letter yesterday morning and in the afternoon I got the “Housewife.”
It was mighty nice of you and the class to send it to me. There is nothing more useful, and because of the fact that your class made it, I prize it even more highly. It is the right size, too, and complete, and thank all of you for giving it to me. The verses were very nice and I appreciate the spirit which each one had in making the gift.
Will try to give an idea of our camp life.
Reveille at 5:30 now is preceded by first call at 5:15 a. m. Between the two calls the band plays one piece, marching down regimental street. Then we form in front of our cantonment and the roll is called after assembly is blown at 5:35. We then march on parade ground and go thru setting up exercises for 15 minutes, which is followed by a 1/4-mile trot on the parade ground. We then are dismissed and have time to wash for breakfast at 6:15. This morning we had corn flakes and milk (condensed), two pieces of bacon, bread and coffee. By the time we get our plates, cups etc., washed and dried, our bunks made and cantonment swept, it is 7 o’clock.
Sick call blows at seven, and all men that are sick or need any medicine are listed in sick book and sent to hospital. Drills usually start at 7:15. This morning we had no drill, but yesterday we made a six-mile hike in heavy marching order. Will give you an idea of what we carry in heavy marching order.
Around our waist we wear belt with the following attached to it. First aid packet and pouch, canteen of water (enough to last 24 hours, must be full when we start out), holster, 45 Colt’s automatic and 21 rounds of ammunition, 2 extra magazine clips and punch.
On our left side hangs a haversack, which is held up by strap which goes over our right shoulder. Haversack contains large can corned beef. 4 packages hardtack, sack coffee, sugar and salt, one mess kit (meat can and cover, cup, knife, fork and spoon), and 5 tent pins. Over our left shoulder rests our blanket roll, which is about 5 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. It contains 1/2 shelter tent, 2 blankets, poncho (a slicker for a raincoat), 1 tent pole, 1 tent rope, extra suit of underwear, 2 pair socks, comb and brush and foot powder.
Our equipment weighs about 60 pounds, so you can see we are loaded down.
Yesterday Company E made a 20 mile hike and only two men in company fell out. They are giving all of us hikes now, and getting the men hardened.
Mail call blows at eight, then the man in charge of quarters gets the mail for company.
We are supposed to have litter drill from 11 to 12, six times a week. They drill us with the Hospital Corps in above drill. Dinner is at 12 and drill call at one. The band does not have to drill in afternoon, but all other men must. At 3:10 first call is sounded for guard mount. Assembly at 3:20, which is followed by adjutant call. The band assembles in formation on parade ground and plays while the guard is formed. They go on duty for 24 hours, working 3 hours on and 4 hours off, etc. Think they have 36 mount guards each day. The adjutant inspects each gun, then we all pass in review before the officer of the day. We usually get thru about 4 o’clock and have mess call at 5:30.
Retreat is at 6:20, when flag is lowered. Three nights a week all the regiment has parade after retreat, headed by the band and all pass in front of the colonel. On such parades is the only time the regimental flag is out. It is a beauty. Cost the regiment $171.00.
We can only go up town at night from 7 to 11, then we must have passes and have them signed each time by the 1 st sergeant.
Tattoo is at 9:30, call to quarters at 10:45 and taps at 11. Such is the program during the day.
Again thanks for the kit.
With love.
J. Lloyd Ambrose.
Headquarters Company,
Fourth Texas Infantry.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by John Lloyd Ambrose, a member of the Second Battalion Band, 61st Depot Brigade, Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on November 25, 1890 in Illinois, and died on February 22, 1969. He is buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery at Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was described as being of medium height and slender build with blue eyes and blonde hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT