TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD JUNE 14, 1918 P. 5
Camp Beauregard, La.
Dear Editor:
If you will allow me a little space in the old home paper I will write a few lines to friends and relatives back home.
Will say first that the number of Randolph county boys that are in this company are now in the best of health and are enjoying life to such an extent that if you were to come into camp on holidays you would forget for a moment that “old U. S. A.” is at war. But the realization would be more distinct than ever should you go to the range when the machine guns are in action and observe the rapidity of the fire and accuracy of the gunmen. Should you see the stern figure of an Arkansan seated behind his gun making bull’s eye every shot, regardless of the rapid fire, and also observe the trees mowed down by bullets often passing through the target you would admit at once that this will get the Kaiser without a doubt.
Out of the 105 that left Pocahontas for service on September 18th, there are only 22 of us in this company now. Some have been rejected and discharged, some are on furloughs, some have been transferred to other organizations and others failed to pass the oversea examinations.
Some of the boys say they are tired of playing war and want to get “over there” into the real thing. We are all anxious to go and help win out then we can return to our homes to be molested by war no more.
Don’t forget to write to us. Mail call brings us to our feet with a whoop, each one looking for and expecting a letter. The mail box always contains numerous S. W. A K. letters to mothers, sisters and wives, but the letters to sweethearts are far ahead and is too much to say that every bachelor soldier has a lady friend to who he writes often. Do not write discouraging letters because they are apt to cause some to take “absence without leave” or probably desert and get himself into a predicament from which he cannot extricate himself for months and in some case years. Write words of cheer and encouragement.
I noticed that Randolph county made a good showing in the Liberty Loan drive. We boys are proud to know that the folks back home are behind us and doing all they can for us.
In order that you may have some idea of a K P’s (Kitchen Police) work I will give you a few of the “general orders” which they put into execution when they go on duty. They are as follows; Take charge of the spuds and all gravy in view. Dish the slum in a military manner keeping constantly on the alert and observing all mess bales that go within sight or hearing.
Well since it is 11:00 o’clock and taps are sending forth a melancholy tone, I will close and fix my bunk.
With best wishes to the Star Herald and people of Randolph county,
I remain as ever,
Charles K. Baker
M. G. Co. 153rd Inf.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
Camp Beauregard, La.
Dear Editor:
If you will allow me a little space in the old home paper I will write a few lines to friends and relatives back home.
Will say first that the number of Randolph county boys that are in this company are now in the best of health and are enjoying life to such an extent that if you were to come into camp on holidays you would forget for a moment that “old U. S. A.” is at war. But the realization would be more distinct than ever should you go to the range when the machine guns are in action and observe the rapidity of the fire and accuracy of the gunmen. Should you see the stern figure of an Arkansan seated behind his gun making bull’s eye every shot, regardless of the rapid fire, and also observe the trees mowed down by bullets often passing through the target you would admit at once that this will get the Kaiser without a doubt.
Out of the 105 that left Pocahontas for service on September 18th, there are only 22 of us in this company now. Some have been rejected and discharged, some are on furloughs, some have been transferred to other organizations and others failed to pass the oversea examinations.
Some of the boys say they are tired of playing war and want to get “over there” into the real thing. We are all anxious to go and help win out then we can return to our homes to be molested by war no more.
Don’t forget to write to us. Mail call brings us to our feet with a whoop, each one looking for and expecting a letter. The mail box always contains numerous S. W. A K. letters to mothers, sisters and wives, but the letters to sweethearts are far ahead and is too much to say that every bachelor soldier has a lady friend to who he writes often. Do not write discouraging letters because they are apt to cause some to take “absence without leave” or probably desert and get himself into a predicament from which he cannot extricate himself for months and in some case years. Write words of cheer and encouragement.
I noticed that Randolph county made a good showing in the Liberty Loan drive. We boys are proud to know that the folks back home are behind us and doing all they can for us.
In order that you may have some idea of a K P’s (Kitchen Police) work I will give you a few of the “general orders” which they put into execution when they go on duty. They are as follows; Take charge of the spuds and all gravy in view. Dish the slum in a military manner keeping constantly on the alert and observing all mess bales that go within sight or hearing.
Well since it is 11:00 o’clock and taps are sending forth a melancholy tone, I will close and fix my bunk.
With best wishes to the Star Herald and people of Randolph county,
I remain as ever,
Charles K. Baker
M. G. Co. 153rd Inf.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON