TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DEWITT ENTERPRISE JUNE 28, 1917 P. 1
Jefferson Barracks, Mo, June 21, ‘17.
Editor Enterprise:
A few hundred raw recruits arrived only a few minutes ago and I looked as usual for some one I knew, and since I found no one, and at present have pleasant thoughts of home, shall spend a few minutes with you, if it is agreeable with you. How are you and DeWitt?
You know this is Uncle Sam’s largest distributing fort and the boys who are canstantly passing through, all mixtures, nationalities, and sizes, come in civilians clothes and in two days are American soldiers in uniform, drilling, and in a few days more sent on to “somewhere,” U.S.A., for severe training. Uncle Sam means business now.
This is an ideal fort. The soldier will say he came because he wanted to, beat the draft law, another because his friend came, another because his daddy was anxious for him to, but when at the movies in our camp the American flag is reproduced on the screen how they cheer! When one in particular is shown, showing Army (American) charging some fort or trench and reading “The Army and Navy Forever.” Lord, how they shout, “Yes, Forever.”
Forever, Greeks, Dagos, Russians, Americans, all, the same spirit of 1776, if the date is correct. I refer to the Revolution, of course.
I leave with my company tomorrow for Chickamauga Park, Georgia, near Chattanooga, and am tickled, that is to say, highly pleased. Some happy devil won’t keep away from the piano, and I can’t write when good music is being played, so must close. Tell my friends hello, and to come to Chickamauga Park; some more high life and high soldiering. Sincerely,
W. DeLowery Carpenter.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
Jefferson Barracks, Mo, June 21, ‘17.
Editor Enterprise:
A few hundred raw recruits arrived only a few minutes ago and I looked as usual for some one I knew, and since I found no one, and at present have pleasant thoughts of home, shall spend a few minutes with you, if it is agreeable with you. How are you and DeWitt?
You know this is Uncle Sam’s largest distributing fort and the boys who are canstantly passing through, all mixtures, nationalities, and sizes, come in civilians clothes and in two days are American soldiers in uniform, drilling, and in a few days more sent on to “somewhere,” U.S.A., for severe training. Uncle Sam means business now.
This is an ideal fort. The soldier will say he came because he wanted to, beat the draft law, another because his friend came, another because his daddy was anxious for him to, but when at the movies in our camp the American flag is reproduced on the screen how they cheer! When one in particular is shown, showing Army (American) charging some fort or trench and reading “The Army and Navy Forever.” Lord, how they shout, “Yes, Forever.”
Forever, Greeks, Dagos, Russians, Americans, all, the same spirit of 1776, if the date is correct. I refer to the Revolution, of course.
I leave with my company tomorrow for Chickamauga Park, Georgia, near Chattanooga, and am tickled, that is to say, highly pleased. Some happy devil won’t keep away from the piano, and I can’t write when good music is being played, so must close. Tell my friends hello, and to come to Chickamauga Park; some more high life and high soldiering. Sincerely,
W. DeLowery Carpenter.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON