TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER OCTOBER 2, 1918 P. 4
Monday Sept. 23, 1918.
To the Banner:
Dear Editor:
I thought I would devote some time to a letter to your paper if it escapes the waste basket.
We pulled out of camp Pike Saturday A. M. at 11:05 for over seas duty and we trust it to be well performed. We stopped at Little Rock where we were cheered and waved good by. There we took the Rock Island which I suppose is still carrying us on. The first real city was Memphis where we received favors granted by the Red Cross, and of course they were appreciated as it was funds contributed from ones who has love for soldiers. We went to bed at this place, and when we woke in the morning we were in Kentucky, Paduch was the station. Here we ate breakfast, then on we moved. Louisville being the talk, looking to meet with the Red Cross, but we had hard luck, as it was Sunday very few were in town. Here we took a hike around through the city, returned to our train, crossed the great bridge over the Ohio River. There the American flag was displayed at us and waved, with cheers from the people, to us and from us to the flag. Here we pulled out of Kentucky and into Indiana, again the stars and stripes was displayed to us. Cheering us as we passed out of Ky. into Indiana. It was then getting dark. Soon we went to bed. The next morning found ourselves in Ohio and then we went to breakfast. On we went for Cleveland where we were expecting great things from the Red Cross. When we arrived, there were almost any kind of machinery and plants on our right. On our left was Lake Erie with a great number of steam boats in harbor. All these began to give alarm as if the whole city was on fire and going to destruction, but they were extending welcome to the approaching train containing yankee solders on their way to defend America’s rights.
Soon the train came to a destinct halt. We were called out to line up in squad formation for a hike. We took a hike of about four miles through the parks which were very beautiful. On our return we received favors of the Red Cross, who gave us pie and coffee, which were appreciated no doubt. After having completed our eating with them, we were called to our place and marched to our train.
The boys are having some fun on this occasion, soldiers are the center of all attractions and should be, for the success at home is depending on her soldiers.
We have passed through some fine country for stock raising and farming. But a lesson well learned is hard to for get.
I like Arkansas.
James W. Casey.
NOTES: James Walter Casey was born on October 14, 1888 in Magnolia, Arkansas, Columbia County and died in December 1969 at Magnolia. He is buried in Rocky Mound Cemetery, Columbia County. He was described as being of medium height and weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Monday Sept. 23, 1918.
To the Banner:
Dear Editor:
I thought I would devote some time to a letter to your paper if it escapes the waste basket.
We pulled out of camp Pike Saturday A. M. at 11:05 for over seas duty and we trust it to be well performed. We stopped at Little Rock where we were cheered and waved good by. There we took the Rock Island which I suppose is still carrying us on. The first real city was Memphis where we received favors granted by the Red Cross, and of course they were appreciated as it was funds contributed from ones who has love for soldiers. We went to bed at this place, and when we woke in the morning we were in Kentucky, Paduch was the station. Here we ate breakfast, then on we moved. Louisville being the talk, looking to meet with the Red Cross, but we had hard luck, as it was Sunday very few were in town. Here we took a hike around through the city, returned to our train, crossed the great bridge over the Ohio River. There the American flag was displayed at us and waved, with cheers from the people, to us and from us to the flag. Here we pulled out of Kentucky and into Indiana, again the stars and stripes was displayed to us. Cheering us as we passed out of Ky. into Indiana. It was then getting dark. Soon we went to bed. The next morning found ourselves in Ohio and then we went to breakfast. On we went for Cleveland where we were expecting great things from the Red Cross. When we arrived, there were almost any kind of machinery and plants on our right. On our left was Lake Erie with a great number of steam boats in harbor. All these began to give alarm as if the whole city was on fire and going to destruction, but they were extending welcome to the approaching train containing yankee solders on their way to defend America’s rights.
Soon the train came to a destinct halt. We were called out to line up in squad formation for a hike. We took a hike of about four miles through the parks which were very beautiful. On our return we received favors of the Red Cross, who gave us pie and coffee, which were appreciated no doubt. After having completed our eating with them, we were called to our place and marched to our train.
The boys are having some fun on this occasion, soldiers are the center of all attractions and should be, for the success at home is depending on her soldiers.
We have passed through some fine country for stock raising and farming. But a lesson well learned is hard to for get.
I like Arkansas.
James W. Casey.
NOTES: James Walter Casey was born on October 14, 1888 in Magnolia, Arkansas, Columbia County and died in December 1969 at Magnolia. He is buried in Rocky Mound Cemetery, Columbia County. He was described as being of medium height and weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT