TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DARDANELLE POST-DISPATCH
U. S. S. Vestal,
Sun., July 14, 1918.
Dear Mama, and All:
I gladly received your dear letter yesterday afternoon, also an issue of the grand old Post-Dispatch. Nothing do I appreciate more than a long letter from home and a chance to read our home paper.
Well, mama, I am still enjoying splendid health and am happy and contented all the time; have never ever thought of being homesick, but you know a boy can’t help but think of dear old home and homefolks often. Yes, I thought of you all several times on July 4th, and what a wonderful time you were having. I had the pleasure of going ashore and witnessing some good ball games on the Fourth.
I was glad to hear of the success of the Red Cross picnic at Chickalah; also of the over-subscribed quota of the W. S. S. drive in the grand old County of Yell. I am inclined to think that old Yell “go over the top” with any of the rest of them.
. . . . I will grant you the privilege of using the allotment any way you think necessary, though I would rather that you buy War Saving Stamps, Liberty Bonds or contribute to the Red Cross, for I know they are playing a wonderful part in this war. Who wouldn’t give to them? They deserve it. Here’s hoping I get another nice Red Cross sweater. Will be able to say something more for the grand society then. You need not begrudge anything you do to help it.
I had the 4 to 8 watch this morning. We boys of the bridge force have purchased a percolator and we can make some of the best “Java” you ever tasted. We bought it last Saturday, since which time we have had great fun making coffee.
I am still learning something every day. We have plenty of drills, including physical drills, which I think are fine; also drills in signals and guns. I now weigh about 168 lbs., but don’t think I look as well as before enlisting. Indeed I think the U. S. Navy will make a man of me. Will venture to say that anyone is better prepared for any walk of life after being a sailor. The U. S. Navy has made good men of lots of boys, and here’s hoping it makes a good man of me.
Well, dear Mama, I will close, hoping to hear again real soon from you and asking that you send me the paper. Give my best regards to everybody.
With lots of love to all,
Lovingly your son,
Stanley Cowger.
P. S. — Mama, I will write to the P-D when I see some real service.
NOTES: This letter was written by Lee Stanley Cowger. He was born on September 11, 1896 at Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas and died on September 26, 1966 at Kansas City, Missouri. He is buried in the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
U. S. S. Vestal,
Sun., July 14, 1918.
Dear Mama, and All:
I gladly received your dear letter yesterday afternoon, also an issue of the grand old Post-Dispatch. Nothing do I appreciate more than a long letter from home and a chance to read our home paper.
Well, mama, I am still enjoying splendid health and am happy and contented all the time; have never ever thought of being homesick, but you know a boy can’t help but think of dear old home and homefolks often. Yes, I thought of you all several times on July 4th, and what a wonderful time you were having. I had the pleasure of going ashore and witnessing some good ball games on the Fourth.
I was glad to hear of the success of the Red Cross picnic at Chickalah; also of the over-subscribed quota of the W. S. S. drive in the grand old County of Yell. I am inclined to think that old Yell “go over the top” with any of the rest of them.
. . . . I will grant you the privilege of using the allotment any way you think necessary, though I would rather that you buy War Saving Stamps, Liberty Bonds or contribute to the Red Cross, for I know they are playing a wonderful part in this war. Who wouldn’t give to them? They deserve it. Here’s hoping I get another nice Red Cross sweater. Will be able to say something more for the grand society then. You need not begrudge anything you do to help it.
I had the 4 to 8 watch this morning. We boys of the bridge force have purchased a percolator and we can make some of the best “Java” you ever tasted. We bought it last Saturday, since which time we have had great fun making coffee.
I am still learning something every day. We have plenty of drills, including physical drills, which I think are fine; also drills in signals and guns. I now weigh about 168 lbs., but don’t think I look as well as before enlisting. Indeed I think the U. S. Navy will make a man of me. Will venture to say that anyone is better prepared for any walk of life after being a sailor. The U. S. Navy has made good men of lots of boys, and here’s hoping it makes a good man of me.
Well, dear Mama, I will close, hoping to hear again real soon from you and asking that you send me the paper. Give my best regards to everybody.
With lots of love to all,
Lovingly your son,
Stanley Cowger.
P. S. — Mama, I will write to the P-D when I see some real service.
NOTES: This letter was written by Lee Stanley Cowger. He was born on September 11, 1896 at Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas and died on September 26, 1966 at Kansas City, Missouri. He is buried in the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS