TRANSCRIBED FROM THE VAN BUREN COUNTY DEMOCRAT JANUARY 11, 1918 P. 1
Charleston, S.C., Jan. 4th,
Van Buren Co. Democrat,
Clinton, Ark.
Dear Sir:
If you will give publicity to the following it will serve as a letter to all my friends. I have changed companies and camps so often that I have missed about three-fourths of my mail. But we're doomed for 21 days now as 505 of us are in detention--two boys broke out with the measles. But we're having a fine time--it is so nice and warm. But say, it was cold on the lakes--20 below zero when we left. But our barracks were warm and meals good. Down here they are excellent.
We had a time Christmas. A part of the boys got six days off, but I was so far from home I just went to Chicago. Sure had a time. People everywhere are sure nice to the boys and while on train enroute here we sure had a nice time. At every town we stopped we were given cigarettes and fruits of all kinds.
Here we go the Y.M.C.A. for free stationery, books, magazines, papers, shows, lecturers, boxing and other amusement. It is just like being at home. We have to do our own washing and its got to be clean, believe me. If it isn't you don't get any shore leave. We have bath every morning at 5 o'clock then we clean barracks for inspection--and they are clean. We will be sent to Frisco in three weeks. Gee, that will be some trip.
We are all getting fat. I have gained 12 pounds and never felt better in my life. We don't need our overcoats and sweaters down here. The sun feels good after a month in the north. I am glad I got in the navy instead of the army. A lot of the boys in my company were in the army once and they say the navy is far ahead of the army. And you have a much better time. But I can't get used to the large trousers. Think they would make good hobble skirts--that's just an idea as I never wore one. I would be glad to hear from any of my friends.
Very respectfully,
W. L. DOUGLASS.
U S.N. Dec. Yd., Co. 4, Sec. 1, Charleston, S.C.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Charleston, S.C., Jan. 4th,
Van Buren Co. Democrat,
Clinton, Ark.
Dear Sir:
If you will give publicity to the following it will serve as a letter to all my friends. I have changed companies and camps so often that I have missed about three-fourths of my mail. But we're doomed for 21 days now as 505 of us are in detention--two boys broke out with the measles. But we're having a fine time--it is so nice and warm. But say, it was cold on the lakes--20 below zero when we left. But our barracks were warm and meals good. Down here they are excellent.
We had a time Christmas. A part of the boys got six days off, but I was so far from home I just went to Chicago. Sure had a time. People everywhere are sure nice to the boys and while on train enroute here we sure had a nice time. At every town we stopped we were given cigarettes and fruits of all kinds.
Here we go the Y.M.C.A. for free stationery, books, magazines, papers, shows, lecturers, boxing and other amusement. It is just like being at home. We have to do our own washing and its got to be clean, believe me. If it isn't you don't get any shore leave. We have bath every morning at 5 o'clock then we clean barracks for inspection--and they are clean. We will be sent to Frisco in three weeks. Gee, that will be some trip.
We are all getting fat. I have gained 12 pounds and never felt better in my life. We don't need our overcoats and sweaters down here. The sun feels good after a month in the north. I am glad I got in the navy instead of the army. A lot of the boys in my company were in the army once and they say the navy is far ahead of the army. And you have a much better time. But I can't get used to the large trousers. Think they would make good hobble skirts--that's just an idea as I never wore one. I would be glad to hear from any of my friends.
Very respectfully,
W. L. DOUGLASS.
U S.N. Dec. Yd., Co. 4, Sec. 1, Charleston, S.C.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD