TRANSCRIBED FROM THE PINE BLUFF DAILY GRAPHIC DECEMBER 20, 1917 P.3
Received your letter and also my lodge pin, and was sure glad to get both. Tell all the members that I am well and pleased with the navy.
I am glad to hear that the boys of Pine Bluff have opened their eyes, and now see that their country needs their aid. I don’t believe there is a boy in Pine Bluff who is a “slacker” when it comes down to a last. There is not a town in the country that volunteered more than old P.B., and when the awful battle is won, you will see me back into the A. O. U. W.
I can’t tell you much that will interest the members, for I can’t say where I am or what we are doing. But somewhere in the big, blue ocean we are floating around helping to protect P.B. part of Old Glory and her rights. I often walk up on the top side, in the beautiful moonlight, and think about the folks at home and all my friends.
I guess lots of my boy friends are in the trenches, and my heart goes out to them who are willing to fight for their country. I had rather go down under the stars and stripes than under some joy rider’s automobile.
I saw Ray Tolson, from Pine Bluff, since I have been in the service. He was well and liked it fine.
I expect to get a furlough next spring, and I will attend lodge, and explain about the way I live.
Well, I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Your friend,
Harry W. Edmunds
U.S.S. Vermont, Eng. Force
Sixth ivision: care postmaster New York, N.Y.
NOTES: This letter was written by Harry W. Edmunds on December 12 to his friend and fellow A. O. U. W. Lodge brother, O. C. Keeler of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Edmunds was born on March 6, 1896 and died on January 17, 1973. He is buried in the Memphis National Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. His military headstone identifies him as serving in the U. S. Navy.
TRANSCRIBED BY ISAAC WOLTER
Received your letter and also my lodge pin, and was sure glad to get both. Tell all the members that I am well and pleased with the navy.
I am glad to hear that the boys of Pine Bluff have opened their eyes, and now see that their country needs their aid. I don’t believe there is a boy in Pine Bluff who is a “slacker” when it comes down to a last. There is not a town in the country that volunteered more than old P.B., and when the awful battle is won, you will see me back into the A. O. U. W.
I can’t tell you much that will interest the members, for I can’t say where I am or what we are doing. But somewhere in the big, blue ocean we are floating around helping to protect P.B. part of Old Glory and her rights. I often walk up on the top side, in the beautiful moonlight, and think about the folks at home and all my friends.
I guess lots of my boy friends are in the trenches, and my heart goes out to them who are willing to fight for their country. I had rather go down under the stars and stripes than under some joy rider’s automobile.
I saw Ray Tolson, from Pine Bluff, since I have been in the service. He was well and liked it fine.
I expect to get a furlough next spring, and I will attend lodge, and explain about the way I live.
Well, I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Your friend,
Harry W. Edmunds
U.S.S. Vermont, Eng. Force
Sixth ivision: care postmaster New York, N.Y.
NOTES: This letter was written by Harry W. Edmunds on December 12 to his friend and fellow A. O. U. W. Lodge brother, O. C. Keeler of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Edmunds was born on March 6, 1896 and died on January 17, 1973. He is buried in the Memphis National Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. His military headstone identifies him as serving in the U. S. Navy.
TRANSCRIBED BY ISAAC WOLTER