TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHARP COUNTY RECORD JANUARY 4, 1918 P. 4
Editor Record:
If you will allow me space, I will tell your readers something about the Sharp county boys at Camp Pike.
On the 29th of November, a Thanksgiving to be long remembered by the twenty two who left their homes to do their bit in the military world, being joined on the way by several men from Alabama, reached Camp Pike about 11 o’clock at night. We were led by a soldier to the receiving station, lined up and marched about and then the first things we received from the hands of Uncle Sam, except our red cards, were some queer looking things called mess kits. Then we received our blankets and barrack bags and was conducted to another barrack, where we were given a cot, but no bed sacks or straw. So we spent the remainder of the night between two blankets, on what some of the boys called barbed wire.
The next day, as good luck would have it, we were all assigned to Casual Company No. 2. We have all tried to have a good time, but some of the boys were not at all satisfied with their move, and really didn’t want to stay, but it being such a busy time with Uncle Sam they try to be just as much contented as possible and are doing their work in a military manner and in a way that will please all in the state of Sharp when they see the result of their labors.
But it must be said that one things has been against us all the time. We have been under quarantine every moment since we have been in the camp, so we have not had the benefits of the Y. M. C. A. and other things of that character. We hope to be out of quarantine in a few more days at the most.
Christmas Eve night we were visited by a Y. M. C. A. squad, who sang some beautiful songs, and Santa threw out some presents for the boys, all of whom held out their hands and hats like children of six. On Christmas day we were all well filled on turkey and other good things to eat-to make it short, we had a fine dinner. The three meals on Christmas day cost a good deal of money.
But, hear me, soldiering is all but pleasant, and were it not for the nobility of the service we might think we never could do it. But when we think of the great cause for which we stand, and for a greater cause none have ever stood, we fell like we do so little that we are an expense to our dear old Uncle Sam. So for me, here is my all as my part of the game.
Here is where my pen almost refuses to move, but I feel that I must say a few words in behalf of two noble sons of Sharp county to their relatives and many friends. We had not been in camp long until “Big Boy,” as everyone called Shelby Mobley, ceased to be jolly. He told me that he was feeling very badly, But we all hoped he would be better soon, but to our sorrow he grew worse and was forced to go to the hospital for treatment. When he went away the weather was very cold and bad, but we all anxiously awaited the return of “Big Boy.” Soon after Roscoe Berry followed Shelby to the hospital, and we heard nothing from them until Sunday, the opening of Christmas week. While I was on guard duty that day a note was given me for the commanding officer, stated that Shelby J. Mobley was seriously ill. Then in the early afternoon the shocking news came that he was dead.
Their comrades are so very sorry that they had to quit us so early in the struggle, and feel that we have lost two strong characters who would have been helpful to us in many ways. And let me say to all relatives and friends of these two young men that they have shown all the true American bravery that any men could show. Their conduct in camp was above reproach, and their aims and standards were very high.
So feel, people of Sharp county, that these lives were given for your protection just as much as if they had fallen on the battlefield. They are held in honors just as high as the soldier who goes on the firing line and falls their. They died the death of the true soldier.
John T. Felts.
Camp Pike, Ark.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY CHLOE SMITH
Editor Record:
If you will allow me space, I will tell your readers something about the Sharp county boys at Camp Pike.
On the 29th of November, a Thanksgiving to be long remembered by the twenty two who left their homes to do their bit in the military world, being joined on the way by several men from Alabama, reached Camp Pike about 11 o’clock at night. We were led by a soldier to the receiving station, lined up and marched about and then the first things we received from the hands of Uncle Sam, except our red cards, were some queer looking things called mess kits. Then we received our blankets and barrack bags and was conducted to another barrack, where we were given a cot, but no bed sacks or straw. So we spent the remainder of the night between two blankets, on what some of the boys called barbed wire.
The next day, as good luck would have it, we were all assigned to Casual Company No. 2. We have all tried to have a good time, but some of the boys were not at all satisfied with their move, and really didn’t want to stay, but it being such a busy time with Uncle Sam they try to be just as much contented as possible and are doing their work in a military manner and in a way that will please all in the state of Sharp when they see the result of their labors.
But it must be said that one things has been against us all the time. We have been under quarantine every moment since we have been in the camp, so we have not had the benefits of the Y. M. C. A. and other things of that character. We hope to be out of quarantine in a few more days at the most.
Christmas Eve night we were visited by a Y. M. C. A. squad, who sang some beautiful songs, and Santa threw out some presents for the boys, all of whom held out their hands and hats like children of six. On Christmas day we were all well filled on turkey and other good things to eat-to make it short, we had a fine dinner. The three meals on Christmas day cost a good deal of money.
But, hear me, soldiering is all but pleasant, and were it not for the nobility of the service we might think we never could do it. But when we think of the great cause for which we stand, and for a greater cause none have ever stood, we fell like we do so little that we are an expense to our dear old Uncle Sam. So for me, here is my all as my part of the game.
Here is where my pen almost refuses to move, but I feel that I must say a few words in behalf of two noble sons of Sharp county to their relatives and many friends. We had not been in camp long until “Big Boy,” as everyone called Shelby Mobley, ceased to be jolly. He told me that he was feeling very badly, But we all hoped he would be better soon, but to our sorrow he grew worse and was forced to go to the hospital for treatment. When he went away the weather was very cold and bad, but we all anxiously awaited the return of “Big Boy.” Soon after Roscoe Berry followed Shelby to the hospital, and we heard nothing from them until Sunday, the opening of Christmas week. While I was on guard duty that day a note was given me for the commanding officer, stated that Shelby J. Mobley was seriously ill. Then in the early afternoon the shocking news came that he was dead.
Their comrades are so very sorry that they had to quit us so early in the struggle, and feel that we have lost two strong characters who would have been helpful to us in many ways. And let me say to all relatives and friends of these two young men that they have shown all the true American bravery that any men could show. Their conduct in camp was above reproach, and their aims and standards were very high.
So feel, people of Sharp county, that these lives were given for your protection just as much as if they had fallen on the battlefield. They are held in honors just as high as the soldier who goes on the firing line and falls their. They died the death of the true soldier.
John T. Felts.
Camp Pike, Ark.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY CHLOE SMITH