TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ASHLEY COUNTY EAGLE NOVEMBER 1, 1917 P. 1
Dear Mother:
Received your letter last night, also the pictures. I was indeed glad to get your picture and hear that you were all well. It is sure cold weather down here at night. I was on outpost duty last night and I thought I would freeze, however I am in good health and I hope to stay that way.
I suppose you had a nice time at the Monticello Fair. Well, mamma, I am putting away $20 per month: I bought a $200 Liberty Bond, and in ten months will have it paid for. I think this is the best way any soldier could save his money, and in saving this way, we are doing Our Country a service as great as fighting for her. Because it is necessary for “Uncle Sam” to have money to keep us in clothes, food and munitions for carrying on a war. So you see I am helping to “WHIP THE KAISER,” saving money and getting interest on same. I think every soldier should buy a Bond. I am sure Papa will buy one if he has not already done so. I sure wish you could see us on parade riding our horses, with the Band playing. I believe some of our horses are up with the training as well as the men.
Mama, you wanted to know what I want for Xmas. You need not send anything, for I will be out on Post duty. We are looking for a Raid most any time. Villa has about 2000 men stationed about 20 miles from here and we are patrolling all the time, day and night. He will never get into Columbus any more like he did once before, about two years ago. He made a raid on this town then and was entertained by the Americans, and believe me he will get entertained this time before he gets here if he attempts to come much closer. Yes, I see Chase very often and believe me we stay by each other too. No one can impose on Chase, when I am present, nor on me when he is present. So you see there is nothing like having a True Friend wherever you go. Well, it is time for me to go on duty, so I must close. Write soon and a long letter. Tell all my friends to write. Your loving Son.
BILL GARDNER
NOTES: Bill Randolph Gardner was born in Arkansas on February 8, 1899 and died in Bexar County, Texas on August 25, 1965. He is buried in the Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. His military headstone identifies him as a Texas M. Sergeant in the US Air Force. He served in both World War I and II. Gardner wrote this partial letter to his mother Mrs. Geo. T. Gardner of Hamburg, Arkansas. He was serving at Columbus, New Mexico.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
Dear Mother:
Received your letter last night, also the pictures. I was indeed glad to get your picture and hear that you were all well. It is sure cold weather down here at night. I was on outpost duty last night and I thought I would freeze, however I am in good health and I hope to stay that way.
I suppose you had a nice time at the Monticello Fair. Well, mamma, I am putting away $20 per month: I bought a $200 Liberty Bond, and in ten months will have it paid for. I think this is the best way any soldier could save his money, and in saving this way, we are doing Our Country a service as great as fighting for her. Because it is necessary for “Uncle Sam” to have money to keep us in clothes, food and munitions for carrying on a war. So you see I am helping to “WHIP THE KAISER,” saving money and getting interest on same. I think every soldier should buy a Bond. I am sure Papa will buy one if he has not already done so. I sure wish you could see us on parade riding our horses, with the Band playing. I believe some of our horses are up with the training as well as the men.
Mama, you wanted to know what I want for Xmas. You need not send anything, for I will be out on Post duty. We are looking for a Raid most any time. Villa has about 2000 men stationed about 20 miles from here and we are patrolling all the time, day and night. He will never get into Columbus any more like he did once before, about two years ago. He made a raid on this town then and was entertained by the Americans, and believe me he will get entertained this time before he gets here if he attempts to come much closer. Yes, I see Chase very often and believe me we stay by each other too. No one can impose on Chase, when I am present, nor on me when he is present. So you see there is nothing like having a True Friend wherever you go. Well, it is time for me to go on duty, so I must close. Write soon and a long letter. Tell all my friends to write. Your loving Son.
BILL GARDNER
NOTES: Bill Randolph Gardner was born in Arkansas on February 8, 1899 and died in Bexar County, Texas on August 25, 1965. He is buried in the Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. His military headstone identifies him as a Texas M. Sergeant in the US Air Force. He served in both World War I and II. Gardner wrote this partial letter to his mother Mrs. Geo. T. Gardner of Hamburg, Arkansas. He was serving at Columbus, New Mexico.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD