TRANSCRIBED FROM THE OSCEOLA TIMES MAY 9, 1919 P. 5
New York May 1, 1919
Dear Papa:
You will be surprised to hear from me in New York. Myself and six other officers were sent over here yesterday to take part in a big parade for the benefit of the Liberty Loan. The chemical warfare service is going to have 16 floats in this parade. It is to be the biggest thing ever had in New York, all departments of the army are to take part. We start at 112th street, go down Fifth avenue to West Fourth street, then over to First street, and back up First to Jefferson park. 17 miles each way. There will be over 500 floats and about 40,000 soldiers I am told.
The big event comes off Saturday. I am going to try and locate Bess Lee this afternoon. The government is paying all expense for this trip, so I think I am lucky to be one of the six to be picked from the Washington office.
New York is some town, but easy to get around, as everyone who has a car will pick up a soldier and ride him wherever he wants to go. Looks like people go out of their way to be nice to a man in uniform.
We all had a government auto last night to go sightseeing and were given a dinner by the officers’ community club; go to a luncheon Friday at the metropolitan club. Wish it had been so I could have brought Mary and the kids over with me. Will write you all about it later.
Remember me with the kindest regards to all friends.
Lovingly,
Chas. JR.
NOTES: This letter is written by Lieut. Charles H. Gaylord who is with the chemical warfare department headquarters in Washington, DC. He was born May 19, 1891 and died on July 7, 1947. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His headstone identifies him as a First Lieut. serving in the Chemical Warfare SVC.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
New York May 1, 1919
Dear Papa:
You will be surprised to hear from me in New York. Myself and six other officers were sent over here yesterday to take part in a big parade for the benefit of the Liberty Loan. The chemical warfare service is going to have 16 floats in this parade. It is to be the biggest thing ever had in New York, all departments of the army are to take part. We start at 112th street, go down Fifth avenue to West Fourth street, then over to First street, and back up First to Jefferson park. 17 miles each way. There will be over 500 floats and about 40,000 soldiers I am told.
The big event comes off Saturday. I am going to try and locate Bess Lee this afternoon. The government is paying all expense for this trip, so I think I am lucky to be one of the six to be picked from the Washington office.
New York is some town, but easy to get around, as everyone who has a car will pick up a soldier and ride him wherever he wants to go. Looks like people go out of their way to be nice to a man in uniform.
We all had a government auto last night to go sightseeing and were given a dinner by the officers’ community club; go to a luncheon Friday at the metropolitan club. Wish it had been so I could have brought Mary and the kids over with me. Will write you all about it later.
Remember me with the kindest regards to all friends.
Lovingly,
Chas. JR.
NOTES: This letter is written by Lieut. Charles H. Gaylord who is with the chemical warfare department headquarters in Washington, DC. He was born May 19, 1891 and died on July 7, 1947. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His headstone identifies him as a First Lieut. serving in the Chemical Warfare SVC.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON