TRANSCRIBED FROM THE NEVADA COUNTY PICAYUNE SEPTEMBER 4, 1919 P. 4
U. S. Naval Training Camp,
Gulfport, Mississippi
To the Readers and Friends of the Picayune:
I for the first time will try to write to the paper, will try to tell you of a few days of Navy life. There is not anything any better than Uncle Sam’s Navy. He feeds us well, gives us a good place to sleep. He don’t work us only a few days. Some times when we get extra duty for dirty clothes or something, but that is good for us.
While this is not like running around over those hills of Arkansas, but this is the place for a boy to be. It will make a man out of a chap. I know you White’s Chappel guys are having a good time, but nothing like you could have if you would. All you would have to do is to join the Navy. Uncle will treat you right. He will feed you good, give you a little money some times and what more would you want?
Well, I am at Gulfport, Miss., now on the Gulf of Mexico. It sure is a nice place. I am stationed about 50 yards from the water. I can see those big steamers coming to harbor any time I look.
Well, I hope all of you friends who desire to write to me will please do so. Well, Lem, I haven’t forgot White’s Chappel. I hope you haven’t forgot me. There is some boys in this Navy that I don’t believe even know the goodness of God.
Well, I must go so remember me in you prayers.
Messer. W. Goodwin
NOTES: Messer Washington Goodwin was born in Belton, Texas on May 12, 1900. He died on July 17, 1967. He is buried in the Union Cemetery in Bodcaw, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a Texas Tec 5 serving in the US Army during World War I. He also served in World War II.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
U. S. Naval Training Camp,
Gulfport, Mississippi
To the Readers and Friends of the Picayune:
I for the first time will try to write to the paper, will try to tell you of a few days of Navy life. There is not anything any better than Uncle Sam’s Navy. He feeds us well, gives us a good place to sleep. He don’t work us only a few days. Some times when we get extra duty for dirty clothes or something, but that is good for us.
While this is not like running around over those hills of Arkansas, but this is the place for a boy to be. It will make a man out of a chap. I know you White’s Chappel guys are having a good time, but nothing like you could have if you would. All you would have to do is to join the Navy. Uncle will treat you right. He will feed you good, give you a little money some times and what more would you want?
Well, I am at Gulfport, Miss., now on the Gulf of Mexico. It sure is a nice place. I am stationed about 50 yards from the water. I can see those big steamers coming to harbor any time I look.
Well, I hope all of you friends who desire to write to me will please do so. Well, Lem, I haven’t forgot White’s Chappel. I hope you haven’t forgot me. There is some boys in this Navy that I don’t believe even know the goodness of God.
Well, I must go so remember me in you prayers.
Messer. W. Goodwin
NOTES: Messer Washington Goodwin was born in Belton, Texas on May 12, 1900. He died on July 17, 1967. He is buried in the Union Cemetery in Bodcaw, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a Texas Tec 5 serving in the US Army during World War I. He also served in World War II.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON