TRANSCRIBED FROM THE NEWPORT DAILY INDEPENDENT APRIL 5, 1918 P. 2
Camp Beauregard, La., March 2, ‘18.
My Dearest Mother:
I would like very much to be at home tomorrow to go to Sunday school. But, not my will, but Uncle Sam’s be done. (Yea, verily, Selah!) How is everything at home ? I have been afraid that Folden (my brother), would have to leave home for the army. I received a letter from Selma D. and believe me, she is torn up over Delma being in the first call. It is hard on them, but in my mind it will be the best thing in the world for Delma; six months’ training in the army will be the making of him. I would be glad if every boy could get several months training. Everything is running nicely. Paper wrote me that you were wondering why it was that C and J could come home and I could not. Well I could if I was willing to serve 90 days in the guardhouse, as they are doing. I had rather spend the rest of my days in the army and never again see the old home than to sacrifice my honor and destroy the confidence of my officers and loved ones by degrading my man-hood by running away from duty.
Of all the contemptable things in the world, the most despicable thing to me, is the man who hasn't the grit to sacrifice personal privileges for the sake of suffering humanity. Yes, I truly hate the man who fails to answer when his country calls. I have always been patriotic, but now I am running over with it. Whenever I hear the national anthem here rises up in me a feeling which words cannot express. And when I see Old Glory floating in the breeze I feel like kneeling beneath its folds and breathing a prayer of gratitude that I am truly a son of the Red, White, and Blue. I cannot understand why people raise so much ‘cain’ over joining the army, and why so many mothers and fathers kick about their sons being drafted when they know it is all for the best. I can never forget the cheerful manner which my own darling mother let this curly headed boy go. But then I must remember that there are none like her. One of the boys said to me the other day, “You must have a wonderful mother.” I told him “The best in the world.” and then asked him why. He said you could always tell what kind of mother a boy has by the way he acted. Of course I thanked him very much but wondered if I had acted in such a manner to bring credit to my mother. Well, mama, G--- and I are playing ‘quits’ She has written to me for her picture; however, she not going to get it. Instead, I think I shall write her a loving letter. What say you? I received a big box of candy from Sadie today, which was very much enjoyed, I assure you. Tell Lucky to be sure and send me some of John Dick’s pictures, for some of these boys don’t believe I am an uncle and I want to ‘sight’ them. Write often.
Your loving son,
R. W. Griswold.
NOTES: This letter is written by Sgt. R. W. Griswold serving in Company B, 141st Machine Gun Battalion.
TRANSCRIBED BY LARAE SHURLEY
Camp Beauregard, La., March 2, ‘18.
My Dearest Mother:
I would like very much to be at home tomorrow to go to Sunday school. But, not my will, but Uncle Sam’s be done. (Yea, verily, Selah!) How is everything at home ? I have been afraid that Folden (my brother), would have to leave home for the army. I received a letter from Selma D. and believe me, she is torn up over Delma being in the first call. It is hard on them, but in my mind it will be the best thing in the world for Delma; six months’ training in the army will be the making of him. I would be glad if every boy could get several months training. Everything is running nicely. Paper wrote me that you were wondering why it was that C and J could come home and I could not. Well I could if I was willing to serve 90 days in the guardhouse, as they are doing. I had rather spend the rest of my days in the army and never again see the old home than to sacrifice my honor and destroy the confidence of my officers and loved ones by degrading my man-hood by running away from duty.
Of all the contemptable things in the world, the most despicable thing to me, is the man who hasn't the grit to sacrifice personal privileges for the sake of suffering humanity. Yes, I truly hate the man who fails to answer when his country calls. I have always been patriotic, but now I am running over with it. Whenever I hear the national anthem here rises up in me a feeling which words cannot express. And when I see Old Glory floating in the breeze I feel like kneeling beneath its folds and breathing a prayer of gratitude that I am truly a son of the Red, White, and Blue. I cannot understand why people raise so much ‘cain’ over joining the army, and why so many mothers and fathers kick about their sons being drafted when they know it is all for the best. I can never forget the cheerful manner which my own darling mother let this curly headed boy go. But then I must remember that there are none like her. One of the boys said to me the other day, “You must have a wonderful mother.” I told him “The best in the world.” and then asked him why. He said you could always tell what kind of mother a boy has by the way he acted. Of course I thanked him very much but wondered if I had acted in such a manner to bring credit to my mother. Well, mama, G--- and I are playing ‘quits’ She has written to me for her picture; however, she not going to get it. Instead, I think I shall write her a loving letter. What say you? I received a big box of candy from Sadie today, which was very much enjoyed, I assure you. Tell Lucky to be sure and send me some of John Dick’s pictures, for some of these boys don’t believe I am an uncle and I want to ‘sight’ them. Write often.
Your loving son,
R. W. Griswold.
NOTES: This letter is written by Sgt. R. W. Griswold serving in Company B, 141st Machine Gun Battalion.
TRANSCRIBED BY LARAE SHURLEY