TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER NOVEMBER 7, 1917, P. 2
When we first went into camp we all filled our bed with hay.
We then moved to Camp Beauregard, bought mattresses, expecting to stay. Now our company is bursted and we all will have to go away, parting from brothers and dear friends with whom we once hoped to stay.
My brother with the sergeants and corporals were transferred to the depot department to await further orders. Some of the privates to Company “I,” who may remain there till they “die.” For myself, I was transferred to company “L,” but my dear friend that’s no reason why I should go to h----.
We know not if we will ever meet again in this world, but trust in the Lord, boys of Company “K” and we will meet some day where there will be no bursting of companies and there we are assured we will have a place to stay with friends and loved ones that will never be taken away.
Private William J. Hickman,
Company ‘L.’ 141 M. G. Bn., 77 Brigade, 39th Division,
Camp Beauregard, La.
NOTES: William James Hickman of Columbia County was born in Homer, Louisiana on May 28, 1892 and died in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 13, 1961. He is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery at Shreveport. He transferred from the 77th Brigade to the Forestry Division. His military headstone identifies him as a Louisiana, SGT. 24TH CO. 20 ENG. He was described as tall and slender with brown eyes and dark brown hair. This site also contains letters of his brother Leon, who also served in the Army.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
When we first went into camp we all filled our bed with hay.
We then moved to Camp Beauregard, bought mattresses, expecting to stay. Now our company is bursted and we all will have to go away, parting from brothers and dear friends with whom we once hoped to stay.
My brother with the sergeants and corporals were transferred to the depot department to await further orders. Some of the privates to Company “I,” who may remain there till they “die.” For myself, I was transferred to company “L,” but my dear friend that’s no reason why I should go to h----.
We know not if we will ever meet again in this world, but trust in the Lord, boys of Company “K” and we will meet some day where there will be no bursting of companies and there we are assured we will have a place to stay with friends and loved ones that will never be taken away.
Private William J. Hickman,
Company ‘L.’ 141 M. G. Bn., 77 Brigade, 39th Division,
Camp Beauregard, La.
NOTES: William James Hickman of Columbia County was born in Homer, Louisiana on May 28, 1892 and died in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 13, 1961. He is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery at Shreveport. He transferred from the 77th Brigade to the Forestry Division. His military headstone identifies him as a Louisiana, SGT. 24TH CO. 20 ENG. He was described as tall and slender with brown eyes and dark brown hair. This site also contains letters of his brother Leon, who also served in the Army.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT