TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LONOKE DEMOCRAT MAY 30, 1918 P. 1
It is a beauty, must be seen to be appreciated. I had no idea it was so large. We also saw Washington’s monument also some marine chasers. In fact it was one grand sight-seeing trip. We had good Pullmans and plenty to eat. We were treated fine at every stop. Red Cross women gave us things. People sure are good to soldiers.
I feel proud to be with the first bunch of Arkansas boys to get over. I am going to do my best to show them Arkansas can raise good soldiers. My part may be small but I will try to play it well.
Joe Bond
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Joseph Otto Bond of the First Arkansas Infantry to Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Plyler. Bond was one of the first to go. Left Camp Beauregard by train and went through New York, Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore, Atlanta and Washington. It took 4 days and nights to arrive at Camp Merritt, where letter was written. This partial letter begins with his impressions of the capitol in Washington, D. C. Bond was born on October 24, 1893 in the Clay County town of Pollard, Arkansas. He was living in Lonoke County, Arkansas when he registered for the draft. He departed for France from Hoboken, NY on April 23, 1918 onboard the Mercury. He was serving was serving as a Private n Co. 1, Camp Beauregard Replacement Draft Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
It is a beauty, must be seen to be appreciated. I had no idea it was so large. We also saw Washington’s monument also some marine chasers. In fact it was one grand sight-seeing trip. We had good Pullmans and plenty to eat. We were treated fine at every stop. Red Cross women gave us things. People sure are good to soldiers.
I feel proud to be with the first bunch of Arkansas boys to get over. I am going to do my best to show them Arkansas can raise good soldiers. My part may be small but I will try to play it well.
Joe Bond
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Joseph Otto Bond of the First Arkansas Infantry to Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Plyler. Bond was one of the first to go. Left Camp Beauregard by train and went through New York, Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore, Atlanta and Washington. It took 4 days and nights to arrive at Camp Merritt, where letter was written. This partial letter begins with his impressions of the capitol in Washington, D. C. Bond was born on October 24, 1893 in the Clay County town of Pollard, Arkansas. He was living in Lonoke County, Arkansas when he registered for the draft. He departed for France from Hoboken, NY on April 23, 1918 onboard the Mercury. He was serving was serving as a Private n Co. 1, Camp Beauregard Replacement Draft Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON