TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD SEPTEMBER 27, 1918 P. 3
Camp Raritan, N. J., Sept. 14th
Dear Friends:
Through the courtesy of the editor, I wish to greet my friends of Pocahontas and Randolph county. I have noticed from time to time that Randolph is doing more than her part in all war activities which is gratifying to every one. The northern people can not say that Arkansas is not awake. A few years ago, I knew fellows from our state, that would not acknowledge it; surely they are as scarce as pacifist now.
We are all grateful for the “Y.” In my estimation, the “Y” is the best organization for the soldiers on this side. When we go there we are never disapointed in seeing or hearing something beneficial, which makes me forget about the unpleasant happenings of the past day and puts a little “snap” into us for the coming day. Above all, the “Y” takes away the “A W O L” feeling that most of us have through the first two or three months.
I will give a little sketch of our camp. This is probably the largest Ordnance base that our government has, and will soon be the largest in the world. There is also an arsenal and assembling plant for motor equipment. Many hundreds of trucks and staff cars are driven from the northern factories to this depot, for direct shipment to France. New Jersey has more munition factories than any state and we are in sight of many, which are rapidly turning out “peace” proposals to the Kaiser. We have plenty of amusement, recreation, and pass privileges, and everyone would be happy, if they were in some other “outfit.” About two weeks ago, we were given an over seas examination, and hope to get across before long, where we can charge something except a “mess-hall.”
Many people ask me, if I intend to go back south after peace comes. Well, I like the north alright, because I have to be here, but prefer Arkansas to any state of the northeast, or any other direction that I have seen.
I wish to thank the people who have so liberally patronized the Johnston Drug Company, whose business shows a decided increase over last year, and I am a member of the firm.
While I am in this camp, would be glad to meet boys of Randolph county, who are stationed near or passing through ports in this vicinity; can meet them in New York or neighboring cities, if they will let me know and designate a meeting place. I am always glad to hear from any of my friends. Wishing each individual all the happiness and prosperity possible, during war times, I am your friend,
Sgt. Warren Johnston,
Headquarters Company
Metuchen, N. J.
NOTES: Warren David Johnston was born on September 24, 1895 at Gainesville, Arkansas and died of tuberculosis at Camp Raritan, NJ on January 12, 1919. He is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, Arkansas. His elaborate headstone with an engraved Doughboy motif shows his death as being “For Democracy.” He was a druggist by profession and was a sergeant in the military.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Camp Raritan, N. J., Sept. 14th
Dear Friends:
Through the courtesy of the editor, I wish to greet my friends of Pocahontas and Randolph county. I have noticed from time to time that Randolph is doing more than her part in all war activities which is gratifying to every one. The northern people can not say that Arkansas is not awake. A few years ago, I knew fellows from our state, that would not acknowledge it; surely they are as scarce as pacifist now.
We are all grateful for the “Y.” In my estimation, the “Y” is the best organization for the soldiers on this side. When we go there we are never disapointed in seeing or hearing something beneficial, which makes me forget about the unpleasant happenings of the past day and puts a little “snap” into us for the coming day. Above all, the “Y” takes away the “A W O L” feeling that most of us have through the first two or three months.
I will give a little sketch of our camp. This is probably the largest Ordnance base that our government has, and will soon be the largest in the world. There is also an arsenal and assembling plant for motor equipment. Many hundreds of trucks and staff cars are driven from the northern factories to this depot, for direct shipment to France. New Jersey has more munition factories than any state and we are in sight of many, which are rapidly turning out “peace” proposals to the Kaiser. We have plenty of amusement, recreation, and pass privileges, and everyone would be happy, if they were in some other “outfit.” About two weeks ago, we were given an over seas examination, and hope to get across before long, where we can charge something except a “mess-hall.”
Many people ask me, if I intend to go back south after peace comes. Well, I like the north alright, because I have to be here, but prefer Arkansas to any state of the northeast, or any other direction that I have seen.
I wish to thank the people who have so liberally patronized the Johnston Drug Company, whose business shows a decided increase over last year, and I am a member of the firm.
While I am in this camp, would be glad to meet boys of Randolph county, who are stationed near or passing through ports in this vicinity; can meet them in New York or neighboring cities, if they will let me know and designate a meeting place. I am always glad to hear from any of my friends. Wishing each individual all the happiness and prosperity possible, during war times, I am your friend,
Sgt. Warren Johnston,
Headquarters Company
Metuchen, N. J.
NOTES: Warren David Johnston was born on September 24, 1895 at Gainesville, Arkansas and died of tuberculosis at Camp Raritan, NJ on January 12, 1919. He is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, Arkansas. His elaborate headstone with an engraved Doughboy motif shows his death as being “For Democracy.” He was a druggist by profession and was a sergeant in the military.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS