TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT NOVEMBER 7, 1917 P. 12
Have been here in camp eight weeks and am pretty well accustomed to this life. I am not going to tell you I like it, because I don’t, but have met with more unpleasant things than National army life. They try to make things as comfortable as possible here. It is hardly necessary for me to describe the camp to you, as you have probably visited the cantonment in your own city. This is supposed to be the largest camp and we have about 60,000 men.
I was a member of the Pride company of the 319th regiment, which is noted as the best regiment in the division. Our company was selected as the best drilled in camp and we were given a free trip to Richmond to drill at the fair a few weeks ago. Our trip was enjoyed by all and our drilling caused much enthusiasm and applause.
We have had several ball games, having quite a number of well known professional and semi-pro ball players in camp. Nixon, whom you will remember as a member of the New Orleans club, was the captain of our 319th regiment team. We played seven games, winning five and losing two.
I was promoted from private to corporal, which position I held only three days until I was again promoted. I was made sergeant and right guard of the company. This position I held for a few weeks until I was made first sergeant. When acting in this capacity I was transferred to the medical department, only to have my captain put in an application for my return, but has not had any results yet. For my part, I am not particular which branch I serve, as they all have their good points and their hardships.
I was much impressed with your recent purchase, and in my opinion you have secured two mighty good men in Graff and Hyatt. I don’t hear much baseball as we don’t have time for discussions. We had a reproduction of the world series here, but interest was lacking and I saw only one game. The Giants sure did crumble under the White Sox attack, but I really expected that but not so prominent.
We have been having fine weather and was very much surprised to hear they had five inches of snow in Pittsburg last week.
NOTES: First Sergeant Raymond Lincoln Kennedy was writing from Camp Lee, Virginia, to R. G. Allen, president and owner, of the Arkansas Travelers, baseball team. Kennedy was the catcher for the Travelers before he enlisted in the military. He was born on May 19, 1895 in Pittsburg, PA. and died on January 18, 1969 in Casselberry, Florida. He is buried in the Glen Haven Memorial Park Cemetery in Winter Park, Florida. He registered for the draft in PA. His registration identified him as being with the Little Rock baseball team in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was described as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and light hair. He returned to the Travelers when he was discharged in 1919. He made one appearance in the Major Leagues as a pinch hitter for the St. Louis Browns. He later moved in baseball management.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Have been here in camp eight weeks and am pretty well accustomed to this life. I am not going to tell you I like it, because I don’t, but have met with more unpleasant things than National army life. They try to make things as comfortable as possible here. It is hardly necessary for me to describe the camp to you, as you have probably visited the cantonment in your own city. This is supposed to be the largest camp and we have about 60,000 men.
I was a member of the Pride company of the 319th regiment, which is noted as the best regiment in the division. Our company was selected as the best drilled in camp and we were given a free trip to Richmond to drill at the fair a few weeks ago. Our trip was enjoyed by all and our drilling caused much enthusiasm and applause.
We have had several ball games, having quite a number of well known professional and semi-pro ball players in camp. Nixon, whom you will remember as a member of the New Orleans club, was the captain of our 319th regiment team. We played seven games, winning five and losing two.
I was promoted from private to corporal, which position I held only three days until I was again promoted. I was made sergeant and right guard of the company. This position I held for a few weeks until I was made first sergeant. When acting in this capacity I was transferred to the medical department, only to have my captain put in an application for my return, but has not had any results yet. For my part, I am not particular which branch I serve, as they all have their good points and their hardships.
I was much impressed with your recent purchase, and in my opinion you have secured two mighty good men in Graff and Hyatt. I don’t hear much baseball as we don’t have time for discussions. We had a reproduction of the world series here, but interest was lacking and I saw only one game. The Giants sure did crumble under the White Sox attack, but I really expected that but not so prominent.
We have been having fine weather and was very much surprised to hear they had five inches of snow in Pittsburg last week.
NOTES: First Sergeant Raymond Lincoln Kennedy was writing from Camp Lee, Virginia, to R. G. Allen, president and owner, of the Arkansas Travelers, baseball team. Kennedy was the catcher for the Travelers before he enlisted in the military. He was born on May 19, 1895 in Pittsburg, PA. and died on January 18, 1969 in Casselberry, Florida. He is buried in the Glen Haven Memorial Park Cemetery in Winter Park, Florida. He registered for the draft in PA. His registration identified him as being with the Little Rock baseball team in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was described as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and light hair. He returned to the Travelers when he was discharged in 1919. He made one appearance in the Major Leagues as a pinch hitter for the St. Louis Browns. He later moved in baseball management.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT