TRANSCRIBED FROM THE GRAVETTE NEWS HERALD AUGUST 24, 1917 P. 1
Fayetteville, Aug. 19, 1917.
Dear Folks at Home:
Will take a few minutes from my four hours of relief of Guard to write you; but only slept 3 hours lasT night and am not in much humor to write.
We had a big parade up town yesterday and a throng of spectators watched and applauded our drill. Since Thursday the entire company has drilled as a unit; and the new men are making splendid progress under the intense training they have received here.
We have orders to be ready to move on a moment’s notice, and expect to go tonight, but have nothing definite. I intended to run home today, but was disappointed as Capt. Parsons issued orders revoking all passes.
The ladies of the Red Cross prepared an exhibit for us down town, displaying Red Cross supplies and curios picked up on the European battlefied; French and German rifles, helmets, shells, hand grenades, gas masks, etc. The price to civilians is 10¢, funds will be used in purchasing comfort kits for soldiers.
H. Wyric Lewis,
Co. B, 2nd Ark.
NOTES: Lewis was the son of the editor of the News Herald. He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard that trained at Fort Roots. In 1916 he was sent to Deming, New Mexico as part of the expedition to stop Villa. He returned to Arkansas and was mustered out of the service. When war was declared he was called back to duty. He served in Company B of the 142 Field Artillery. He trained at Fort Roots and Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. He left for France in August 1918. The 142nd was a part of the 89th Division.
TRANSCRIBED BY AMY MINGER
Fayetteville, Aug. 19, 1917.
Dear Folks at Home:
Will take a few minutes from my four hours of relief of Guard to write you; but only slept 3 hours lasT night and am not in much humor to write.
We had a big parade up town yesterday and a throng of spectators watched and applauded our drill. Since Thursday the entire company has drilled as a unit; and the new men are making splendid progress under the intense training they have received here.
We have orders to be ready to move on a moment’s notice, and expect to go tonight, but have nothing definite. I intended to run home today, but was disappointed as Capt. Parsons issued orders revoking all passes.
The ladies of the Red Cross prepared an exhibit for us down town, displaying Red Cross supplies and curios picked up on the European battlefied; French and German rifles, helmets, shells, hand grenades, gas masks, etc. The price to civilians is 10¢, funds will be used in purchasing comfort kits for soldiers.
H. Wyric Lewis,
Co. B, 2nd Ark.
NOTES: Lewis was the son of the editor of the News Herald. He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard that trained at Fort Roots. In 1916 he was sent to Deming, New Mexico as part of the expedition to stop Villa. He returned to Arkansas and was mustered out of the service. When war was declared he was called back to duty. He served in Company B of the 142 Field Artillery. He trained at Fort Roots and Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. He left for France in August 1918. The 142nd was a part of the 89th Division.
TRANSCRIBED BY AMY MINGER