TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MARKED TREE TRIBUNE JUNE 14, 1918 P. 1
Paris Island, S.C.
May 30, 1918.
Dear T. D.
This day on Paris Island has been one of very impressive ceremonies, participated in by all the marines on the Island, in accordance with the praclamation of our President, Woodrow Wilson. After a grand parade with fixed bayonets, all companies lined up in close formation in front of the band stand and listened to an address by Brigadier General Cole, post commander. The President's proclamation was read, prayers were offered by protestant and catholic chaplains, and America, The Star Spangled Banner, and Onward Christian Soldier, were sung by a few thousand voices, accompanied by the Marine Band.
Occasions like these makes a man proud he is a soldier, and make him forget the hard work and hardships he is undergoing, and stimulates within him a determination to work harder and contribute his share of energy toward the successful conclusion of the war.
If anyone thinks Uncle Sam doesn't mean business, he ought to see the marine corps work, and then change his mind.
We have practically graduated in company and battalian drills, and are now on the rifle range, one of the best in the U.S., where we have been for two weeks. Yesterday we each fired 40 shots; tomorrow we will fire 60, with bayonet drill in between. Tuesday or Wednesday we will each shoot 60 shots for record, which finishes our work on the range. Possible number of shots is 300, which nobody makes; 202 means "markman," which mean a medal and $2 extra per month; 238 means "sharpshooter," a medal and $3 extra; 253 means "expert" and $5 extra. I have shot 236 on practice, and hope to do better on record day.
Taking the preceeding companies record as a basis, we won't be on the island more than 10 days, for after they shoot for record Uncle Sam outfits them completely, they dress in their Sunday togs and leave for somewhere.
All the boys are rearing to go, and the quickest way is too d--n slow.
The primary object of this epistle has been lost sight of, but to eliminate the possibility of another lapse of the writer's memory, permit me now to thank you for sending The Tribune, which I enjoy reading very much and I will enjoy receiving a copy any time you care to send one. Although I may be moved, my mail will follow wherever I go.
With kindest regards, I am,
Yours truly,
Private A. K. Lytton,
50th Co., Marine Barrocks.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Paris Island, S.C.
May 30, 1918.
Dear T. D.
This day on Paris Island has been one of very impressive ceremonies, participated in by all the marines on the Island, in accordance with the praclamation of our President, Woodrow Wilson. After a grand parade with fixed bayonets, all companies lined up in close formation in front of the band stand and listened to an address by Brigadier General Cole, post commander. The President's proclamation was read, prayers were offered by protestant and catholic chaplains, and America, The Star Spangled Banner, and Onward Christian Soldier, were sung by a few thousand voices, accompanied by the Marine Band.
Occasions like these makes a man proud he is a soldier, and make him forget the hard work and hardships he is undergoing, and stimulates within him a determination to work harder and contribute his share of energy toward the successful conclusion of the war.
If anyone thinks Uncle Sam doesn't mean business, he ought to see the marine corps work, and then change his mind.
We have practically graduated in company and battalian drills, and are now on the rifle range, one of the best in the U.S., where we have been for two weeks. Yesterday we each fired 40 shots; tomorrow we will fire 60, with bayonet drill in between. Tuesday or Wednesday we will each shoot 60 shots for record, which finishes our work on the range. Possible number of shots is 300, which nobody makes; 202 means "markman," which mean a medal and $2 extra per month; 238 means "sharpshooter," a medal and $3 extra; 253 means "expert" and $5 extra. I have shot 236 on practice, and hope to do better on record day.
Taking the preceeding companies record as a basis, we won't be on the island more than 10 days, for after they shoot for record Uncle Sam outfits them completely, they dress in their Sunday togs and leave for somewhere.
All the boys are rearing to go, and the quickest way is too d--n slow.
The primary object of this epistle has been lost sight of, but to eliminate the possibility of another lapse of the writer's memory, permit me now to thank you for sending The Tribune, which I enjoy reading very much and I will enjoy receiving a copy any time you care to send one. Although I may be moved, my mail will follow wherever I go.
With kindest regards, I am,
Yours truly,
Private A. K. Lytton,
50th Co., Marine Barrocks.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD