TRANSCRIBED FROM THE WHITE RIVER JOURNAL NOVEMBER 28, 1918 P. 4
Nov. 17, 1918.
Mr. C. A. Walls,
Des Arc, Ark.
Dear editor and friend;
Today find my spirit at its very highest. The influenze quarantine was lifted in San Diego and at the Army and Navy Camp also.
The soldier's camp known as C. Kearney, is on the opposite side of the city from the naval station. There were several hundred of the soldiers here today. It was the first real liberty they have had in nine weeks. We were delighted to have the Tommies visit us. We who had kodaks got busy taking pictures of the gigantic buildings placed here during the world's expedition, which now is a naval station, the prettiest in the world; also mixing the sailors and soldiers together in pictures. When the bugle blew for chow, we each armed a Tommie into line with us and marched to dinner. It was a beautiful parade, a khaki and blue. The mess consisted of roast pork, apple sauce, brown gravy, sweet potatoes, dressing, bread, butter and coffee. Now, Chas., if those khaki lads fight like they eat, No Man's Land defense would have held those 800 boys. They left late in the afternoon well pleased. One old-timer in their midst arose on a bench and spoke loud and distinct:
"Brother soldiers and sailors, in my sixteen years of service I wish to say that today is the Memorial Day to all. Never before have I seen such brotherhood between soldiers and sailors. We use to meet and have a free-for-all; dispised and hated each other, but the war has made us brothers and brothers we will always be. With these two great organizations bound by the cord of freedom and democracy we should feel no fear of any nation or nations. Brothers, the rocks crumbles with age and fall, but democracy shall stand forever as a memorial of the brave, the righteous, and the free."
Well, I won't take any more space. Hoping you good luck. If you want to publish this, send a copy to my dad, E. C. Miles, Carlisle, Ark., R. 5.
Respt,
F.E. Miles,
U.S.N.R.F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Nov. 17, 1918.
Mr. C. A. Walls,
Des Arc, Ark.
Dear editor and friend;
Today find my spirit at its very highest. The influenze quarantine was lifted in San Diego and at the Army and Navy Camp also.
The soldier's camp known as C. Kearney, is on the opposite side of the city from the naval station. There were several hundred of the soldiers here today. It was the first real liberty they have had in nine weeks. We were delighted to have the Tommies visit us. We who had kodaks got busy taking pictures of the gigantic buildings placed here during the world's expedition, which now is a naval station, the prettiest in the world; also mixing the sailors and soldiers together in pictures. When the bugle blew for chow, we each armed a Tommie into line with us and marched to dinner. It was a beautiful parade, a khaki and blue. The mess consisted of roast pork, apple sauce, brown gravy, sweet potatoes, dressing, bread, butter and coffee. Now, Chas., if those khaki lads fight like they eat, No Man's Land defense would have held those 800 boys. They left late in the afternoon well pleased. One old-timer in their midst arose on a bench and spoke loud and distinct:
"Brother soldiers and sailors, in my sixteen years of service I wish to say that today is the Memorial Day to all. Never before have I seen such brotherhood between soldiers and sailors. We use to meet and have a free-for-all; dispised and hated each other, but the war has made us brothers and brothers we will always be. With these two great organizations bound by the cord of freedom and democracy we should feel no fear of any nation or nations. Brothers, the rocks crumbles with age and fall, but democracy shall stand forever as a memorial of the brave, the righteous, and the free."
Well, I won't take any more space. Hoping you good luck. If you want to publish this, send a copy to my dad, E. C. Miles, Carlisle, Ark., R. 5.
Respt,
F.E. Miles,
U.S.N.R.F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD