TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD
Philadelphia, Penn., Aug. 26, 1918
Dear Editor:
If you will permit me, I will write a few lines to my many Randolph friends. I wrote you a letter while in training camp and planned to write often, but have been so very busy, have neglected correspondence to some extent.
I completed my training on Paris Island Feb. 10, 1918, from where I was transferred aboard the Battleship Ida, and sailed Feb. 13. We were at sea a short time when we landed in Norfork, Va. I found that to be a great city for enlisted men. From there we set sail, and after quite a period of time we landed near Fire Island, somewhere close to New York City. I want to say how sea-sick I was before landing, though. We were anchored there for a few days, then from there we sailed to New York City, where we landed safely, and by that time I was over my sea sickness. I decided if we ever landed in “dry dock” I would put in for a transferr, as I had already discovered I was not cut out for a sea soldier. Shortly we were pushed in dock at Brooklyn Navy Yard, where I did duty until my transferr was granted me. I must state that New York City is a splendid place for an enlisted man, everything was free to a fellow in the service of Uncle Sam.
In a few weeks I had orders to pack my sea bag and report to the Marine Radio school, Philadelphia. I landed there and was welcomed by everyone. We were busy most day and night until July 20, we took our final examination for ratings. I qualified as 2nd class wireless operator. Shortly afterwards our class was separated and part were sent away while some remained. I was transferred to the Armored Car Squadron of this place that consists of signalmen and field wireless operators. We have been doing some great work. I don’t know how long we will remain here, as we will soon be standing by for a transferr to some unknown part of the world.
This is a great navy yard and every man is treated with much courtesy. There are about six thousand marines and fully as many sailors at this yard.
We quite often parade and march to the wonderful Statue of Liberty. We also have two Marine bands here now, one that belongs to the first Regiment, and the other from Honolulu. They sure do produce some good music, too. We are going to have a band concert this evening. I would much rather be attending one in old Pocahontas. I enjoy the life of the Marines to the fullest extent. Though why should I not, since Nov. 20, 1917, I have gained 15 pounds. I only have one complaint to make, and that is, I have been transferred so many times I don’t receive my mail regular. I have managed to get the Star Herald pretty regular and that is the most important paper of all. I notice by reading the Herald that quite a few of the Randolph boys are now across and doing their duty as each of us will do. I guess since the latest draft law has been considered, there will be a great many more over there soon.
I want to congratulate the good ladies of Randolph county for their wonderful work for the Red Cross and Belgium Relief fund. I must say that in comparison, they have done better than any other county. I have never received any articles from the Randolph Red Cross, however I truly realize I would have if the good ladies only had my address. Now this will not be an excuse any longer, for I am sending my present address. And I assure you I would be glad to hear from any and all my friends in Randolph county. I will try to let you hear from me oftener if I stay in the U. S. A., and when I land over there I am sure I will clasp glad hands with many Randolph boys who have gone to fight for Democracy and to make dear America a decent place for our good people to live and reign.
Very Sincerely,
John J. Moore,
Armored Car Squadron, M. C.
Philadelphia, Penn.
NOTES: John Jefferson Moore was born in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas on November 14, 1895 and in Popular Bluff, Missouri on September 7, 1965. He is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Philadelphia, Penn., Aug. 26, 1918
Dear Editor:
If you will permit me, I will write a few lines to my many Randolph friends. I wrote you a letter while in training camp and planned to write often, but have been so very busy, have neglected correspondence to some extent.
I completed my training on Paris Island Feb. 10, 1918, from where I was transferred aboard the Battleship Ida, and sailed Feb. 13. We were at sea a short time when we landed in Norfork, Va. I found that to be a great city for enlisted men. From there we set sail, and after quite a period of time we landed near Fire Island, somewhere close to New York City. I want to say how sea-sick I was before landing, though. We were anchored there for a few days, then from there we sailed to New York City, where we landed safely, and by that time I was over my sea sickness. I decided if we ever landed in “dry dock” I would put in for a transferr, as I had already discovered I was not cut out for a sea soldier. Shortly we were pushed in dock at Brooklyn Navy Yard, where I did duty until my transferr was granted me. I must state that New York City is a splendid place for an enlisted man, everything was free to a fellow in the service of Uncle Sam.
In a few weeks I had orders to pack my sea bag and report to the Marine Radio school, Philadelphia. I landed there and was welcomed by everyone. We were busy most day and night until July 20, we took our final examination for ratings. I qualified as 2nd class wireless operator. Shortly afterwards our class was separated and part were sent away while some remained. I was transferred to the Armored Car Squadron of this place that consists of signalmen and field wireless operators. We have been doing some great work. I don’t know how long we will remain here, as we will soon be standing by for a transferr to some unknown part of the world.
This is a great navy yard and every man is treated with much courtesy. There are about six thousand marines and fully as many sailors at this yard.
We quite often parade and march to the wonderful Statue of Liberty. We also have two Marine bands here now, one that belongs to the first Regiment, and the other from Honolulu. They sure do produce some good music, too. We are going to have a band concert this evening. I would much rather be attending one in old Pocahontas. I enjoy the life of the Marines to the fullest extent. Though why should I not, since Nov. 20, 1917, I have gained 15 pounds. I only have one complaint to make, and that is, I have been transferred so many times I don’t receive my mail regular. I have managed to get the Star Herald pretty regular and that is the most important paper of all. I notice by reading the Herald that quite a few of the Randolph boys are now across and doing their duty as each of us will do. I guess since the latest draft law has been considered, there will be a great many more over there soon.
I want to congratulate the good ladies of Randolph county for their wonderful work for the Red Cross and Belgium Relief fund. I must say that in comparison, they have done better than any other county. I have never received any articles from the Randolph Red Cross, however I truly realize I would have if the good ladies only had my address. Now this will not be an excuse any longer, for I am sending my present address. And I assure you I would be glad to hear from any and all my friends in Randolph county. I will try to let you hear from me oftener if I stay in the U. S. A., and when I land over there I am sure I will clasp glad hands with many Randolph boys who have gone to fight for Democracy and to make dear America a decent place for our good people to live and reign.
Very Sincerely,
John J. Moore,
Armored Car Squadron, M. C.
Philadelphia, Penn.
NOTES: John Jefferson Moore was born in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas on November 14, 1895 and in Popular Bluff, Missouri on September 7, 1965. He is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS