TRANSCRIBED FROM THE GREEN FOREST TRIBUNE APRIL 19, 1918 P. 2
Camp Jos. E. Johnston,
Jacksonville, Fla.
April 13, 1918.
Mrs. Margie Smith,
Green Forest, Ark.
Dear Mrs. Smith:
Have intended to write you several times but really have had nothing of interest to tell, but for fear I might have some good friend who would like to hear from me will take advantage of the opportunity to write a few lines.
The things I would like to tell you of I am forbidden for we have a strict censorship in a way. That is, we are placed on our honor and that is all an officer has. If he hasn’t honor he is sent home in disgrace. I guess you get as much news of the present conflict from papers as I do. Of course, I get some information that you don’t but it is intended for us only.
Mrs. Poyner wrote me of the patriotic meeting held there. Wish I could have been present for I could have told them some things that might have helped. Some are beginning to realize that we are at war but I am afraid it will take a few military funerals to awaken some. So many don’t even know why we are at war and some don’t care as they will do everything in their power to keep out and are satisfied if some one else will make the sacrifice for them. This is not a war for dollars, neither is it a fight for conquest or spoils. It is a fight to the finish for the Womanhood of America. The future fate of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters (yours and mine) is at stake and it is up to the men of America to lay down their all for them. And I say without fear and hesitation that any man who is able to do his bit either physically or financially and does not do so is a moral coward and does not deserve the countenance or respect of the women of ours and should and will be classed as slackers and undesirables. This may sound a little harsh but that is the only way I can see it and I am asking nobody’s pardon for saying it.
Probably when you get this I will be on my way. I am going over soon but don’t know the date. We will go as a surgical unit and will not know our destination even until we get there. It is hard to leave one’s family but some one must go and I am no better than others, except that I feel that I am competent to help in a good work like taking care of the wounded. My experience here has been great along the lines of surgery and I feel that when I get back I can give my friends the benefit of my experience in a more helpful way.
I was promoted to rank of captain on the 9th for which I am very thankful.
I feel that I am leaving my family in the hands of friends and I know that you will show them every courtesy possible. Would like to see you all before I leave but it will be impossible. I had planned to visit home in May but Uncle Sammy needs me other places so I will obey orders first.
Would be glad to have a personal letter from you any time and I don’t think Lee would object very seriously. Best regards to Lee and Miss Montana and all who ask about me.
Your friend,
E. E. Poyner
Capt. M.R.C. U.S.A.
NOTES: Dr. Erton Edwin Poynor was born in May 1881 in Berryville, Arkansas and died on November 11, 1930 in Carroll County, Arkansas. He is buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in Green Forest, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Camp Jos. E. Johnston,
Jacksonville, Fla.
April 13, 1918.
Mrs. Margie Smith,
Green Forest, Ark.
Dear Mrs. Smith:
Have intended to write you several times but really have had nothing of interest to tell, but for fear I might have some good friend who would like to hear from me will take advantage of the opportunity to write a few lines.
The things I would like to tell you of I am forbidden for we have a strict censorship in a way. That is, we are placed on our honor and that is all an officer has. If he hasn’t honor he is sent home in disgrace. I guess you get as much news of the present conflict from papers as I do. Of course, I get some information that you don’t but it is intended for us only.
Mrs. Poyner wrote me of the patriotic meeting held there. Wish I could have been present for I could have told them some things that might have helped. Some are beginning to realize that we are at war but I am afraid it will take a few military funerals to awaken some. So many don’t even know why we are at war and some don’t care as they will do everything in their power to keep out and are satisfied if some one else will make the sacrifice for them. This is not a war for dollars, neither is it a fight for conquest or spoils. It is a fight to the finish for the Womanhood of America. The future fate of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters (yours and mine) is at stake and it is up to the men of America to lay down their all for them. And I say without fear and hesitation that any man who is able to do his bit either physically or financially and does not do so is a moral coward and does not deserve the countenance or respect of the women of ours and should and will be classed as slackers and undesirables. This may sound a little harsh but that is the only way I can see it and I am asking nobody’s pardon for saying it.
Probably when you get this I will be on my way. I am going over soon but don’t know the date. We will go as a surgical unit and will not know our destination even until we get there. It is hard to leave one’s family but some one must go and I am no better than others, except that I feel that I am competent to help in a good work like taking care of the wounded. My experience here has been great along the lines of surgery and I feel that when I get back I can give my friends the benefit of my experience in a more helpful way.
I was promoted to rank of captain on the 9th for which I am very thankful.
I feel that I am leaving my family in the hands of friends and I know that you will show them every courtesy possible. Would like to see you all before I leave but it will be impossible. I had planned to visit home in May but Uncle Sammy needs me other places so I will obey orders first.
Would be glad to have a personal letter from you any time and I don’t think Lee would object very seriously. Best regards to Lee and Miss Montana and all who ask about me.
Your friend,
E. E. Poyner
Capt. M.R.C. U.S.A.
NOTES: Dr. Erton Edwin Poynor was born in May 1881 in Berryville, Arkansas and died on November 11, 1930 in Carroll County, Arkansas. He is buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in Green Forest, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS