TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MELBOURNE TIMES, AUGUST 30, 1917, P. 2
Dear Editor and Friends.
On going home a short while ago, we found that some one had told over the county that we were dissatisfied with army life, and we want to use the Times to correct this error. We are prond that we are wearing “Uncle Sam’s” uniform and are training to defend our flag. As you all know we joined of our own free will and because we thought it our duty.
Now, the army is not like it was in peace times. We never worked as hard before as we have to work since we enlisted. We drill six hours a day and do any other work that needs to be done. We are usually busy from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. Then we can spend our time as we choose. We have night school for the non commissioned officers and those who wish to be better soldiers and advance and their studies.
All you boys have seen the posters the army uses: “Join the army and see the world. Good chance for advancement etc.” It is just that way. If you have ambition and ebucation you can soon command respect. It is a survival of the fittest. If you are not a man it will soon be found out.
Now as to our going to France, we don’t know any more about that than you do. Most of us want to go, but we are in no particular hurry because we realize the necessity of being properly drilled, as it would be murder to send an ill drilled army across.
We move to the new Cantonment here at Little Rock some time this week, and from there to Alexandrian La., where we will be statioueb until further orders.
We would like to have seen all our friends while we were at home, but we did not have the time. We appreciate hearing from all of you but if we answered everyone individually, we would have little time left for drilling.
Let us all work together, and those who cannot fight have a chance to serve their country by supplying the armies in the field.
Hoping to see you all after the war is successfully ended, we are, Respectfully yours,
James W. Saffell
William E. Baxter
Co “G”, 1st Ark. Inf
Fort Logan H. Roots, Ark.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD
Dear Editor and Friends.
On going home a short while ago, we found that some one had told over the county that we were dissatisfied with army life, and we want to use the Times to correct this error. We are prond that we are wearing “Uncle Sam’s” uniform and are training to defend our flag. As you all know we joined of our own free will and because we thought it our duty.
Now, the army is not like it was in peace times. We never worked as hard before as we have to work since we enlisted. We drill six hours a day and do any other work that needs to be done. We are usually busy from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. Then we can spend our time as we choose. We have night school for the non commissioned officers and those who wish to be better soldiers and advance and their studies.
All you boys have seen the posters the army uses: “Join the army and see the world. Good chance for advancement etc.” It is just that way. If you have ambition and ebucation you can soon command respect. It is a survival of the fittest. If you are not a man it will soon be found out.
Now as to our going to France, we don’t know any more about that than you do. Most of us want to go, but we are in no particular hurry because we realize the necessity of being properly drilled, as it would be murder to send an ill drilled army across.
We move to the new Cantonment here at Little Rock some time this week, and from there to Alexandrian La., where we will be statioueb until further orders.
We would like to have seen all our friends while we were at home, but we did not have the time. We appreciate hearing from all of you but if we answered everyone individually, we would have little time left for drilling.
Let us all work together, and those who cannot fight have a chance to serve their country by supplying the armies in the field.
Hoping to see you all after the war is successfully ended, we are, Respectfully yours,
James W. Saffell
William E. Baxter
Co “G”, 1st Ark. Inf
Fort Logan H. Roots, Ark.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD