TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HELENA WORLD NOVEMBER 28, 1917 P. 1
Camp Pike, Arkansas
November 26, 1917.
Mr. L. A. Fitzpatrick,
Helena, Arkansas.
Dear Sir:
I will write to let you know how and where I am. This leaves me well and doing fine. I truly hope you all are the same.
I made it here all right and have been doing fine ever since I have been here. I was made a cooper’s (?) man as soon as I got here. We have drilled only two weeks since we have been here and have been in quarantine ever since, but I think we will be out in a few days. We are supposed to have the aptest crew here, and we are to leave for Virginia after Christmas. I can’t tell when we can come home, but I hope it will be soon. There is a train load of “boys” coming in every day. I have taken my three “shots” and will be examined physically very soon. I have not been out so I could go all over camp as yet, but when the quarantine is raised this time, it will be so I can go to Little Rock or anywhere close around, provided I get back to camp within 24 hours.
Give my regards to Mr. Alex and Miss Katie and Grover, and tell him this is the place for him.
Have they made another call yet? If so, when are the boys to leave? I want to know so I can meet them and find out where they will be. This is such a large place that you can hardly find any one unless you know exactly where they are. I will have to go. The drill bell is ringing now, so you can send me some paper and envelopes and stamps if you please. So I won’t write any more. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Answer at once.
Very truly yours;
Willie Simmons
14th Co., 4th B.T.N.
162d Depot Brigade
Camp Pike, Arkansas.
NOTES: Willie Simmons was an African American soldier.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
Camp Pike, Arkansas
November 26, 1917.
Mr. L. A. Fitzpatrick,
Helena, Arkansas.
Dear Sir:
I will write to let you know how and where I am. This leaves me well and doing fine. I truly hope you all are the same.
I made it here all right and have been doing fine ever since I have been here. I was made a cooper’s (?) man as soon as I got here. We have drilled only two weeks since we have been here and have been in quarantine ever since, but I think we will be out in a few days. We are supposed to have the aptest crew here, and we are to leave for Virginia after Christmas. I can’t tell when we can come home, but I hope it will be soon. There is a train load of “boys” coming in every day. I have taken my three “shots” and will be examined physically very soon. I have not been out so I could go all over camp as yet, but when the quarantine is raised this time, it will be so I can go to Little Rock or anywhere close around, provided I get back to camp within 24 hours.
Give my regards to Mr. Alex and Miss Katie and Grover, and tell him this is the place for him.
Have they made another call yet? If so, when are the boys to leave? I want to know so I can meet them and find out where they will be. This is such a large place that you can hardly find any one unless you know exactly where they are. I will have to go. The drill bell is ringing now, so you can send me some paper and envelopes and stamps if you please. So I won’t write any more. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Answer at once.
Very truly yours;
Willie Simmons
14th Co., 4th B.T.N.
162d Depot Brigade
Camp Pike, Arkansas.
NOTES: Willie Simmons was an African American soldier.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD