TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD OCTOBER 25, 1918 P. 8
Balboa Park, Cal.
Dear Mother:
As I have a little spare time this afternoon, I will write you a few lines in answer to the letter I received from you yesterday. I am feeling fine today.
Will tell you about navy life as far as I know. Have been here three weeks today and I like it just fine--just the thing for all boys my age. We get to see things, that we would not see, if we were not in service.
This certainly is a pretty country. Lots of pretty groves, flowers and beautiful parks. The main thing is the pretty ships, sailing on the ocean. It certainly is great to be on a boat and to look out and see big waves coming; it makes my heart come out of its place, but I am getting used to it now.
Mother, we do have some good rules in the navy. Anyone caught throwing cigarettes and matches around, is put on extra duty, and that is something I don't want to do. We have sea bag inspection every Monday and Saturday, and I have had mine good every time. We have a certain way to fold our blankets and mattresses and lash our hammocks. We go to bed at 9 o'clock and get up at 5:30. The weather is just like springtime now. We get liberty every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and all day Sunday, and we do enjoy ourselves in those hours.
Say mother, we have Sunday school and church every Sunday. I am taking more interest in church now, than I ever did. Everybody goes to church here.
This clothes washing is what gets me. I think of you everytime I go to wash. I used to think a woman did not have anything to do, but I have changed my mind. However this is a happy life after all. We go to something every night. When the band plays "Home, Sweet Home," or some of those lonesome songs, it makes me feel like I had gotten money from home without asking for it.
Well, will write more and tell you more the next time I write. Tell everybody hello. So good bye. I am as always,
Your son,
Paul
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Balboa Park, Cal.
Dear Mother:
As I have a little spare time this afternoon, I will write you a few lines in answer to the letter I received from you yesterday. I am feeling fine today.
Will tell you about navy life as far as I know. Have been here three weeks today and I like it just fine--just the thing for all boys my age. We get to see things, that we would not see, if we were not in service.
This certainly is a pretty country. Lots of pretty groves, flowers and beautiful parks. The main thing is the pretty ships, sailing on the ocean. It certainly is great to be on a boat and to look out and see big waves coming; it makes my heart come out of its place, but I am getting used to it now.
Mother, we do have some good rules in the navy. Anyone caught throwing cigarettes and matches around, is put on extra duty, and that is something I don't want to do. We have sea bag inspection every Monday and Saturday, and I have had mine good every time. We have a certain way to fold our blankets and mattresses and lash our hammocks. We go to bed at 9 o'clock and get up at 5:30. The weather is just like springtime now. We get liberty every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and all day Sunday, and we do enjoy ourselves in those hours.
Say mother, we have Sunday school and church every Sunday. I am taking more interest in church now, than I ever did. Everybody goes to church here.
This clothes washing is what gets me. I think of you everytime I go to wash. I used to think a woman did not have anything to do, but I have changed my mind. However this is a happy life after all. We go to something every night. When the band plays "Home, Sweet Home," or some of those lonesome songs, it makes me feel like I had gotten money from home without asking for it.
Well, will write more and tell you more the next time I write. Tell everybody hello. So good bye. I am as always,
Your son,
Paul
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD