TRANSCRIBED FROM THE JONESBORO EVENING SUN SEPTEMBER 6, 1918 P. 4.
Camp Pike, Ark.,
September 3, 1918.
To The Jonesboro Sun:
I have been at Camp Pike for over three months, and as I could see many letters in the paper from different boys who were in the service, before I came, I thought that there would be probably a few of my friends who would like to read in the columns of your esteemed paper, a few lines of the experience of Private Earnest Sutherland from the little town of Monette, Ark., (my home town). I visited a lot of the boys from Jonesboro last week and they seem to be doing fine. They said if they ever get their khaki that they would go after “Kaiser Bill.” They all had their heads down, but would come to attention immediately after they received their uniforms. I have experienced several different lines of duty since I’ve been in the service. Namely: drilled, took all kinds of physical exercise, such as the “neck twist,” etc. We have lots of entertainments to go to, such as moving picture, vaudeville acts, seating hall, etc. Several of the boys when they first get here, are “Home sick” for a few days, but I think this is because they are drafted. If they had volunteered like I did, then it would not have gone so hard with them, but you see the main cause of their troubles are that they came before they had gotten ready. Now you know that a soldier does not want to stay in the army very long, before his ambition gets tired of being a buck private, so as I was very ambitious I was here only a month until I was promoted to the high rank of “kitchen police” (K. P.) Now the kitchen police may not be just what some civilians might think it to be. You can do your required duty here without a gun or bulldo. The things most necessary are amply furnished, which is a lot of greasy pans, spoons and other cooking utensils. You are also well supplied with plenty of hot soapy water. Now, this is just about all of what they furnish. You now have to dig up the rest of the necessary equipment which is nerve, backbone, and plenty of elbow grease. All these utilities taken together soon make up for a clean kitchen.
We have plenty to eat and plenty to drink, but I have not seen a drunken man since I’ve been in the army, it seems as if our drinking is that of non-intoxicating liquid.
As this is my first experience of writing where the public might see what I have written, will close, with best wishes to all. I am
Private Earnest Southerland.
NOTES: Private Sutherland was born October 11, 1887. His family moved to Monette, Arkansas when he was young. He died August 25, 1969 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Jonesboro.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.
Camp Pike, Ark.,
September 3, 1918.
To The Jonesboro Sun:
I have been at Camp Pike for over three months, and as I could see many letters in the paper from different boys who were in the service, before I came, I thought that there would be probably a few of my friends who would like to read in the columns of your esteemed paper, a few lines of the experience of Private Earnest Sutherland from the little town of Monette, Ark., (my home town). I visited a lot of the boys from Jonesboro last week and they seem to be doing fine. They said if they ever get their khaki that they would go after “Kaiser Bill.” They all had their heads down, but would come to attention immediately after they received their uniforms. I have experienced several different lines of duty since I’ve been in the service. Namely: drilled, took all kinds of physical exercise, such as the “neck twist,” etc. We have lots of entertainments to go to, such as moving picture, vaudeville acts, seating hall, etc. Several of the boys when they first get here, are “Home sick” for a few days, but I think this is because they are drafted. If they had volunteered like I did, then it would not have gone so hard with them, but you see the main cause of their troubles are that they came before they had gotten ready. Now you know that a soldier does not want to stay in the army very long, before his ambition gets tired of being a buck private, so as I was very ambitious I was here only a month until I was promoted to the high rank of “kitchen police” (K. P.) Now the kitchen police may not be just what some civilians might think it to be. You can do your required duty here without a gun or bulldo. The things most necessary are amply furnished, which is a lot of greasy pans, spoons and other cooking utensils. You are also well supplied with plenty of hot soapy water. Now, this is just about all of what they furnish. You now have to dig up the rest of the necessary equipment which is nerve, backbone, and plenty of elbow grease. All these utilities taken together soon make up for a clean kitchen.
We have plenty to eat and plenty to drink, but I have not seen a drunken man since I’ve been in the army, it seems as if our drinking is that of non-intoxicating liquid.
As this is my first experience of writing where the public might see what I have written, will close, with best wishes to all. I am
Private Earnest Southerland.
NOTES: Private Sutherland was born October 11, 1887. His family moved to Monette, Arkansas when he was young. He died August 25, 1969 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Jonesboro.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.