TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SPRINGDALE NEWS SEPTEMBER 6, 1918 P. 3
August 24
We went out to the rifle range Wednesday morning, and came back Friday. I tell you it sure is interesting. First you shoot twenty times standing from the 100-yard line, then twenty times lying, and so on, until you have fired from the 100, 200, 300, 500, and 600 yard line, then you have rapid fire, or ten shots in a minute. Wish you were here and I could take you out and let you see. Papa knows how much sport it is shooting at clay pigeons, well, this is even more interesting. These new 1917 model rifles are sure some gun. They are the ones we take across. Going over is all the talk here, and everyone is wanting to move. The field artillery is already gone. All new men were examined yesterday by the tuburalor and neuro-scythic board, and all passed like a top except one man from New Orleans.
We have been given a string to wear around our neck, to which is attached two aluminum pieces about the size of a half dollar, on which are printed the name and registration number of wearer. Mine reads “John L. Stafford, 2,924,187.” These tags are to be worn constantly, while you are asleep, and cannot be removed even when you take a bath. Then if you are killed this is the Government’s means of identification. One tag is mailed to your home, the other to Washington.
They have issued us our overcoat and raincoat, another shirt an pair of shoes, and more equipment than you ever saw. With this outfit, and packed the way they pack it, Papa, Dr. Dodson, Mr. Deaver and Mr. Myers could start out and have enough for a week’s fishing.
We had field inspection this morning by the Colonel on the parade ground. Had to take out our entire equipment, pitch the tent and make a display of all clothing and equipment.
I am liking the work fine, and am feeling fine and dandy. Airships were flying all over camp this afternoon, and you can hear the machine gun men practicing all the time. Have had my hair cut down to one-inch length, which is compulsory, and also makes it much cooler. The mornings are real cool here.
Fay.
NOTES: This letter was written by John Lafayette Stafford. (known as Fay) Stafford was born on September 3, 1891 in Springdale, Arkansas and died on February 12, 1953. He is buried in the Bluff Cemetery in Springdale.
TRANSCRIBED BY DAVID COLLINS
August 24
We went out to the rifle range Wednesday morning, and came back Friday. I tell you it sure is interesting. First you shoot twenty times standing from the 100-yard line, then twenty times lying, and so on, until you have fired from the 100, 200, 300, 500, and 600 yard line, then you have rapid fire, or ten shots in a minute. Wish you were here and I could take you out and let you see. Papa knows how much sport it is shooting at clay pigeons, well, this is even more interesting. These new 1917 model rifles are sure some gun. They are the ones we take across. Going over is all the talk here, and everyone is wanting to move. The field artillery is already gone. All new men were examined yesterday by the tuburalor and neuro-scythic board, and all passed like a top except one man from New Orleans.
We have been given a string to wear around our neck, to which is attached two aluminum pieces about the size of a half dollar, on which are printed the name and registration number of wearer. Mine reads “John L. Stafford, 2,924,187.” These tags are to be worn constantly, while you are asleep, and cannot be removed even when you take a bath. Then if you are killed this is the Government’s means of identification. One tag is mailed to your home, the other to Washington.
They have issued us our overcoat and raincoat, another shirt an pair of shoes, and more equipment than you ever saw. With this outfit, and packed the way they pack it, Papa, Dr. Dodson, Mr. Deaver and Mr. Myers could start out and have enough for a week’s fishing.
We had field inspection this morning by the Colonel on the parade ground. Had to take out our entire equipment, pitch the tent and make a display of all clothing and equipment.
I am liking the work fine, and am feeling fine and dandy. Airships were flying all over camp this afternoon, and you can hear the machine gun men practicing all the time. Have had my hair cut down to one-inch length, which is compulsory, and also makes it much cooler. The mornings are real cool here.
Fay.
NOTES: This letter was written by John Lafayette Stafford. (known as Fay) Stafford was born on September 3, 1891 in Springdale, Arkansas and died on February 12, 1953. He is buried in the Bluff Cemetery in Springdale.
TRANSCRIBED BY DAVID COLLINS