TRANSCRIBED FROM THE BRINKLEY ARGUS FEBRUARY 22, 1918 P. 1
Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Stratton of Blackton Writes of His Trip Over.
Aboard the Steamer Going Over
Feb. --, 1918
Dear Folks:
I have enough confidence in Uncle Sam to believe that he will get us across safely and so am starting on my letter to you now, so I can mail it the first opportunity.
The voyage, so far, has has been great. It was cold and rough the first few days but later it got much warmer, and was comfortable on deck in shirt sleeves. It is beginning to get colder and rougher, but not too much to enjoy being on deck. I have been very fortunate and have not been sea sick, although I was very near it a couple of times. A great many of the fellows were sick but nearly all of them are alright now. The knitted helmet sure was the thing for the trip. I put it in my mackinaw pocket before we started and had it ready. On deck on windy days it was just the thing, for hats are hard to hold on and several of the fellows lost their hats overboard. It was also good and warm on cold days, and was mighty glad to have it along.
We had quite a time washing with ordinary soap for it will not lather in salt water. They sell a salt water soap and also Lava at the canteens and I have managed to keep clean. The Lava is the best of all and any coming over should have a bar in his pack, as the canteen does not open until you are two days out.
Reading matter is at a premium. The few magazines azines aboard are those that have been sent the soldiers, by the subscribers placing a stamp on them and remailing. Most of them are two months old. But they are read and re-read and guarded very closely. You usually have to have one to exchange in order to get a different one to read.
This is written under difficulties, as I am using my bed for a desk and the ship rocks considerably, but perhaps you can make it out.
TWO DAYS LATER
Safe in port. The first sight of land sure was a welcome sight. I have been feeling fine and enjoyed every bit of the trip, but of course I am glad we are over. The shore lights look good tonight, we have looked at water so long. Cannot tell how long they will hold us aboard before we go ashore, but expect it will be several days. The sight of land is grand enough even if we do not get to set foot on it for a while.
With love to all.
Ray.
NOTES: This letter was written by Ray Stratton to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Stratton of Blackton, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Stratton of Blackton Writes of His Trip Over.
Aboard the Steamer Going Over
Feb. --, 1918
Dear Folks:
I have enough confidence in Uncle Sam to believe that he will get us across safely and so am starting on my letter to you now, so I can mail it the first opportunity.
The voyage, so far, has has been great. It was cold and rough the first few days but later it got much warmer, and was comfortable on deck in shirt sleeves. It is beginning to get colder and rougher, but not too much to enjoy being on deck. I have been very fortunate and have not been sea sick, although I was very near it a couple of times. A great many of the fellows were sick but nearly all of them are alright now. The knitted helmet sure was the thing for the trip. I put it in my mackinaw pocket before we started and had it ready. On deck on windy days it was just the thing, for hats are hard to hold on and several of the fellows lost their hats overboard. It was also good and warm on cold days, and was mighty glad to have it along.
We had quite a time washing with ordinary soap for it will not lather in salt water. They sell a salt water soap and also Lava at the canteens and I have managed to keep clean. The Lava is the best of all and any coming over should have a bar in his pack, as the canteen does not open until you are two days out.
Reading matter is at a premium. The few magazines azines aboard are those that have been sent the soldiers, by the subscribers placing a stamp on them and remailing. Most of them are two months old. But they are read and re-read and guarded very closely. You usually have to have one to exchange in order to get a different one to read.
This is written under difficulties, as I am using my bed for a desk and the ship rocks considerably, but perhaps you can make it out.
TWO DAYS LATER
Safe in port. The first sight of land sure was a welcome sight. I have been feeling fine and enjoyed every bit of the trip, but of course I am glad we are over. The shore lights look good tonight, we have looked at water so long. Cannot tell how long they will hold us aboard before we go ashore, but expect it will be several days. The sight of land is grand enough even if we do not get to set foot on it for a while.
With love to all.
Ray.
NOTES: This letter was written by Ray Stratton to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Stratton of Blackton, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD