TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER MARCH 13, 1918 P. 4
Camp American University,
Washington D. C. Mar. 3, 1918.
Dear “Mother”:
Everything seems wrong since you left us. Everytime I come into the Y. M. C. A. I look around for you. It is inexpressible to state my appreciation for the wonderful things you have done for us. But since we are scattered and it is impossible to see us and your regular three weeks’ visit I think of you and love you all the more. I want to thank you from a heart that is pure American and would give its last beat for you for the supper. I enjoyed it immensely. I saw the proof of our picture. It is good. I think we are all OK.
Our company is doing guard duty now. I was issued a rifle this A. M. We who have had previous training are doing the guarding. I was talking with sergeant Hamm last night, he is expecting a transfer to headquarters company. That is the best company of a battalion to get by easy. I am expecting something good when we get across. I attended a noncommission school Friday night and I think my knowledge and experience is equal to the majority of the men.
The saying “so old a head on such young shoulders” that’s me. I have worked some at a great many things and I always take hold to learn all I can about it. I never was shown how to do a thing but the one time. I have always been rapidly promoted. I hope to learn enough while in the service to be prepared for one of those big jobs on the L. & NW when I get back of course I’ll come back – but when?
Give our best to our friends in Magnolia.
With lots of love, from
Joe Turrentine.
NOTES: Joseph S. Turrentine was born on August 25, 1895 at De Queen, Arkansas and died February 21, 1967 Shreveport, Louisiana. He was described as being of medium height and weight with blue eyes and light hair. He first enlisted in Company K of the state troops.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Camp American University,
Washington D. C. Mar. 3, 1918.
Dear “Mother”:
Everything seems wrong since you left us. Everytime I come into the Y. M. C. A. I look around for you. It is inexpressible to state my appreciation for the wonderful things you have done for us. But since we are scattered and it is impossible to see us and your regular three weeks’ visit I think of you and love you all the more. I want to thank you from a heart that is pure American and would give its last beat for you for the supper. I enjoyed it immensely. I saw the proof of our picture. It is good. I think we are all OK.
Our company is doing guard duty now. I was issued a rifle this A. M. We who have had previous training are doing the guarding. I was talking with sergeant Hamm last night, he is expecting a transfer to headquarters company. That is the best company of a battalion to get by easy. I am expecting something good when we get across. I attended a noncommission school Friday night and I think my knowledge and experience is equal to the majority of the men.
The saying “so old a head on such young shoulders” that’s me. I have worked some at a great many things and I always take hold to learn all I can about it. I never was shown how to do a thing but the one time. I have always been rapidly promoted. I hope to learn enough while in the service to be prepared for one of those big jobs on the L. & NW when I get back of course I’ll come back – but when?
Give our best to our friends in Magnolia.
With lots of love, from
Joe Turrentine.
NOTES: Joseph S. Turrentine was born on August 25, 1895 at De Queen, Arkansas and died February 21, 1967 Shreveport, Louisiana. He was described as being of medium height and weight with blue eyes and light hair. He first enlisted in Company K of the state troops.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT