TRANSCRIBED FROM THE NEWARK JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 12, 1918
At sea
Dear Home Folks:
Will land sometime tonight and you can’t imagine how glad I will be. I’ve often wanted to “Boat Ride” but I have had my share,---no more for me.
The boys are all anxious to land and get down to real work. However, we don’t know what’s before us. Can only hope everything good and I really believe it is. We were up this morning before day light and saw the sunrise on the ocean. It was beautiful but the beauty was lessened by thoughts of loved ones far away. Nevertheless it helps to know there is someone back home thinking and praying for our return. If it were not for these things life would be of no value to some of us. But a dear sweet little mother like I have would encourage a boy to try anything that’s for her happiness and safety.
Will write you just as soon as I land, so it will come back on the first boat. Will write you twice-a-week if possible and you write me real often.
Think of me for you all are my momentary thoughts and best of wishes are my mine for all. Tell everybody to write me. Wish I could tell you some things I know but can’t. However, I’m safe and dandy so don’t worry.
Love to all, oceans for yourself, each wave a kiss and each fish a good wish. As ever.
Your baby,
Kirk
NOTES: Written by Kirk Vaughan of Newark. He was born on April 14, 1891 and died on May 4, 1967. He was a Mess Sgt. in Company D of the 26th Infantry. He is buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
At sea
Dear Home Folks:
Will land sometime tonight and you can’t imagine how glad I will be. I’ve often wanted to “Boat Ride” but I have had my share,---no more for me.
The boys are all anxious to land and get down to real work. However, we don’t know what’s before us. Can only hope everything good and I really believe it is. We were up this morning before day light and saw the sunrise on the ocean. It was beautiful but the beauty was lessened by thoughts of loved ones far away. Nevertheless it helps to know there is someone back home thinking and praying for our return. If it were not for these things life would be of no value to some of us. But a dear sweet little mother like I have would encourage a boy to try anything that’s for her happiness and safety.
Will write you just as soon as I land, so it will come back on the first boat. Will write you twice-a-week if possible and you write me real often.
Think of me for you all are my momentary thoughts and best of wishes are my mine for all. Tell everybody to write me. Wish I could tell you some things I know but can’t. However, I’m safe and dandy so don’t worry.
Love to all, oceans for yourself, each wave a kiss and each fish a good wish. As ever.
Your baby,
Kirk
NOTES: Written by Kirk Vaughan of Newark. He was born on April 14, 1891 and died on May 4, 1967. He was a Mess Sgt. in Company D of the 26th Infantry. He is buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON