TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SPRINGDALE NEWS NOVEMBER 1, 1918 P. 3
Camp Pike
Oct. 12.
Dear Wife:
I am feeling fine and have been ever since I landed in camp, and I am thankful that I am able to stand the drilling. I like drilling fine, also like the exercises. It looks like we were here for the winter, as we had another heavy blanket issued us, but we can’t tell. We may leave here in a week, or we may not leave till we start home. Some of the boys say we will never have to cross the pond, but if we are all ready, I don’t think the Kaiser ought to have peace till we boys all get a crack at his scalp.
We have about thirty minutes drill every day with our gas masks, and I have the record using them. I take one out of the sling and put it on in four and a half seconds. The lieutenant says that I’ll never get hurt by gas. I can handle my rifle as well as I can handle my chopping axe. The lieutenant asked me if I would handle a squad and I told him I would try, so I am a corporal now. I did’nt want it, but he insisted on me taking it.
There are several cases of Spanish flue here, and there have been a few died. Camp Pike is quarantined now, won’t let any one in or not. Think the disease is in every camp. I received a letter from Charlie Mayfield at Camp Dodge, Iowa, a few days ago and I guess from the way he wrote he has started across, or will start soon. Would like to be right along with him.
What are you people all doing on the Fourth Liberty Loan? This is the time when every one should do his bit. We soldier boys are buying Liberty Bonds, just like a fellow would buy chewing gum for his sweetheart. One lieutenant started in my company Friday and now he has $4800 and I think every one that is able and can will do their bit to win this war. The Fourth Liberty Loan is going to win the war. Most all the boys here took from $100 to $50.
I feel like God has greatly blessed me since I have been at Camp Pike, and I want to ask all the boys and men to get right with God, and if they have to come and fight for their country they can start from home with Him. Love to all.
O. L. Williams,
Co. C, 1st Rep. Div, Camp Pike, Ark.
NOTES: Ottis (NEWSPAPER MISSPELLED HIS NAME) Lawrence Williams was born in Goshen, Arkansas on February 1, 1895 and died on January 25, 1979. He is buried in the Farmington Cemetery in Farmington, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Camp Pike
Oct. 12.
Dear Wife:
I am feeling fine and have been ever since I landed in camp, and I am thankful that I am able to stand the drilling. I like drilling fine, also like the exercises. It looks like we were here for the winter, as we had another heavy blanket issued us, but we can’t tell. We may leave here in a week, or we may not leave till we start home. Some of the boys say we will never have to cross the pond, but if we are all ready, I don’t think the Kaiser ought to have peace till we boys all get a crack at his scalp.
We have about thirty minutes drill every day with our gas masks, and I have the record using them. I take one out of the sling and put it on in four and a half seconds. The lieutenant says that I’ll never get hurt by gas. I can handle my rifle as well as I can handle my chopping axe. The lieutenant asked me if I would handle a squad and I told him I would try, so I am a corporal now. I did’nt want it, but he insisted on me taking it.
There are several cases of Spanish flue here, and there have been a few died. Camp Pike is quarantined now, won’t let any one in or not. Think the disease is in every camp. I received a letter from Charlie Mayfield at Camp Dodge, Iowa, a few days ago and I guess from the way he wrote he has started across, or will start soon. Would like to be right along with him.
What are you people all doing on the Fourth Liberty Loan? This is the time when every one should do his bit. We soldier boys are buying Liberty Bonds, just like a fellow would buy chewing gum for his sweetheart. One lieutenant started in my company Friday and now he has $4800 and I think every one that is able and can will do their bit to win this war. The Fourth Liberty Loan is going to win the war. Most all the boys here took from $100 to $50.
I feel like God has greatly blessed me since I have been at Camp Pike, and I want to ask all the boys and men to get right with God, and if they have to come and fight for their country they can start from home with Him. Love to all.
O. L. Williams,
Co. C, 1st Rep. Div, Camp Pike, Ark.
NOTES: Ottis (NEWSPAPER MISSPELLED HIS NAME) Lawrence Williams was born in Goshen, Arkansas on February 1, 1895 and died on January 25, 1979. He is buried in the Farmington Cemetery in Farmington, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS