TRANSCRIBED FROM THE GREEN FOREST TRIBUNE JUNE 21, 1918, P. 2
Cavite, P. I., May 3, 1918.
Dear Roy
In cleaning out my desk drawer I came across a letter from you which reminded that I hadn't written you in many months. So I will stop cleaning out the desk and write you a few lines, which please share with Uncle Clem and Aunt Tiza and any other of our relatives whom you may see. I said at the starting of this letter that I am now cleaning out my desk drawer, I am doing this preparatory to transferring my command to some other officer and I will return to the states and join the army some place, or I may go direct to France and join it there. Anyway I am determined to be in the fighting before many more months pass. I have just received a letter from the war department which informs me that I will be placed on duty at once with the troops if I return to the states but that unless I do so I will have to remain in the Philippines. So I have been retired from this service, at my earliest request, and will leave here on the next transport for San Francisco and report for duty. I will probably be there when you receive this letter.
I often wonder how many of our young relatives have gone to the war I would have gone long ago, but I have been held here to go with a division of Filipino soldiers, but it now appears that this division will not leave the islands so I, so far as I know, am at liberty to return to the states.
Since my return to the islands I have been promoted to the rank of major, but my army rank is that of captain. I feel sure that I will also get a majority, if not better, when I report for duty.
Senator Kirby of Arkansas has been very nice and attentive in working for my interest at Washington. Also John L. Worthington has assisted me. So you see our trip to Harrison was well worth while.
Elizabeth and I are both in excellent health. Elizabeth will go to France, if possible, as a nurse. She is determined to go and I believe it can be managed for her. Love from us both to Hattie and Bessie and the rest of our relatives.
Your cousin,
JOHN R. YOUNGBLOOD
NOTES: John Raymond Youngblood was born in Carroll County, Arkansas on February 17, 1894 and died there on November 21, 1883. He is buried in the Hale Cemetery in Berryville, Arkansas. He was writing this letter from the Philippine Islands.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Cavite, P. I., May 3, 1918.
Dear Roy
In cleaning out my desk drawer I came across a letter from you which reminded that I hadn't written you in many months. So I will stop cleaning out the desk and write you a few lines, which please share with Uncle Clem and Aunt Tiza and any other of our relatives whom you may see. I said at the starting of this letter that I am now cleaning out my desk drawer, I am doing this preparatory to transferring my command to some other officer and I will return to the states and join the army some place, or I may go direct to France and join it there. Anyway I am determined to be in the fighting before many more months pass. I have just received a letter from the war department which informs me that I will be placed on duty at once with the troops if I return to the states but that unless I do so I will have to remain in the Philippines. So I have been retired from this service, at my earliest request, and will leave here on the next transport for San Francisco and report for duty. I will probably be there when you receive this letter.
I often wonder how many of our young relatives have gone to the war I would have gone long ago, but I have been held here to go with a division of Filipino soldiers, but it now appears that this division will not leave the islands so I, so far as I know, am at liberty to return to the states.
Since my return to the islands I have been promoted to the rank of major, but my army rank is that of captain. I feel sure that I will also get a majority, if not better, when I report for duty.
Senator Kirby of Arkansas has been very nice and attentive in working for my interest at Washington. Also John L. Worthington has assisted me. So you see our trip to Harrison was well worth while.
Elizabeth and I are both in excellent health. Elizabeth will go to France, if possible, as a nurse. She is determined to go and I believe it can be managed for her. Love from us both to Hattie and Bessie and the rest of our relatives.
Your cousin,
JOHN R. YOUNGBLOOD
NOTES: John Raymond Youngblood was born in Carroll County, Arkansas on February 17, 1894 and died there on November 21, 1883. He is buried in the Hale Cemetery in Berryville, Arkansas. He was writing this letter from the Philippine Islands.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD