"In my last letter I mentioned the possibility of a
transfer to Headquarters. Well, seventeen of us were transferred
yesterday. They have 350 men in the company and only 100
are infantry men. Nearly every branch of service is represented
in this company. If I do not make good here I may be put back
in Co. H so I am not going to congratulate myself too much until
I know for certain that the transfer is to be permanent. This
is the best company in the regiment and has only picked men.
"The food is one hundred percent better than I got in
Co. H. We eat in regular civilized style, eight of us at a table
and we
do not have to run to the kitchen when we want 'seconds,'
the K.P.'s bring it to us. We have inspection every day here.
All our clothes and equipment have to be in first class order
all the time. We are required to have shoes shined, trousers
and shirt pressed, and to wear a black four-in-hand tie."
Headquarters 35th Infantry, Camp Travis, Texas,
Aug. 24, 1918.
"Well, we finally reached this camp after having been
packed for more than a week and sleeping upon the floor of our
barracks at night. However, 'soft pine' boards make a comfortable
bed.
"Tony and I are separated for the first time since we
left Brodhead, but I think his company will be shipped here as
soon
as some other companies relieve them from guard duty.
"The trip here was tiresome, as we rode for two and
one-half days in day coaches through the most barren part of
Texas. However, the journey was made more pleasant by the
Red Cross ladies at the larger towns, who passed out refreshments
to us. At El Paso we all received a bath at a large Red Cross
bath-house near the depot and it refreshed us more than anything
else could.
"This camp has several customs that are new to us, but
it won't take long to learn them. For instance, each day at noon,
at the sound of a loud, shrill siren, all men are required
to stand at attention, giving their respect to the fallen soldiers
in France.
"The heat is more noticeable here than at Nogales on
account of the lower elevation and I understand we will have
to
drill eight hours a day. Nevertheless I am mighty glad to
be here. Be sure you write as often as you can."