"We left Jefferson Barracks Thursday night with about
ten minutes notice, thirty-three of us, all Q.M. men, but we
are
stationed in an Inf. building because of better accommodations.
Sure one fine set of officers and think we will like it fine.
May be put in quarantine as one of the fellows that came with
us was sent to the hospital with measles. Will tell you more
later but thought I'd let you know of my change for the better."
Prov. Co. No. 2, Camp Meigs, Wash., D.C.
"Believe me, we have had one wonderful trip; left Camp
Custer Monday A.M. and arrived here early today
(Wednesday). From Camp Custer we went to Detroit and there
we had one peach of a send off by that city. The Red Cross gave
us a lunch of two sandwiches, a pickle, hard-boiled egg, an apple,
a cigar, bar of candy and a cup of coffee; and the crowd gave
us a rousing three cheers. Then our next stop was at St. Thomas,
Canada, and believe me, those people sure gave us the glad hand.
Next was Buffalo and then through Pennsylvania and the mountains.
The scenery there was something I shall always remember.
"This camp is only about twelve blocks from the White
House and two miles from the Capital and there are residences
on two sides of us, so we are right in the heart of the city
you see. We can go up town after 4:30 P.M. and don't have to
be back till 6 A.M. as it is only a small camp of 2,000, so I
will have a fine opportunity of seeing the city."
"Things are running the same old way, doesn't seem to
be much of any change only that they are shipping more men out
every day than they have been doing for some time and sure
hope they continue to do so until they run across my name."
"Today I felt a great deal better and am able to get
around on my feet now, so if everything goes O.K. ought to get
back to work by Saturday or Sunday. Hope so at least. Have
they called any more fellows from Brodhead for the draft? If
so, who? It looks now as if there would be a big demand for men
and am sure some anxious to be on my over and hope I shall not
be disappointed in getting across."
"We were classified the other day and I signed for a
clerk or a storekeeper, also stated I desired foreign service,
so
hope we get fixed up before long and I get sent over."
"Well folks, I guess you can congratulate me for I received
my warrant for Q.M. Sergeant today and that makes me the
highest ranking non. com. in the Detachment. So I am sitting
'right pert' in that respect, but when my application for an
overseas transfer got to the Colonel, he hit it on the head,
and believe me, Little Pet Pevo was all peeved up and hasn't
gotten over it yet.
"We had our first blow today, when one of our fellows
died in the hospital. He was surely a mighty nice fellow and
his
death was a surprise to all of us. We took up a collection
and bought twenty dollars worth of flowers for him."
Camp Lee, Va.
"I may be home with you before long with an honorable
discharge, as it was reported this morning that all of the men
in
these camps would be discharged, so as soon as conditions
settle themselves, there may be steps taken to muster us out.
So don't be at all surprised if you see Tommy dropping in on
you the next month some time.
"They are working us to the utmost at all times, from
5:30 A.M. to 10 at night, and believe me, it is work,
but it's great
dope at that and if there were any object in view, I would
surely stay here if we were given our choice. But the best I
could get out of it would be a Second Lieut. in the Reserve Corps,
and that in my estimation, is of absolutely no benefit, especially
with the rank I am now holding. Of course it might be fine physical
training and all that, but the incentive is all taken out of
it for there is no possibility of getting across now. So I think
it will be better to accept the discharge. There is only one
thing that I regret for al the time I have been in the service,
and that is, that I did not get across, for that was the main
object of my hopes ever since enlisting. But one has to go where
he is sent and it was my misfortune not to have been sent over,
and I can assure you it was a huge disappointment to me.
"Was glad to hear Brodhead has such a fine celebration
on Armistice Day.
"Must close, with expectations of seeing you soon."