"Camp MacArthur is named after the general bearing that
name. When filled to full capacity, it is supposed to hold a
full
brigade or forty-eight regiments (of Wis. and Mich. troops).
Down here we are known by names we used to have in the National
Guard. For example the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry is now called the
127th Infantry. The 4th, 5th and 6th Wisconsin are to be absorbed
by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, and also by new units
formed according to the English-French army system. The new regiments
are to have about 3,700 men, 294 in Headquarters and 250 in each
Company, each company to have two captains and three Lieutenants,
so that, if two or three commissioned officers are killed the
Company will not be left without leaders. In the reorganization
our Medical Corps is being split to pieces. Twelve of us are
practically sure we will go with the Mounted Police, be stationed
in towns and doctor the ailing police.
"Waco is a live, up-to-date town of 35,000 population.
The buildings - residence and business - all seem comparatively
new and smack of a clean, wholesome atmosphere. She boasts
of two skyscrapers, one of twenty-two stories, a bank and the
other a twelve story hotel. The business section rivals the best
of old Wisconsin. On every hand here we see pickaninnies, cotton,
water-melons; and hear that polite drolly accent of the southerner.
They address us as gentle folk, and sir and we're going to show
them, we do not fall short of that high estimation. The days
are not, but the cool nights excellent for sleeping, more than
make up for the heat, and then too, a fellow soon gets used to
the climate here."
November 18, 1917.
"There are scattering cases of measles and diphtheria
all over the camp, but they are so closely watched that the
bothersome maladies don't get very far. About 800 patients
are on the base hospital roster; some going in or out every day.
"Since I was transferred into the Medical Department
of the 127th Infantry, I have enjoyed the most comfortable
quarters, and best food any one could reasonably want in
the army. We are housed in the regulation pyramidal army tent
with following accommodations: sides boarded up four feet, floor,
electric lights, stove and plenty of wood which is brought to
us in trucks and sawed by the unfortunate in the guard house.
As for food, we eat in diningroom of our regimental hospital:
are served by two of our men detailed to kitchen duty, and enjoy
a well-cooked and varied diet.
"The last few days something new and interesting occurred
daily with clock-like regularity. Friday with several others
of
our regiment, we were sent out with a battalion of trench-diggers
and wire-entanglement constructors. We rode out in an ambulance
arriving at the trenches at about eight bells. As few men got
hurt or sick, we wandered about the field where a sham battle
is soon staged, watching the men build trenches in regular French
style: zig, zag, with steps, sand-bags, parapets, and communication
lines. Parapets are constructed in front of every piece of trench,
so that the enemy cannot fire into it from front or flank. I
should think that the wire-entanglements would be a perfect h---
to climb through, when under heavy rifle fire from covered rifle
pits - less than a 100 yards back and supported by machine-guns.
These wire are probably cut in some way or other before an assault,
otherwise and attack would be fatal to a charging column."
Camp Merritt, N.J., Feb. 6, 1918.
"The first time three of us went down, (to New York
City) we went up on Woolworth's from which point we had a fine
panoramic view of the biggest and best part of the city,
the harbor, the bridges, buildings, etc. Although the day was
exceedingly misty we could make out the Statue of Liberty, wharves,
Times and Singer Buildings, Custom House and rest of down town
district. That evening after blowing ourselves for a real feed
at the Algonquin Hotel, we took in the New York Hippodrome where
'Cheer Up' is playing this winter. On our second trip we saw
Chu, Chin Chow, a Persian play with gorgeous and varied costumes
at the Century. Tomorrow we are going to visit Columbia University,
Grant's Tomb, National Museum and Madison Square.
"The people here are fine with us. They treat us the
very best they know how; are anxious to give us hand at every
turn.
Quite a contrast to the spirit we found in the south. Up
here the people are up on their 'pins' all the time, are alive
to the stern reality of war, and realize in a large way what
we are up against."
Somewhere in France, April 18, 1918.
"We are quartered in an old, large stone French house,
known as a chateau. Because we need considerably more room
for medical purposes we are not so closely quartered as some
of the infantry. The water is plenty and good."
May 29, 1918.
"Our detachment is scattered around with the different
companies of the regiment and billeted in buildings of little
French
villages."
June 27, 1918.
"We have been in the trenches twice. Find the French
to be very good soldiers, and also very good comrades. Have
become so accustomed to the sound of artillery and machine-gun
fire, that, unless the missiles seem to be coming rather close,
we don't pay any attention to them than we would fire-crackers
on a Fourth of July."
July 9, 1918.
"Our dugouts are well built, built with an eye to withstand
gas and artillery fire. Some have electric lights, in others
crude
lamps and candles are drafted into service. Some of them
are so deep and dark, that unless a heavy bombardment is on,
you are scarcely awakened, so securely are we covered."
September 11, 1918.
"We have been very busy the last few weeks giving the
Germans a taste of real Americanism. We are resting after having
taken part in a big drive, in which the enemy was pushed
back at least thirty-five kilometers.
"Several weeks ago the Germans began a drive on our
lines, when we in turn counter-attacked and threw them back for
a long distance. The fighting was heavy as the enemy was
well prepared with lots of machine-guns and artillery, but our
fellows were not to be stopped. I witnessed to different charges
on the German lines; our fellows going over in spread formation
and advancing as though they were on parade in the states. Numerous
prisoners were taken. When we would get up close in on them,
they would either throw up their hands and call out 'Kamerad'
or run. Consequently a number of them were shot in the back.
All our medical men worked fine - did splendid work. Our Infantry
has certainly got all kinds of congratulations coming, as they
were the ones who cleared out the Boche when the artillery had
paved the way.
"Saw Ruby Broderick the other day."
August 15, 1918.
"Quentin Roosevelt fell behind the German lines, and
when we advanced through this district a short time ago, some
of
the fellows found his grave. As there is sort of a strong
bond of international fraternalism in brotherhood of aviators,
all aviators, friend or foe, are especially well looked after.
"The pay European soldiers get in comparison to ours
is ridiculously small - some 2 cents, some 5 cents, but none
higher
than one shilling per day. Uncle Sam is doing better by us
under the conditions than is any other nation to its soldiers."