Halfway Brook

We are quartered in tents now which remind me of Ft. Slocum. But our food is ten times better. We have to eat outside and today we ate in the rain. Nevertheless, I got enough.

I haven’t had any letters from you since the 27th of June and I am beginning to be quite worried. Have you heard from Mac yet?

I wish you would send me a bundle of “Democrats,” “Rural New Yorkers,” “Farm and Homes,” and any other papers except “Lone Scout.” Save them ’til I come home.

I hope you will pardon me for not writing sooner. But when I had paper, I did not have time and when I had time, I could not get paper. Have you heard from Raymond lately? I have had one letter from him.

I don’t suppose there are so many city boarders up this year.

Aunt Aida sent me a couple of pictures of the children saluting. They certainly looked comical, especially Robbie. Is Willie still working at Proctor’s?

Tell Grandfather that I will write him sometime. When I get back home, we will have some time swapping war stories. Raymond will talk for a week steady when he gets back.

I am getting along well. Except in a big drive there is not much danger, so you need not worry about me. Give my love to all.

I’m staying in Astoria now till the end of this month. Astoria is a large city and besides it is a seaport city. This city is on a hill and of course part of it is built on Columbia River. Columbia River is about six miles wide at the part right opposite Astoria.

The men all have come to work in Astoria at the ship yards. Astoria has three large ship yards. And each one has three large ships under construction at present. My father is coming to work at the shipyards also, next Monday.

Saw your address in “Lone Scout,” and thought I would write. Hope this will find you ok.

How do you like the army? I have several friends who have gone to the army. Oh it is so lonesome and makes me sad to see them go. There is a boy in the camp you are in that lived here. I was writing to a boy in Texas. He left for France. I haven’t heard from him since.

My brother takes “Lone Scout” of which he is a member. I saw your address and thought I would write to pass the time.

Arkansas is awfully rough and dry. We haven’t had a good rain since about August. There are lots of measles around here. I had them last June.

We are doing our bit for our country. Some of us who are several miles from a camp, haven’t any idea of what our country is doing to protect herself and it is our duty to do everything we can to win the war.

Almost every person, even children have joined the Red Cross. I think there is nothing nicer than our Red Cross organization. The older ones make the hospital garments and we younger ones hem the pillow cases and knit.

As my letter is getting long, I will describe myself and close. I am five feet four inches tall, have light hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. Age 17 years, weigh 124 pounds.