Letter #65

Letter #65                                                                                                            July 23, 1918

                                                                                                                         Camp Dodge, Iowa

My Dear Sweetheart,

                Do you remember what we were doing one year ago today?  I have been thinking about it since Sunday.  Well, dear, I’m feeling fine now; for I’ve received my long looked for love message.  Two of them came yesterday.  I surely am as tickled as a kid, or soldier, for just to have it in my pocket was enough.  I was on duty yesterday when I received it, that is, I was waiting on tables.  It gave me new life, for I was sure then there was something in it for me.  I could not read it then, but just as soon as I got a few moments to spare, I was reading that everlasting love and life saver you sent to me.  Life here is beginning to be different now.  For me, I‘m getting acquainted with the new ways and the new men.

                Sunday evening I went to the Y for the first time since I arrived here, and by the looks of things, I’m to stay in the rest of the time.  We are under quarantine for another two weeks because of another case of measles.  At the Y I wrote to Jay, and then went to an evening meeting.  The minister, or chaplain, said one thing in the opening prayer I did not agree with.  It was this, “We leave everything unto Thee.”  He forgot that everyone must do his part.  The rest of the service was very interesting, for he dealt on the love and appreciation every soldier should show his mother and sisters and you, dear love.  I surely felt like I was doing everything he called for, and above all, I was living my religion. After that, I felt like it was Sunday.  George was there, and you know how I like to be near him and share my thoughts with him.  We met a few of our fellows from Boulder.  They all seemed anxious to see each other.

                Yesterday we packed our pack and went for a short hike.  It was the first one I have ever been on since coming here. I think I can stand them as well as most of the men, for my body is in strong healthy condition.  Yesterday afternoon, we had another inspection that is of our body and our clothing.  Then we were given an hour in first aid work.  But last night was the most interesting part of the day.  Those who were waiters had to wash dishes.  Well, I never knew what it was to wash so many dishes.  We washed from 7 o’clock until 8 o’clock.  There were five and six of us working.  Now we did not loaf, for the sweat rolled down my back in streams.  My underwear was like a dish rag.  I thought how much good that might be to me someday, when you and I are so happy, you know what I mean?

                Well dear, my hair is all off, but I saved you one lock, and Mother one, too.  I surely do look like a freak.   But what could I do?  The fellows are catching all of the men and cutting their hair for them, so you see I’m not alone. 

                I received that sweet box of candy today, and oh, dear, how nice and sweet it tasted.  It surely proves to me the real value of a true lover, for I could just taste the desire and love which you made and sent it with.  I gave some of the fellows near me some.  They said, “It surely it is real candy.”  And when I told them it was from Utah, they didn’t know what to do or say, but one fellow said a little ditty about the Mormons on plural marriage.  I told him, “That may be true, but one thing I do know, those who do most of the talking are also guilty of the same thing.”  No more was said.

                You asked about the white bands on the arms of the men in the picture.  No, dear, they are not for quarantine, but for the ranks of corporals and sergeants.  Not all of the corporals had them. 

                Well, dear, I am back again.  Did you know I wrote the first of this at noon?  Mess is over and I feel like I could enjoy a good night’s rest.   The only time I have to write is between rest periods.  As a rule, we go out after mess and have some kind of work.        

                Tonight we had a passing review.  That is, each company is lined up and then all march in a continuous line passed the lieutenant general of the division.  We are led by the major.  I suppose you have often wondered why I haven’t been placed forward as much as some of the others.  One thing is clear.  When I entered military life, I knew nothing about it.  There are, as a rule, a number of men, always, who are retained from those who have been in the army for a year or so.  There is not much chance for those who do not have recommendations from some big man of the state or large company or concern.  Many of the men who are getting all of the good commissions know but little more about military rules, if not less, than I do.  So you see, dear, how hard it is for one to make such a good headway the first year one is in the army.  I hope I am not in the army a year to obtain such honors, for they may be of value to some, but I think my life at home would be of more value to me and to you dear, don’t you?

                You said you didn’t tell Jay about my promotion at Boulder.  Well, dear, it would not have been any harm, for you know what a good friend Jay and Viola are to you and me.  I did not intend for you to keep it to yourself.  Just tell those you could trust.  You know how it is, don’t you dear.  You tell some and it would be scattered all over the town like wildfire.  Not that I’m ashamed of it, but I don’t want everyone to know some things which are taking place here. 

                From all reports, or the way I read your letters, Hazel was, or seemed to be a little, out of patience.  Or was she sore at me for not writing?  I do hope she was not, for I did not intend it that way.  I just can’t find time to write.  She may say, “Cut down on your other letters.”  Oh, how could I do that, for I can’t say all I want to as it is.  Tell her I will write her a nice long sweet letter the first spare time I have, and if she gets out of patience with me, I’ll come home and give her a good spanking.  Dear, give my best regards to your mother and father and mine.

                Deloras told you she was sore at me.  Well, dear love, if you will let me off and forgive me, I will shorten this and write a page to her.  Now, dear love, don’t worry about me, for I’ll feeling okay and enjoying my work more every day.  Things are beginning to brighten up a little more, and I seem a great deal more contented with the life and future before me.  May God be with you and help you at all times is my sincere desire.  Remember me to all.

                                                                                                Your loving soldier, Henry

P.S. The news of Ralph Rampton and his wife is surely a surprise.  I hope my married life is not that way,  if ever I have the privilege to marry.  Please excuse this mix up, for I tried three times and was interrupted each time.