Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-09-21
LETTERS FROM
MAINE BOYS IN
BORDER SERVICE
vs. w.
Laredo, Tex,
Sept. u, 1916.

W. ~
Laredo. Tex,
Sept. u, 1916.
Dear Mama and ALL
There is a constant chew about when
we 20 home, with all kinds OF rawlings
now constantly. The orders change
so fast that / don't believe even the
Colonel knows sure.
Now Cos. NJ, I, L, X came in last
night beating the record for this coun-
try down here. doing 81 miles in 81
hours and they were in fine shape. I
haven't seen them much yet as my
rifle was in bad shape and that took
time to clean. That makes me think
we do our range work all over right
here; perhaps I can beat my last rec
ord. Hope so.
I can do pretty we'll on the down
town range with a %, shooting down 4
out Of stars at so feet offhand and
three out Of five on my back. Had the
Texas boys betting on me against the
14th California boys anything in troop
N with odds two to one and none
would bet. They are half the kind that
get shot up as they did June 18th.
Well, the Old-timers use me fine and
are pleased with those things and
many make the remark that I am the
kind they used to like 30 years ago,
and enough like two Higgins brothers
that came down here ABOUT that time
to be son Of the oldest one. But they
were too good law and order men to
last. One is resting over in New Mex
leo and has been for 20 years with two
outlaws that he got after. He was
shot through the lung. The other Is
farming in South America.
We were in lunch room, Missouri
fellow and I, when three ex-Deputy
Marsha]s came in and started talking
to u.s. Then in came one Of the old
style COW punchers.. He looked at me
a minute then came over and asked
like this: "Well partner, may I call
you young Buck Higgins? You make
me think of my old pal, Buck Higgins.
from Name" I told him I guessed ne
could as my name was Higgins and
was from Maine. Well, he just set up
feed for the whole six Of us and got
acquainted. They told stories Of 80
years ago, and today. It seems fell
low needs gun more today than then.
He took US all down to a melon stand
and treated, then we went TO the shoot
ing gallery where he (fIike Jones) did
the thing up brown with the pistol but
trimmed them with the rifle on speed
and score. Jones paid for all this.
He talked of back East with tears
in his eyes, and said he had
had the best evening in 20 years, for
that matter since he lost Buck.
One Of the other fellows came up part
way with us and he said Hike killed
eight outlaws because they were part
of the gang.
There are many pleasant experiences
like this since coming back to Laredo.
Also Is 1-2 hours guard at quartermas-
ter's headquarters and paymasters
officer down town.
I voted yesterday, Of course
Say, the way I am gaining l will be
giant soon. about one to one and a
quarter day, and the best of feed yes
terday and today and they say i. IS
going to last.
Have your letter Of the sth and am
sending Melvin something by Parcel
Post for his birthday.
am sorry for young Luce, but bull
let taken good care of don't amount to
much unless it hits a vital spot.
think I will get a No. 2 folding
Brownie pay day. It will cost me $500
but think the pictures will be worth
more in years to come and it will 70
with my old outfit again. The Leuten-
ant will let me lock it up so 1t will be
all o. K.
think am all over being homesick
for good now.
could write more but guess I wont
waste pencil, so love and pest wishes to
all
Yours.
Erwin.
From Lester e. Higgins.
Co. c, End Maine Inf,
Laredo, Texas.
To Mrs E. M. Higgins,