Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
BINKS TELLS
ABOUT CAMP
SERGEANT OF co. G WRITES OF
SOLDIERS ON OUTPOST DUTY
AT BROWNSVILLE.

FIN a letter to one of the editoria
n star of The Courier. Sgt. Phil BDks OF
Co. G has written the following which
being delayed in the holiday rush ar
rived as a Christmas gift today. SGT
Rex McMaster who is mentioned in the
letter as having left for home on a
Through arrived in Ottumwa Christ
mas eve and will spend the holidays
with his wife and other relatives, The
letter follows:
Brownsville, Texas,
December IS. 1916
Dear Friend:
After eight days of outpost duty
along the Rio Grande river, Co. re-
turned to Camp Victoria last Monday.
We were stationed about twelve miles
from Brownsville, on Last Narangos
ranch. There were five outposts cover
Ing about five miles along the border.
3 Four of the outposts were guarded by
corporal and three privates each,
the four outposts were at the bridges
that cross large drainage ditch at
this ranch. Outpost No. was located
near an old ford, and along the river.
There are dugouts at each of the out
posts to provide shelter for the guard.
We were required to be on duty from
sunset until the break of day the next
morning
One night while we were there our
old friend a Texas northerner visited
u.s. Not being used to cold weather 1t
was a hard night for the boys on duty
and the fellow that was off duty was
busy firing up the stoves with mesquite.
A number of the boys brought shot
guns and enjoyed hunting the feathered
nocks. The ducks are plentiful on the
numerous small lakes.
The Iowa artillery and the First Iowa
infantry have departed from the border
city for their home stations. There are
many rumors as to our return, but no
orders have been received.
Corporal Frederick Roehrs, the first
member of Co. to be discharged by
expiration of enlistment. left Browns
vile SATURDAY. for his home in Ottum-
wa
Private Hobbs was called home Sun
day on account of sickness at home.
Mess Sergeant Duke reported for duty
on the 18th after a thirty day furlough.
We have erected basketball stand
ards and hope for some good games IN
the near future The outlook for good
teamis very bright. a number of the
members of the company having had
experience in the game.
The Iowa brigade is to have Christ
mas celebration. 1t will consist of
splendid musical program and speaking
The plans are completed for the oc-
tasion and all of us hope for good
Time
First Sergeant McMasters while on
al hunting trip recently was questioned
BIZ the landlady of the ranch as to
what his occupation was. The sergeant
HID become somewhat muddy and
dirty wading for the ducks he had
Killed. The sergeant said I'm cloth
liz peddler.'
tPrivate Orman was on duty at out
d bst No. 3 on Saturday night. Jack"
hs standing on the bridge with
q oughts that weres perhaps miles
Way Little did he think he had a
ylsitor. but to his surprise two bright
Yves could be seen across the bridge,
Just ten feet away. He opened fire on
the wildcat fled>to the mesquite brush !
nearby.
4 Private F'innerty consumed so many
ducks while on outpost duty that he
waddles when he walks. Sergeant Mil. |
Ter says that "Scotty" the cook, and
FinHerty were not on the square about
the ducks
First Sergeant McMasters left here |
today on a fifteen day furlough.
All the bacon is gone! No more can
be secured by the government at pres
ent Ny what sad news. All the boys
we're wearing a smile on the day the /
news arrived. The government had on
hands at one time 100000 worth of
bacon Each company was forced to !
take $50 pounds every ten days.
Will close, wishing you a Merry !
Christmas and Happy New Year. !
Yours,
Sergt Philip Binks. /