Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-07-27
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT.
chaplain Thomas Writes That Boys
Are Well and Happy.

To the Editor OF the Free Press:
Colonel Reeves has assigned me the
pleasant duty of sending a word now
and then to the homo papers, in order
that the friends at home may have an
OFFICIAL word as to the health and vel
fare of the men. am glad to report
that thus far the men are in excellent
spirits and there have been no more
cases of illness than would be likely
To occur among the same number Of
men at home. The only illness at all ser
ious has been that of Private Vance
Rich of Company F. who is making
rapid and complete recovery from an
operation for appendicitis. Aside from
administration Of the typhoid prophylactic
and vaccination, the medical staff has
had little to do. One of the doctors has
suggested he might bring his family
here as a desirable health resort What
little illness we have had has come from
drinking too much pop and eating pics
bought at the exchanges and outside
stands. Restrictions were placed prompt
ly on the sale Of these articles. and the
good effect was noticed at once. The
army rations are clean, healthy, and
abundant. and both officers and men
live as we'll as they do at home
II Is natural for the boys to write
scary letters about the terrible beasts
and fearful climate but so far no one
has been wounded by n horned toad nor
has there been n single case of heat
prostraton. The friends at home shouli
remember that Texas has a considerable
permanent population, many OF them
from the North. and that they STAY here
of their own free will and accord. be-
cause they like the conditions. Frankly
| prefer Vermont, but I have to admit
that have seen nothing in Texas so
disagreeable as the slush and mud of
the annual spring thaw In Vermont. We
have precisely the same conditions here
as OBTAIN in other regions Of the South
west where tuberculosis patients are
sent and which are found so favorab BILE
for their recovery
The first thought Of Colonel Reeves
and his staff has been to conserve the
health of the men, and there have been
no military eXigencies to compel hard
ships or privation. I trust, therefore, that
II any Of the boys write home in a way
to stir anxiety, their friends will remem >
Der that 1T is always the temptation OF
the traveller to magnify unfavora bic
comparisons with home conditions, and
that they will take some Of the awe
inspiring descriptions with a grain Of
salt The boys need home support, above
all frequent letters reminding them Of
home obligations, but II such encourage.
ment does not fail. they are likely 70
come out of THIS experience stronger
and better men.
JOHN NJ. THOMAS,
Chaplain. First Vermont Infantry.
Eagle Pass. Texas.
July IS. 1915.
The following extract OF a letter from
member of Company c to Professor
Messenger of the university is of In
| terest:
| All the boys are In excellent health
and. in spite of the oppressive heat. are
full Of life I understand that there are
rumors in Burlington that we are poorly
equipped and fed but, except for a few
luxuries such as private bath. etc,
we are ms comfortable as we could wish.
We have three good meals every day.
too. The company is 10 go out and
patrol the border at Indigo ranch and
Windmill ranch, either this afternoon or
/ tomorrow. and We shall probably stay
there a month
Sincerely yours,
JOHN MEACHEN.
Co. c. LIST VI. Inf.
Eagle Pass. Texas