The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1917-10-26
CHESTER COOK TELLS OF
LIFE AT THE PRESIDE
SAN FRANCISCO. Oct. ls. 1877
L IL RnQann


Lewis H. Beason,
Editor Phoebe Record,
Dear Sir:-I receive the Reco ID
from home and have read with in
terest the letters from the boys who
have enlisted and also those sent to
American Lake. Am glad to see that
most of the boys like it and are get
ting along we'll.
Army life Is about the sane in
all the camps and one soon gets us
ed to the routine and don't mind it.
All the volunteers from Nevada
we're sent to Angel Island to be ex-
amined and sworn in. The medical
exam. wasn't very severe. The main
points being sound heart and lungs.
We received our uniforms at the
island and were vaccinated and re-
ceived three typhoid NEGOTIATIONS
in the same order as the boys at
American Lake did. Since we have
been at the Presidio we have receiy-
ed three more NEGOTIATIONS for ty-
phus fever. So the boys ctill gave
something coming.
The men were held at A.:gel Is
land until we were enuogl to ship
out. The artillery and cavalry were
sent to the Philippine Islands and
the infantry men were sent here to
Presidio to fill up four regiments
that were being formed here.
arrived at the Presidio on the
2lst Of July, along with 500 other
recruits. We went to the target
range about month after we arriv-
ed and each man fired one hundred
and ten rounds of ammunition with
pretty good results. We were there
week and were turned over to the
company for duty when we returned.
We 60 out to drill at eight O'Clock
In the morning and come in al elev-
en-. We also have two hours drill in
the afternoon. From two till four
We have inspection on Saturday
morning and If we are not on duty
we have the rest of the day ant
Sunday to ourselves and do not have
to stand any calls. We are also a
liberty after retreat and week da!
until reveille in the morning.
We have guard duty to do abou
twice a month--which is two hours
on, and four Off While on guar
soldier is not allowed to take hi
clothes off and must sleep in th
guard house with his cartridge bel
and bayonet on Most Of the post
are walked at night only. and in tn
day time the sentinels cIase prison
ers at work.
We are camped on the old fai
grounds. Our contonments are bull
OF wood and each man has a sprin
cot, with three blankets and stray
tick for mattress. Each compan
has its own mess and the food !
good, and plenty Of it.
Athletics are encouraged In tn
companies and most Of them have
base ball team. We also have a pal
of boxing gloves. and part OF tn
afternoon drill Is spent In sparrinl
Each man has to put on the glove
We have been out on several pa
ades up town. There is to be anotl
er parade this afternoon, but OF
company Is on guard duty. so
will not be In 1t.
There are four regiments OF II
fantry stationed here, and part
the Second Field Artillery. also II
coast artillery and the hospital corp
The uniform is very popular hel
and the people Of San Francis'
have opened their houses to the sol
iers and doing all they can to mai
their stay here pleasant.
There are three Y. M. c. AS he
in the post and they furnish free 9
tertainments to the men along WI
writing material and magazines. Tn
also have some good libraries.
The only disagreeable thing ne
Is the cold, foggy weather. We q
right on the water front, so we
all the fog that comes in.
Win close with best regards
all
Very truly yours,
CHESTER Fl. COOK.
Co. L., 63rd Infantry, Presidio