Norwich bulletin., 1917-12-28
CAMP DEVENS BOYS
 ACKNOWLEDGE cfTY'S GIFT
Letter Received by A. E. Libby Ex- presses Their Appreciation of Piano and Rolls.

all the subscriptions to date total $1,- 226.75. The expenditures to date
 Recent contributions which the com mittee wishes to acknowledge are: American Thermos Bottle company S25, c. E. Saunders and George Uter- staedt.
 The following letter recently received from the Norwich boys at Camp Dev- ems explains how much pleasure the gifts from the citizens of Norwich af ford and how much they are appreci- ated by the boys in camp:
 Headquarters Co.,,
 3G1St Machine Gun Battalion.
 Camp Devens, Mass,
 December 23, 1917.
 From: Sergeant Webster D. Copp, Headquarters Co.,, 301st Machine Gun battalion.
 daers' and sailors committee, Nor wich, Conn.
 Subject: Acknowledgment of receipt of piano, rolls and stool
 My Dear MT Libby:
 As no doubt you learned from my telegram, the piano. rolls and stool arrived, all in good condition with the exception of a few scratches which were due to the fact that the box was broken in transit, and the broken ends gouged out a little of the varnish in four places. The box of 42 rolls came yesterday, just in time to help us who were not fortunate enough to draw a pass in the lottery to make merry this Christmas.
 There also arrived at the same time with the piano that inexplicable thing which gives it it's real Value-the knowledge that our home folk are further, it is the complication of not only brotherhood and friendship, which are numbered among the greatest gifts man can beStow on man, but it also shows a true and sincere spirit of pa trfotic cooperation, for we realize that our parents and others connected with us want to have us acquit our selves to the glory of old Norwich, and surely the treatment we have re- ceived is an inspiration to strive for fail the good people of Norwich in their expectations. We cannot fail and furthermore will not fail with such a force to impel us on.
 We are justly proud of Norwich, for we have the best equipment and most decidedly the best piano there is in camp. We have not only entertained ourselves with it but it has been lis tened to by most of the officers as well. All have expressed the opinion that it is an exquisite instrument. It is useless for me to attempt to con- vey to you the feeling thot prevails in our hearts, for words are too weak. We can only repay the great debt of WltH lH0 S0EtICG we expect to render, and we certainly will be better fitted to undertake the great responsibility as a result of having had these things to hold us to the higher standard of living, to cheer us through some of the dark and perpleI- ing stages of our present career, and to remind us that we have staunch friends, worthy causes and ennobling principle sto fight and to endure the turmoils of war for.
 I want especially to thank the girls of the Boston store, millinery depart ment, and MT. Colt for their help in starting the ball rolling, in making cash contributions to me when I was in Norwich in connection with the raising of the sund.
 We realize that a ship is useless withdut rudder, and so we cannot give enough thanks to you, MT. Libby and your associates on the soldiers and sailors committee. Your work can surely be entered upon the mili- tary records of Norwich's activity in the war, and we can certify to the fact that it was not done in vain.
 With best wishes for your enjoy ment of the seasons best, am,
 Most sincerely yours,
 w. D. COPP,
 Sergeant