Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1917-10-16
news. FROM THE
SOLDIER BOYS
VIM. G. Horn Of This City Writes
/. Interestingly From Camp
Mills, N. Y.

AAAS, Az -
N. C. Eckstein is in receipt of 9
letter from William C. Horn, best
known as Billie Horn, who is with
the headquarters company of the
16Sth United States infantry, sta
toned at Camp Mills, Long Island
The thread of happy optimism run
ming through the note is represen-
tative of the spirit of the American
soldier at all times, whether safely
CHARTERED behind the lines or facing
the enemy in battle. The letter fol-
lows: 5as
Dear Friend Nate: This is day
of rest for us, and we are surely
doing lots of bunk fatigue. 1t has
been raining almost continually since
early morning.
There are twelve of us in tent,
so you can make up your mind one
can't get very lonesome around
here. The bunch Of US (eight) that
came from the Webster City head.
quarters company have been split up
into five different sections, but all
are in headquarters company. But
it isn't bad, for every time we get
back from the drill grounds and ey-
cry night, the whole bunch hits for
my tent. Bill Warden just came in
and Molly (Millard) latham is al
ready here. He said to say hello.
So you see we are always together,
and far be it from us to get lone
some, and we don't want any Of you
to think we are.
1--WE had soup and hard tack for
dinner, and plenty of it, so you car
make up your mind we are all well
fed. The boys tell me that | am
getting fat. Wish you were with
us, as believe it would do you gooe
and I think you would like the life
"Have been. to New York city
three times. 1t sure is a wonderful
city. Saw many of the skyscrapers
you have heard about, if you haven't
seen them. Saw the flat iron build
ing, Woolworth's, the Singer and
many others too numerous to men.
tion. If there is anything in the
world that you want, you sure can
get 1t here, but a soldier can't buy
beer-'if he is asleep
ssThe island also has many beau.
tiful towns on it, especially Garden
City. I have been there a couple OF
times. Everything is covered with
flowers and shrubbery and it is q
wonderful sight. am daily seeing
and experiencing things that would
have never seen or heard Of, had ]
not joined the dear old army, and
money couldn't buy that experience.
And, best of all, the world knows we
will all be back some day. 1t may
take quite a while, but I'VE should
worry'-we'll be back.
"Nate, I thank you very much for
your free-will offer, and i appre-
ciate it that you think that much
of me, but don't believe that I will
need anything at present. Anybody
could buy the whole army for dol
lar today. I have been broke four
or five days and a dollar looks like
a mountain, but tomorrow will be
per day-'that is the noise'-and
believe me, the eagle on the dollars
will squeal before I let go of him
next month. But don't think we
will spend many more days in New
Jersey, as all equipment and all sup
plies are being packed very speed
lily. We don't know where we are
going, although I think it is Good
bye Broadway, hello France When
was in Webster City I always said
there was nothing in France for me,
but l have about made up my mind
to bring home a French Molly for
my own. Won't that be fine, Ell,
Nate? Well, three cheers for the
u. S. A. Must close now. Hoping
to hear from you again soon. Tell
the boys hello for me.
Your friend,
-e BILLIE HORN.
"P. s. Add American Expedition
arly Forces to the next letter ad.