The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1917-12-06
A Letter from Camp Funston
Camp Funston, Kansas.


the second contingent that was sent
from Taney County. We left Forsyth
on the morning Of October 3rd. Our
crowd consisted OF lively troop OF
raw recruits and we had very lively
time on our journey. We would arouse
the natives at every station we passed
with whooping and cheering Tor Uucle
Sam. We arrived at Branson at noon
and was given a splendid dinner that
was highly appreciated By all present.
At $3.50 We proceeded upon our jour
ney to the camp, seeing many beauti
iul sights on the way. At ZOO p. m.
we arrived at Monet, where we stop
ped for fifteen minutes and had supper
We arrived in Kansas City at l.: 90 a. m.
and stayed there about four hours leav
ing at o'clock Thursday morning
and reached Camp Funston at 3 clock
the same day. Upon our arrival at the
depot we we're marched about 500
yards to what we called the schultz,
here we were counted to see if all were
present and luckily We were. We then
marched to barrack, the name OF
building that is prepared for the Sam
mics, we were then introduced to a
cold shower bath after which we each
issued forth in suit Of blue denim,
and each man was then sent to his
bunk or bed and proceeded 10 take a
rest. At $3.50 p. m. we were called to
mess. we were each issued mess kit
consisting Of an aluminium kit, knife,
fork, spoon and cup. We marched in
single file into the mess hall where we
met three cooks or orderlies squarely
in the face, who issued to each Of US
the various rations coffee, meat, onion
hash and bread, then we proceeded to
eat. After mess we lined on the out
side and proceeded to wash our mess
kit in tank Of water prepared for that
purpose. This done we spent until 9
o'clock talking and laughing about our
fortune Of being the boys that were
chosen to serve our US. At 9 o'clock
We retired 10 our bunk for the night.
At $3.50 a. m. taps sounded and We
arose and got ready for morning mess
which was served in the same described
manner. After mess we lined up two
deep in files at the barracks to take a
hike. Some Of the boys started to take
smoke when they we're suddenly
ordered TO cease smoking in ranks.
This pleased the boys very much as they
naturally love to be obedient, which is
the first duty Of a soldier. The mex
move was march TO the infrmary
where we took final examination.
Some Of the boys were scared that they
would not pass the examination as all
were eager 10 stay in Camp Funston
By this time, and luckily we all passed
as sound men in body and mind. We
we're next ordered TO be vaccinated for
sma lpox and inoculated for typhoid
and pneumonia fever. Some OF the
boys erjoyed this so much that they
tainted with Joy. This done we were
ready TO proceed TO our various duties,
namely, kitchen, police, room artillery
and guard, with an occasional hike Of
thirty miles for exercise. We all
agreed TO send our clothes home as we
did not care to wear them longer. As
to the position the Sammy holds, 1t is
"vident that he is completely satisfied
with his occupation, as not one has
called for his wages and gone home.
We cordially invite the boys back
home 10 Join US in the honorable task,
and we feel sure that the greater per
cent oil the men between the ages Of
q and 81 will take advantage Of this
Invitation.
Here is hoping that we boys In camp
will soon see copy Of this real soon
and trusting that we will be joined by
our many friends in Taney County, we
are Respectfully,
Taney County in Camp Funston,
Co. B. 354th Inf.
Private GEORGE PEMBERToN
Composer and writer
Singing machines make the human