News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1917-10-03
LETTER FROM CAMPDIVENS
Lieut.. Powers Writes Concern
Ing the Camp and the
Draft Boys There
Mr.. Editor

SECOND BATTALION DEPOT BRIGADE,
CAMP DEvENs, AVER, MASS,
Sept. 9th, 1917.
Knowing that there would be many
anxious hearts in Lamoille County con-
corning the fate of the Draft boys from
that vicinity during hese first few more or
less chaotic weeks, have AIKEN the liber-
ty of sending you these few lines in the
hope that through the columns of your
paper you may reassure the parents and
friends that the men are as comfortable
as possible. | know well that during the
first few weeks when the hustle and con-
fusion of starting big Camp of this size
was at its height, that perhaps the in,
! dividual might be overlooked; and
thought perhaps, being an officer, might
intercede in their behalf for soma of the
little army comforts that they might
lack.
All of the Lamoille County Draft men
are in Battery 'C", 302nd. Light Field
Artillery. l had nice talk with Cap
TIN Howard T. Byles, who commands
the battery, and he impressed me as
being man of fine qualities, kindly,
genial and enthusiastic, keenly interested
in the welfare and happiness of his men;
a man eminently qualified to command
and lead. He spoke with pride of the
enthusiasm and aptness with which 'his
boys" took up the work. He spoke with
some seriousness of the fact that the
boys were not given sufficient opportun-
| ity for recreation, and that he hoped to
send out circulars later asking for con.
tributions for Battery Fund. In case
he should carry out this plan, l think it
only fair to warn you what a Battery
Fund is.
A Battery or Co npany Fund is sum
of money collected by an organization to
expend on its mess or recreation room.
The money is collected at Company Head
quarters and with it are bought goodies
to eat. viclroa, yool table, base
balls, bats, etc, in short anything to
break up the mpuotony that is bound to
come in training camp and add to the
comfort and happiness of the soldier.
The money is in the hands of the Captain
who is responsible to the Commanding
Officer himself for every single cent.
Capt. Byles very kindly showed me the
sleeping quarters which were wide, airy,
and exceedingly clean. The mess hall |
was likewise clean and sanitary, and |
both officers and men were unanimous in |
pronouncing the mess ample and good.
l talked with several of the boys, one |
of them from Lamoille County, and they
were well, happy, and very enthusiastic
about this particular branch of the SER
vice. They all spoke particularly of the
kind and gentlemanly treatment they IT,
ceived from their superiors.
This regiment is particularly fortunate
in its commanding officers: Colonel d.
F. Craig and Lieut.. Colonel Robert NJ.
Danford. The latter is chief instructor
and man of wide military experience.
He is particularly we'll known in military
circles as an authority on Light Field
operations. l say this that
there may be no fear of the ability of
those in charge.
l hope l have not intruded on your
time in what 1 thought might be of in
5erest to the friends and relatives back 10
Lamoille County. If 1 can ever be of
service to any of you or to the boys here
1t Camp Devens, trust you will allow
ne that privill &c.
Your sincere friend,
HORACE Fl. POWERS,
81. Lieut., Infantry, U. S. A.