Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1918-07-31
EASTERN CANToNMENT is FAR AHEAD
OF THE SOUTH

IBy Private Cecil c. Donovan, Headquarters
Co., 5ith Regiment (Regularl 9Th Division.
Long Island, Camp Mills, New York, June 3O.I
Dear Dad and Mother AS we are once more
settled down in our home, l will pen
line and give you my address-aisO tell
you aiittlC of our trip from Camp Wadsw0rth
TO this grand and glorious country. The reas-
on of speaking well of here is that it seems
a paradise to the camp in South Sarolina.
which we left Thursday. There were two
companies on our train, which consisted OF
about 500 men. We were fixed up with good
accommodations. all Pullman cars, and we
not crowded at all. The trip extended
six states and the district of Columbia
the great capital city of Washington. Up
cur arrival there were allowed to get
out and went over TO the Red Cross headquar-
ters where were treated to a fine lunch Of
good hot coffee, doughnuts and sandwiches
As it was just at noon ! can. tell you II sure
went good and everybody maintained a good
spirit. We hit the city of Philadelphia i'm
mediately alter supper. and that wonderful
organization, the Red Cross, met us and treat
ed us 10 ice and cigarettes
North Carolina is just about like the rest
of the Southern country-red clay, mules and
niggers being some OF the principal features
but as soon as hit Virginia could see
wonderful change in the country buildings,
and also the people. 1t is like Wisconsin, only
not far advanced until near Washington,
and from there into New York it is simply
grand. The principal cities passed through
Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington,
ID. c.; Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia,
Plainfield. Upon arrival at the latter place
sometime at night We were switched on a sid
ing and stayed there until 10 800 a. m. SatHr-
day. Then We loaded onto a ferry boat and
came across the Hudson river to Brooklyn, got
on the Long Island train and came out here
TO camp, which is 2f miles from New York
City. This is my trip in brief, and / can say
thoroughly enjoyed it, for il had been a long
time since l had ride on the "chOO-chOo's
and are located in a nice place, but hRv.
not been into the city as yet as we are al con-
fined to camp for few days until we are fit
ed up for 0yerseas-and then are going 20
leave TO visit Broadway. l am feeling lust
fine now since getting back into Gods country.
/ sure felt bum during my sOjOurn in Camp
Wadsworth. as l think that il is one of the
worst places in the world for training camp.
Camp Mills. New York, July 3.
Dear Dad and Mother will drop you
line TO let you know that received the money
and viii explain why / wired for it, When
the Government keeps the rest back and pays
us five per cent terest. This is done 50 that
We do not draw than the French and Eng
Iish soldiers. for the American soldier is the
10 draw full amount, l guess they figure
We would spend too much, for a dollar Of our
money is worth about 81 in French money.
We haven't done much here only stand enc
inspection after another, get couple Of hours
of close order drill every day and check up
oIothes-and the rest of the time lsy around
or our cots in the tent. You can find me
there most Of the time, for ! am getting
Of that long needed rest. This is a fine coun-
try and a dandy climate, only q little cool at
night. We haven't been snyplace only around
camp since have been here. l heard
would be issued passes to town tomorrow,
~ith a twelve-houF leave. Over in the 53rd
regiment they paid of yesterday and today
1875 are gone on a A. o. W. l. (sbsent with
out Ieave) 50 Think that is the reason we
won't get paid this side. We going TO
draw the rest Of our clothes today. and then /
viii be O. X. 10 go after the Germans. This
Is our overseas equipment; Barraek bag. ov-
ereoat 2 pair hob nailed shoes. pair o. ID.
fetive Srab) breeches. 0. 4. bi9uses. o. d.
shirts, suits under scar, pair socks steel
helmet 3 blankets, mess Sit- toilet accessories.
2 bed ticks, shelter tent. I pack carrier.
guess that is aboat all. but it ~ enough waen
q fellow has % Dig 1t al out and lay i on
his cot for Inspection about every day 70 see
II yauf are anything short. It's great life
I suppose this viii BE- aboat the last letter
I viii be able 70 write before We -, for about
"a norrow they viii issue an order that no mail
be sent and thai ends l.. doaht know fer
SIRE, bat got a iittie inside IN -9rmati9n mat
pRH cut Of here Friday = -ats and think
we win fer We Wili eli be ftted oct today and
tomorrow f. the F0urth.
This is sure some bhneh IN Hesdquariers
Company. I was made FIRST class private yes
teEday. That adds Sc mcre per usath o. that