The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1918-07-11
JAS. S. M'LAUGHL|N
IS IN CAMP LEWIS
WELL-KNOWN STUDENT OF THE
UNIVERSITY WRITES AN
INTERESTING LETTER

SlCy Oh ludnO, is III receipt Oh Cne IOl-
lowing very interesting letter from
James S. Mclaughlin, who recently
went to Camp Lewis. The letter will
be of interest to all who have relatives
or friends there. Captain Felker has
added note in praise of Mr.. Nc
Laughlin, whom he holds in the high
est esteem. The two letters follow:
"12th Co., 166th Depot Brigade,
Camp Lewis, American Lake, Wash,
July 6, 1918.
Dear Captain Felker:
Having finished the business part
of the letter on the first Sheet shall
continue here with little more per-
sonal writing. / had been home from
the university two days when / re-
eived my notification to leave June 81.
It was not much of surprise, and l
Immediately felt relieved that / knew
what l was going to do for while at
least. There were about 95 men IN
the bunch that came with us, so we
had quite lively time. Such time
was needed because we got here FRI
day evening after having been on the
road "a hours. We received a prelim-
mary examination, mostly to show
that we had arms and legs and no
major defects. After that they gave
| us hunks. Naturally everything was
| a new surprise, but find thin straw
tick is quite comfortable, and with
the liberal and warm bedding, get
fine nights sleep.
Saturday and Sunday were given
over to examinations and mastering
in. We were vaccinated and shot in
the arm. Today we were given a sec
on shot, which has not affected me
save for slight soreness. can give
snappy salute, but feel it all right.
Monday found us ready for drill.
We have physical training from 7 TO
$3.50, then a rest followed by drill
until 1890, when we get lecture.
The afternoon has two drill periods
and lecture. I was surprised how
fast the time has been going am
enjoying the whole thing, and am
digging right in. If l am to be SOL
der, am trying to be better soldier,
not just good one. Should the war
end, shall have gained in health by
the drill and regular life
Since the second day l have been
allowed to act as instructor, having
from eight to sixteen men. Teaching
the school of the squad Of foreigners
who do not understand very much
English is slightly different from
doing it at Idaho. You draw it, act
it, and then show them through it.
Most of them pick it up quite readily.
Occasionally you find the man who is
acre because he was sent Since he
came without wanting to, he drills the
same way. AS a whole the spirit is
tine. The 18th Company has very ad-
nirable officers in Capt Duncan and
second Lieutenant Cobb. The first :
lieutenant is also worthy third, but l tt
AVE not been able to learn his name. n
These leutenants came in, I hear, v
ute recently from Camp Lee, so most 1t
f the men do not know them. n
In the issue of uniforms I received y
verything except the very essential a.
ems of hat, shoes and breaches. I IN
ope we shall get them soon. You
ont feel right dressed half in civilian
othes and half in uniform. l forgot
} say that | was on kitchen police
uty the second day in camp. They -.
st drew bunch of men, and while r,
never have bit of luck on anything q,
Ike rattle, / always draw on work o
Gals. But be it scrubbing, washing -;
She's waiting table, or cleaning Gus -;
doris, go to it, and laugh to myself -
scause the last, at least, is job I =,
ever did before. -
In this evenings mail had letters -
ON both c. Y CARRIER and Fred -.
raj, who are now lieutenants. The =
rmer is at Camp Dix, where Maurice
avison is, but Graf is at Camp Lee. n
he only Idaho officer l have seen
re is Lieutenant McMullin, Adju-
mt 18th B. N. Of this brigade.
l intend writing you later concern Mi
g the next O. T. c., but should you ma
ceive any information that l should on
We, should be glad to have it. r.
There will be school for non-com-
ssioned officers started the even by
IS of next week, and I get to take ing
at. I think it will all help in the 6-3
It try for commission.
appreciate very much the attention tiol
u have shown me, and thanking you Mr.
e more, am most sincerely,
JAMES S. MCLAUGHLIN, Wi
h Co., 166th D. B., Camp Lewis I
Ste
I would like to add postscript to les.