The Redwood gazette., 1918-05-01
Carl knutSOn Writes
of Marine Corps

The following letter from Carl, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Knutson, who
is with the Marine Corps and sta
toned near Washington, will be of
interest to many of our readers.
Marine Barracks, Casual Co.,
Quantica, Va, April 10, 1918.
Dear Father and Mother:
Last August while we were at Nor
folk, we had our choice of going to
sea, or going to Quantico. We knew
nothing of the possibilities in store
in either field. But we were anxious
for adventure, SO few of US put in
for ship service on board the U. S. S.
Louisiana. just recently we were
transferred to Quantico, so you see
we are getting varied experiences.
When Dave and l were speculating
on enlisting last spring we learned
that the U. S. Marine Corps offered
the best opportunities. They are "the
first to fght,'' as has been proved in
all our wars. They were the ones
who handled the Vera Cruz situation,
and the recent Haiti embarrassment
l know of marines who have gone to
Hawaii, the PHILIPPINES, Cuba, China,
Panama and the trenches. The first
American contingent in France were
marines. Our company now is "stand-
ing by waiting to embark.
transferred from the U. S. S. Loui-
siana. Our cruise on board that bat
tleship brought us in contact with
the ms and outs of seaman. We
covered several thousands of miles
and saw all kinds of weather and
climate. I escaped being sea sick, but
there were some who began to feel
uncomfortable as soon as we hoisted
anchor, and they stayed in semi
barbaric state of mind. Their only
concern was feeding the fishes. We
had no casualties in storms but the
power of the waves is enormous. The
ship would roll and pitch with it's
10000 tons as though it were toy.
When the water pitches in through
the portfolios we take off our shoes
and socks and be comfortable. I saw
an ensign on the quarter deck who
was staring at the waves in disgust
when a healthy wave hit him and
threw him inboard. He hardly knew
what hit him. But we had good
weather most of the time and when
the sun shines on a calm sea it is
"a grand and glorious feeling"
The duties of the marines is chiefly
guard work. This work on board is
similar to the functions of the police
in small city. They let us man
some of the small guns to begin with.
When we fired for record we did so
we'll that we were permitted to man
the heavy guns. The bigger they
are the more enthusiasm. By the
way, we got $40 apiece in prize mon
ey. We have also had drill with the
machine guns. At sea we take our
turns at standing gun watches, look
ing out for the lurking submarine
Quantico is located on the west
bank of the Potomac, about thirty
five miles below Washington. We
live in barracks, with forty men in
each. The arrangement of the camps
is perhaps typical Of an army camp.
The accommodations are very con-
venient and the food and equipment
are sufficient. The Y. M. C. A. af-
fords much entertainment. Some of
the famous marine bands are here
and give fine concerts. Every even
ing we have half an hours "sing"
with band accompaniment and chorus
director. When a couple of thousands
men sing, and they can sing, such
songs as Liberty Bell "Mother
MaCree," or Beautiful Katy, it
makes a fellow forget his troubles
for that day. Some other songs which
are quite popular are "Over There"
Sailing Up The Kiel Canal" "Pack
Up Your Troubles in Your Old Sea
Bag" and "Smile, Smile, Smile"
Our proximity to Washington has
lured me there twice. When not on
duty we get forty Eight hours liberty
over Saturday and Sunday. The Con-
gressional Library is the last word
in architecture and art. Besides the
books and mnuscripts, there are num-
erous collections of paintings and
relics from all the years Of our his
tory. There is a recent contribution
of French painting, the general tone
of which tends to portray the spirit
Of tactic sacrifice on the part of the
French people. Arlington cemetery is
quiet and beautiful resting place
for those who contributed so much
to our country's welfare. Robert LEAFS
home has a commanding view of the
city. Lincoln's $2,0O0,O00 Memorial
is still under construction. The Zoo
logical Gardens are very extensive.
Among the species. of animal life