The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1918-06-04
KNOX SELECTS
DOING WELL At
CAMP SHERMAN
Secy. Spence OF Y. Writes
Home; Praises Boys
From Here
AIMS TO SEE LOCAL
MEN ONCE EACH DAY
Reiterates Request Of SOL
diers To Parents To
Write Often

The following letter has been re-
ceived from Secretary ID. NJ. Spence of
the Y. NJ. G. A.. who is engaged in
army Y work at Camp Sherman:
You may be glad to know that our
Knox county boys arrived safe and
sound at Chillicothe, or perhaps
should say Camp Sherman, at 6
o'clock. We stopped about an hour at
Newark, had lunch there, provided by
the government of course, the same
being put up very neatly in pasteboard
boxes containing also tin cup. which
was used for our coffee. A large dele,
cation from Newark got on, and a
number from Washington c. H., So
that by the time we arrived at camp
our train consisted of 16 cars, and 800
young men.
was very much impressed with the
order and behavior on the cars. After
talking with the major and Lieut..
Brown, could not help but be proud
of our Knox county boys, when the
major made the remark that this
train contained the finest bunch of
fellows 1t has been my privilege to
take to camp" This meant good
deal to me, but | know 1t means muc,,
more to the home folks If you see
any of the boys parents, let them
know this fact.
I If you remember, It was very hot
morning when we left. Well, on the
train, 1t was remarkably cool, a fine,
refreshing breeze blew through the
cars all day, so thai our ride was at
least enjoyable as far as comfort was
concerned. But anyhow 1t did rain
upon our arrival, but the boys had no
was given a slicker, which prevented
anyone from getting drenched in the
downpouring rain. | was uniucky In
not being a soldier, as a slicker did not
come my way, and got soaked to the
skin.
Last night started out to find
where the boys were located, and from
b o'clock to $3.50, tramped around the
company barracks in the section
knew they ought to be and was about
to give the task up when suddenly my
efforts were rewarded ! assure You
| was glad to see the fellows, and they
certainly looked a happy bunch to see
me. remained there an hour, chat
ting with them Individually and In
groups. They will be under quaran-
tine for Ia days In Section x ID. De,
pot Brigade, and ] shall make an eff.
fort, as far az possible. to visit their
quarters every day. This, of course,
must necessarily depend upon what
spare time can get. found all In an
unusually happy mood. and was i'm
pressed more and more that when Op-
pOrtunities come. Mt Vernon and
Knox county will not be found want,
Ing.
Many OF the boys were writing let
ters A great deal has been said
about the boys writing home and am
inclined to think that the majOrity of
them attend to this matter very faith
fully. The association secretaries In
camp encourage this at all times. and
in every building are signs which read
like this Write that letter home to,
day" or when did you write home
last?" So am inclined to think the
majority are not neglectful In writing
home. But this fact IL true, that every
boy In camp delights to receive letters
and, more than that, patiently waits
Tor them. ! wish that In some way
this might be kept before the home
people constantly, and II each pastor
could he seen and suggested that a
motto. neatly printed, with the word
ing something like this: You prom
ised your son a letter Write It now"
be placed in conspicuous place In
the church somewhere, ! believe 1t
would have a good effect generally.
II is these small things which per,
haps do not seem to count for much,
but which know convey big part to
the hoy away from home. when In
camp life.
am so glad the boys from home
were sent here, and doubly glad can
be here to render whatever service
can in their behalf.