Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-07-27

enough so can carry it over my
heart. And as your darling boy
marches along the Rhine you can
feel happy that he has his darling
mothers picture with him all the
time. l will have some pictures tax
en- right off. Now l am not going to
be a bugler any longer for l am go
ing into the ranks and am studying
hard for promotion" I'VE have all
been issued the new 1917 Enfield
rife and in a day or two we are 70
occupy a full regimental area and
eat BY separate companies. | think
we will be filed within the next two
or three weeks" Now you remem-
ter while l was at Camp Greene. In
a little envelope which had on the
outside not to be read till on board
the transport? I have got that lit
tie note very well secured and l
thought that when you sent 1t to me
that ] would never have to read 1t,
but hope | will" The time will be
long from now till the time we sail
and, mother, when things go wrong
and the way looks dark smile. For
you know that the one who reaches
the top round of the ladder Of life is
the one that smiles when things SO
wrong and always looks on the
bright side of the road that IS ahead
of him" We'll, Mother, vii! close
now hoping these few lines find you
as we'll and happy as l am
His closing message to his mother
was, with love and kisses from
your soldier lad, John. p. S. Don't
forget the watch"
John Albert McNally was born in
Augusta, January IS, 1900, the son
OF the late Thomas McNally and Net
tie McNally. When he was II years
old he attended the Grammar school
at Good viii and also attended the
Good Will High school for two years
going to Cony High later and leaving
High school to enlist for his coun-
try If he had attended High school
he would have graduated next June.
The training which he received at
Good Will, wonderful IN itself to any
lad starting out in the world was A
great help to him. He was great
favorite and had many friends.
When he was II years OF age he
urged his mother to sign papers in
order that he might join the Navy
Lat she thought best to defer such a
step Even then. the little chap
would cry because he could not be
granted his wish. When he was IS
he tried to join the navy but was
not able 20 do so because OF trouble
with his right eye. When the Bur
leigh Battery of the Milliken Regi
ment, later the First Maine Heavy
Field Artillery and now connected
with the 56th Pioneer Infantry, was
formed in Augusta young McNaly
Joined and was engaged as bugler.
He is survived BY his widowed
mother. Mrs. Nettie c. Walker. one
aunt, Mrs. Arthur Thompson. three
cousins. Mrs. Harry Blake. Miss
Alice and Francis Thompson, all IT
Hallowell He was member Of St.
Mary's Catholic church and fol- him
will be placed on the church flag
gold star.
The following letter was received
from Frank f. Southland, lst 1t. 56th
Pioneer Infantry by Mrs. Walker:
July 80. 1918.
Camp WadsWorth, S. C.
Mrs. Nettie Walker.
1873 State St, Augusta, Me.
Dear Madam:
It is with great pain that I write
YOU of the death Of your son John
who has passed away in the heyday
OF a most promising career. He has
,Cade the sacrifice that we are all
ready TO make and his loss is most
keenly felt by all his friends and
they are many.
1t was only a. yesterday that I was
talking with him and he was his own
congenia self. a bright. energetic
boy with all the prospects Of a splen
cid future. His life in this regiment
has been most exemplary and his
Willingness to do as he was hidden
was a help to his officers and fellow
soldiers through its very Contagion.
He lived up to every rule of the
game and was one of the best Of
the buglers the regiment pos
sesscd None did their duty Letter
on more faithfully.
The chaplain of the regiment will
send Won the full particulars of his
sad and sudden demise as he has
made inquiries where I would not
feel free to so do.
L can but extend my heartfelt
sympathy for your loss. l can but
express the kindly feelings that all
his friends would extend themselves.
Longfellow has we'll told our feelings.
BE still sad heart and cease repin
ing,
Behind the cloud the sun is shining.
Thy fate is the common fate Of all,
Into each life some rain must fall.
Some days must be dark and
dreary.'
Most sincerely yours.
Signed FRANK f. SOUTHARD
lst Lit. 56th Pioneer Infantry.
NORTH AUGUSTA