The Mankato free press., 1918-07-12

of us had any dry clothes to put on
the next morning and some of them
found they slept on different place
from where they were when they re-
tired, and shoes were WASH basins
filled ready for use.
But the most fun was the next day
when our big tents arrived and we
had to put them up. We were caught
in big storm and | guess stronger
power tore them down for us faster
than we put them up. There was
some very funny and exciting times
and for all tie funny things you
could herr about this war and all the
'love" i.23 boys expressed for the
kaiser Was really good to hear. l tell
yoU, zoe, this is the greatest war /
have ever been in. Personally | take
things as they come and look on thom
from the humorous side. Perhaps
that's why | have got more fun out
Of it than good many others. It might
be what Sherman said it to be, "but
| if it is; it is funny as hell / have
found many good and happy times
and l would not trade my chances
with anyone or lose the experience
have had so far for anything There
are undoubtedly other sides TO it and
worse things than / have come in
contact with, but ] have determined
| to look upon the sunny side of it as
| long as possible and let the rest take
care of itself when it comes. NJ
1sincere wish now is to get across, and
get in the big game. 1t is undoubtedly
worse than here, but l think | car
live through it. Well, Mr. Reynolds
| if | was better writer and could
write what have seen and wanted
could give you lots of news, but J
! dare not do it so l will have to close
| for this time.
l don't know where l will be mex;
time you hear from me, but don't be
surprised if it is far away. That's all
dare tell you this time; you can
guess the rest. However, nay mail viii
be forwarded from here as l don't
know what address to give now any
way. And want to say here if I an
across before anyone hears from nc
| | shall continue to conduct myself in
the future as / have heretofore-that
| | may be a credit to the citizens O.
MankatO and | assure them whatever
they Go at home for us over there
shall not be done in vain, and we all
| am sure, are trying to do our par,
the best we know how. So here per-
haps is my last farewell to the people
1 of Old Kato. am proud to have the
opportunity to pay my debts to my
adopted country for the privilege
and opportunities ! have had and en-
joyed since ! arrived in Good Ole
Grand America Yours and all foreye.
true and sincere friend, John Ander-
son.
Life at Camp Grant, Ill.,, is described
as follows by Private Gus Weller
Twentieth Company, 161 Depot Bli
gade, Barracks No. 101SW., in letter
to Mankato friends:
eve are all together yet, 1874 ol
Blue Earth and Olmstead county fell
lows, all in the same barracks, unit
we are assigned to company, ant
then We will be separated some VIZ
do not drill on Saturdays or Sundays
All we do Saturday mornings is IL
stand inspection. Everybody mus
have smooth shave, and be all dress
ed up, perfectly clean and dustless al
regards clothes; cots all made up nice
and no rust spots on our mess kits.
I'VE sure had big Fourth of July
celebration here; about 100000 people
besides $4,000 soldiers, some crowd II
say. They took in $14, 900, all of which
gees for the boys in France. The,
had bucking broncho contests, bal
game, Elgin Six auto leap, four priz'
fights 4 good show at the auditorium
two airships, Secretary Baker gave (;
speech, fireworks in the evening, ant
many other attractions. They turn.
ed us fellows loose that day, and W.
could go all over camp Or to Rock.
ford. There were Il few folks her,
from Mankato that day.
Most of the boys like it here ant
are getting along fine. OF cours,
there are some that have nevep beel
away from home, or are not quite a
robust as others, but any fellow tha
has any life in him at all can hav,
the time Of his life because there i
always some excitement or somethin,
going on to keep fellow in good spir
it's. When we are not drilling there il
! boxing or playing ball, reading, O
writing or playing cards, or othn
games. The drilling is easy if fel
) low just keeps his eyes ana ear
open and pays attention We FUR
/ have a fine bunch Of officers, and i
the boys do what is right they sur
| lare treated right"