Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1918-04-17
FROM OUR SOLDIER BOYS

CAMP GRANT. April 2, 1918
Ealtor censor we arrived in camp ct
1899 Friday night and after walking ab1at
55 minutes, to barracks, we spent some
time in filing straw ticks and making or
hunks Then we were issued three blankets
The FIRST night in camp was a very cold one
but managed 10 get through it. Our trim wa
a pleasant one. We arrived at Sparta at
i2:I5. We had our dinners brought down 10
the depot from Hotel Sydney and we all made
good use Of the dinner hour. We were al
lowed so cents each for our meals euroute
TO camp. and the strange thing was that the
hotel keepers all go the limit on the price
At "a we boarded No. 6 cut Of Sparta in
special coach. At Mauston we were greeted
by band, which made us think Of the kind
people al home. At New Lisbon another car
Of embryo soldiers hooked on to our
train. Then the train proceeded to Portage.
We had S9-niHuse stop at that city and
then were taken on a special with another
coach of soldiers. We arrived at East Mad
isOn at so. Then we were informed that
had ten minutes 20 get supper at the
lunch counter the west side. The train
pulled over 10 that side ef the city and three
men from each county got eff the train and
secured the meals for the others, who remain
cd in the coaches. The meals were put up
ia Individual paper cartons. Our sdpper was
hnIshec while speeding on cur way 10 James
vile. When sc passed through the city Of
Stoughton We were attracted by the fine
electrical effects displayed at the depot and
near vicinity. One sign read Welcome to
Stoeghten'. Similar displays shown at
Rockford, but more impressive they were
suspended the Rock river and the re-
fcetons in all colors of the rainbow in the
water we're sublime.
We are now under quarantine for two
weeks. Have an area Of about five blocks
TO work of surplus energy. We cannot
go 10 Rockford or anywhere for two weeks.
Last night several of went TO the edge of
the woods on the banks of the river and met
Ray McAiullen, William Simons0n, 0rbin An
derson, Blaine Running. John Randalls and
Guy Smith Saturday and had a long talk
with MIN at the river. VIII see the other
fellows as soon as we get out.
We get up in the morning at us and have
ten minutes in which to dress. Then reveille
is sounded at 6 rs. This is a call to fall
OUT in front of the barracks and have roll
CALL and breakfast at 40. We haven't had
anything to do yet and the time goes very
slowly.
When we arrived in camp all the soldiers
yelled sarcasticaIly at us you'll like IT," And
the greatest comedy l have ever witnessed was
when rookie in civilian clothes was put
On guard duty. The soldiers in unifcrms
him the general orders which he could not
give. Army life is just the revere of civilian
life. We have to sacrifice all home cOnven-
fences and privileges.
by a detail Of eight from the barracks.
The detail changes every day. was in the
kitchen yesterday. Saturday night several of
cleaned headquarters company barracks
and finished about one a. m.
Saturday evening as was going to mess
ran face TO face with Professor Dean, who
taught agriculture in VirOqua last year. His
address is the mine and Mr.. Dean
wants all his friends there TO write him.
A large number of negro troops have been
coming into camp since Sunday. | roughly
estimate the number at 5000. They are all
from the Caroiinas and one would think
that the whole south was moved Up mere.
/ have only fifteen minutes till mess SO
will close for this time. When J gel into
training will write more OF military interest.
My regards TO all Viroqua friends and they
may be assured that fond rece llectians of
them will always be present in our minds
for the kindness extended us.
BLAIR SHERRiCK, Co.'S, I6lst Depot Bri-
gade, Barracks 1882, Camp Grant. Illinois.
To the Citizens of Viroqua-We, the under
signed soldiers from Vernon county, take this
opportunity of expressing appreciation
and thanking you for the demonstration we
rendered the morning of cur leave.
Also for the kind consideration shown by
Mr.. MunEon the of our leave