October 3,1917 - George's Train Journey and Canteloupes

Hoxie, Arkansas

Oct 3, 1917

Dear Home Folks:

            On our way to Texas, forty strong.  Left Jefferson Barracks at 9:45 on the Missouri Pacific. Now we’re leaving Hoxie and the train waves so I can hardly write.  Except for the town this is a forsaken looking country, and even in Hoxie there were four hogs roaming in the streets.

            I am black from cinders.  Cotton fields are getting common.  Also lots of corn and a little rice. 

            We have kits containing plate, cup, knife, fork and spoon.  For dinner we had corned beef, beans, molasses, bread and coffee.

            This sure is the land of the hook-worm.  We’re on a special coach hooked to an express so only stop at good sized towns, and are making good time.  Can’t leave the train but will try to get this mailed at next station.  At one town we passed this noon a merchant sent us out some cantaloupes and distributed them to the car windows free.  They sure tasted fine.  There are 10 engineers in this bunch with myself. One other is from the 23^rd Co.  He is from Chi[cago].  Name is Getlings.  We are riding down to-gether, in fact have struck up quite an acquaintance.

            Must close now with love to all.

                        Write me at

                                    Camp Logan

                                    Houston, Texas

 

                                                George