March 2, 1918 - George Explains Absence from Wedding

 

Camp Logan, 3-2-‘18

 Dear Home Folks:

            This includes Dora and Margaret and Guy if he is there.  At least I hope by the time this reaches you that they will be there.  This Eve I received your letter of the 26^th saying you were sending $45 in case I could come. I’m afraid when I get it it will have to come back as I really don’t see my way clear to come at this time.
            Skinny has come back, but is expecting a Sergeantcy in this or some other Co & does not want his job back he says.  Who can blame him?  And I think the Major is resigned to it for he has taken me on as tent orderly as well as mounted.  It’s a job I don’t like (make his bunk, sweep, shine shoes, etc.) but most of the mounted orderlies do both jobs so I couldn’t very well refuse. He said try it for a month anyway, so it looks as tho I wouldn’t get “bounced” for that long anyway.  Of course the tent work means $5.00 per month extra direct from the Major so that will help some to atone for the dirty work.  But you see if I take a furlough that is all broken up.  If I had been on three or four months and had the work regular, I would feel justified in asking for the furlough and put on a substitute, but it would be too much to ask him to break in another man when he just got me working harmoniously.
            Of course, it really isn’t much of a job in a way, but it beats corral and kitchen detail a good deal and is pleasanter even tho one is “only a buck private.”  So I guess I better stick and hope that eventually it will lead to something better still.  Did you get my letter about the allotment?  You never said anything specifically about it, so I wonder if you go the letter telling you I had made it and what I wanted done with the money.  It should come inside of the next 15 days and I would like to have Susan and Herman bring down the $10 or $15 when they come if you get it by then.  Just whatever you can spare.  As I said before, always use what you need and send me the rest while in the U.S.  After that bank the surplus over what U use if there happens to be any.  If it don’t come by the time they leave for here, let me know as soon as it does come, so I can be sure you get it all O.K.  I wonder if your secret has leaked sister, for Jo said in this evenings letter she had head some good news, but wouldn’t tell what it was till she was sure it was true.  She said if it was true I probably knew it by now anyway.
            To think, only ten more days and I’ll have to address my letters to “Mrs. Herman Weber.”  Guess Smith’s aren’t sure where they will move yet but my, won’t the valley be dead without them there.
            Well, I’m getting sleepy so guess I’ll draw this to a close and send a program of Thurs Eve’s entertainment.

                                                            Love to you all

                                                                        George

March 1, 1918 - Division Inspection Signals Deployment Nearing

 

 

3-1-18 Camp Logan Texas

Dear Ones All:  Can’t find time to write a letter tonite but will try to get time & news enough to pay tomorrow or Sunday.  Yesterday had Div. inspection and inventory.  Checked everything issued and such personal things as towels, wearing apparel, shaving & toilet articles etc.  Hope it is a sign we will move presently, but am not very sanguine.  Not before April 1^st anyway the way it looks now.  Today Maj. Roth was field officer again.  But only had horses out twice as his two long trips we made in a car.  Started doing his tent work as well as well as riding this morning.  So I’ll be busier than ever.  Expect Dora will soon be on her way home.  Give her and Margaret a great big hug for me.  Was invited up to a musical by the Houston women’s Choral club last nite by Mr & Mrs Karn.  It was fine.  Will try tosend you a program.

Love to all. George 



 

February 22,1918 - Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Foley Entertain the Troops

Camp Logan, Feb. 22, 1918

Dear Home Folks:
            Here we are at the Y.M.C.A.  Time 8:10 P.M.  I’ve just enjoyed one of the best evenings I’ve put in in this camp.  After supper I felt blue and tired out, and as is usual this time of month, the financial embarrassments made it rather inadvisable to go up town.  So I finally decided to come over here and write to Jo & you folks.  I blew a nickel for a peanut bar on the way over, then wrote to Jo, and was just about half asleep and finishing her letter when Mr. O’Brian (ex-Vaudeville singer) came on the Y.M. platform and started his part of the program with “A Long, Long Trail[1].”  I presume you have heard it.  It is a very pretty piece and just touches a responsive chord in a fellow’s makeup when he is away from all those back home.  Well, he brought down the house with his rendition of that, and followed with some appropriate pieces.  Then Mr. Foley (humorist and reader) came on and gave us just a dandy program of readings with just the right touch of human pathos linked with his sketches.  He is certainly good.  So I’m awake now, feel rested and farewell to the blues. 
            The weather we’ve been having makes one a little bit indigo.  Grey skies, wind, rain, mist, raw cold or muggy warm.  And today was Washington’s birthday and a holiday, but of course Major Roth drew field officer of the day again last nite, so I spent the day in the saddle, with a couple of panses to feed, clean horse & equipment, etc with a rush so as to be ready for next trip.
            We both heaved a sigh of relief when he was relieved at 5 P.M. and we rode back from Div. Headquarters. Riding on a nice day, when you can go where you please and stop when you want can’t be beat for sport, but in large doses, with hurry and worry sandwiched in between whiles it loses its charm to a large extent.  However, everything went fairly well, I flatter myself. 
            I suppose in another week and a half you will see Dora and Margaret at least.  You can’t know how I’d like to be with you all, but as yet I can’t see my way clear to come.  As long as I don’t get bounced off this job it is a step in advance of washing dishes anyway, and it might lead to a chance at some other line later if I am relieved of this, tho there is no assurance of that.  We are quite sure to be here till the middle of April, but while we will be here long after that I fear, there is dope afloat that the 108^th may move any time after that -- in advance of the rest of the 33^rd Division. Please Providence that we may go at that time or soon after if possible.

            Well, now I’ll ring off and hike back to bed, I guess.

                                    Love and love and love again to my home folks,

                                                Your loving son & brother,     George

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[1] There's A Long, Long Trail is a popular song of World War I. The lyrics were by Stoddard King (1889-1933) and the music by Alonzo "Zo" Elliot, both seniors at Yale.^[  It was published in London in 1914, but a December, 1913 copyright for the music is claimed by Zo Elliott.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_A_Long_Long_Trail_A-Winding .  Recording at:  http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/John%20McCormack%20-%20There's%20A%20Long,%20Long%20Trail%20A-Winding.mp3

 

February 20, 1918 - Dora's Husband, Guy Lindsey, Also Contributes to War Effort

[Dora is on her way to Kendall for Susan and Herman’s wedding]

Dear Father,

            Dora and Margaret will leave here Feb. 28^th at 9:15 P. M., over Rio Grande to Pueblo, Rock Island to Omaha, over Northwestern to Kendall, Wis. 

            I am all broke up over the fact that it is impossible for me to take a vacation at this time, I wanted so much to see you all and be with you when Dora and Margaret were there.

            Last year I planed to see Mother and Father Lindsey when Dora was in Boise.  But I could not get there, owing to business.  And this year has found me head over heels in very important work, that it is impossible for me to leave at this time.  Not that I consider myself better than others, but I know every German and I. W. W.[1] in this field and those who come here are easily picked out, and the Company feel that it would be simply impossible for me to leave at this time.

            I manage to get home once a week to see my little wife and baby, so don’t keep them to long as it certainly is lonesome enough as it is, but will make the best of it until she comes home.
                                                            Yours respectfully,

                                                                        G. W. Lindsey

 [At this time Guy and Dora lived in Castle Gate, Utah which was a Coal Mining and railroad town.  Guy may have been working for the Mine, but he had also been in the past a train detective, working to protect payrolls and merchandise in transport.  The link above at "the Company" highlights is more information on our past visit to Castle Gate while following the adventures of family members.]

Guy and Dora Lindsey a few years earlier

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[1] Industrial Workers of the World.  The IWW was founded in Chicago in June 1905 at a convention of two hundred socialists, anarchists, and radical trade unionists from all over the United States (mainly the Western Federation of Miners) who were opposed to the policies of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Workers_of_the_World

 

February 11, 1918 - Field Officer Routines and Allotment Plans for Soldier Pay

Camp Logan, February 11 – ‘18

Dear Ones All:
            Just a line to let you know that I’m still alive and enjoy your daily letters even tho I am bad about answering.  I usually receive the letters about every other or every 3^rd day, from two to four in a bunch. But I enjoy them just as much anyway. Didn’t get any today, so will spend the time I would usually spend reading it in writing one to you.* Right there I was interrupted and didn’t get a chance to start over until this P.M. (the 12^th).  Just got thru reading 3 letters from the noon’s mail so I will hurry and answer the two from you folks with this. 
            Went to a show over on “The Street” with Andy last night.  Expect to go up town to-nite if nothing serious occurs to change my plans.  Wish you could have enjoyed? the pleasant little ride I took Sat nite.  The Major was “Field Officer of the Day” and so I had to get out the horses for us to go over to Div. Headquarters for orders and the field officer’s banner.  This at 5 P.M.  It had rained all the afternoon (just a drizzly, hang to it kind of storm).  It is only about 1/6 mile to Headquarters but we had to ride over just the same.  Then I stood in the rain and shivered (I had on a slicker but of course my feet were soaked and my hands cold) for about half an hr. before the “Field Officer” going off duty rode up with his orderly and the flag.  Then we orderlies had to wait while our respective Major’s got their orders and the old one was relieved.  So it was about six P.M. when I rode back to the corral and rubbed off the horses, bedded them down and blanketed them.  By that time the corral was flooded, water up to my shoe tops in many places.  At eight P.M. out we went to make the rounds of the camp and didn’t get in until 9:30.  By that time I was wet and tired enough to go to bed.  Sunday morning I got up at 6:30 and worked on horses and equipment till we went out for the rounds at 9:00.  Rode until 12:00 then put up the horses in our corral, ate my dinner, sat down for perhaps 15 min. then out again getting ready to leave at 2: 00.  Back in at 3:45 and fed and bedded my horses (also cleaned them what I could for the 3^rd time that day.)  Then out again at 4:40 to go to Headquarters to deliver the reports and banner to the succeeding field officer.  Got back and horses put away just in time for mess t 5:30.  So I went from 6:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. and only sat down 3 times (one of those time for dinner).  That of course except sitting in the saddle. And of course had to carry the banner or flag wherever we rode, tho a stirrup boot holds the weight of the pole so it isn’t so bad.  There, I guess that is a pretty good outline without saying anything I shouldn’t, tho I doubt if there is anything to be at all secretive about in the duties of the “Field Officer.”  Was pretty near all in when the siege was over.  But haven’t rode since, tho must take the horses out for a run this P.M.  Went to gas school yesterday morning.  Probably will have to go again to-morrow.  Now I better close and get to work or I’ll lose my job.
            Oh, yes. I have signed an allotment home to you folks (I think it will go to mother but I’m not sure.)  If you ever need any of it why use it, and what you don’t need put in the F & Merchant’s Bank for me on my savings acct.  That much for when we go across if we do.  But while I am on this side I will ask you to forward $10 or $15 every month when you receive it as I will only receive $3.50 per month now on this side.  But we had to make the allotment arrangements the other day and I thot best to arrange it now for the way I wanted it if we go across, and then I’d know for sure everything was working as it should while I was over there. You see, I could have refused to allot any while in this country and then when we went across they would have held out all but about $7.50 and saved in Wash D.C. for me at 4% till I returned. 
            But you couldn’t get any of it to use if you did need it that way.  And in case I should get croaked you might not know how much I had coming and it would be hard to get, I was afraid.  So soon after next pay day you should receive $15.00 of my pay and if in the opinion of the officials you are at all dependent or need it the Government may add five or ten.  If they do, don’t think you are robbing them as lots that need it less than you are receiving it, tho I made no special plea for it.  If the checks for farm produce, etc. keep you going all right, as I hope they will from now on, you may forward me the whole $15, but if you are at all pinched hold out $5.00 and use it. Just how bad are the finances anyway?  And don’t forget if I do go over in the early part of the summer, to use all of it if you need it, and bank it for me only if you have plenty.  Until then I can use at least $10 of it a month if you can spare it. 
            You see we get an increase in pay for foreign service and as they claim we can only have $7.50 per month over there, I’ll be O.K. when we go over.  I wonder if we ever really will?  Just now my pay is disposed of as follows.

$5        per month for Liberty Bond.

$6.50    “      “        “    $10,000 insurance

$15      “      “        “    allotment

$3.50   “      “         in cash

$30.00 Total pay

             Now I really must close.  Hope I’ve made this clear, but fear it is pretty hazy to one trying to read it.

                        Love and love again to all
                                    George S. Sherwood

 No idea if these are photos of George or of his friends.  He often took photos of friends and like the photo above, not all are well focused but they are still fun to see.

February 5, 1917 - George Recounts A Day in The Life of A Mounted Orderly

Camp Logan Feb 5, 1918

Dear Home Folks:
            Once more I have a few minutes which I can call my own, so I’ll drop you a line while I can.  Still riding for Major Roth.  Sister, this is the kind of a job you ought to have, at least it ought to please you.  I’ll map out the days campaign so far.
            Got up at 5:45 and went down to feed “Midnight & Bean Billy.”  Then while morning mess was in progress I put my leggings over my overalls and put on my spurs and polished our bits preparatory to riding school at 9:00 A.M.  From 7:30 to 8:45 was spent in cleaning and saddling the horses.  Then promptly at 8:45 I mounted my black Mid and we trotted over to the Major’s tent at Headquarters. 
            Waited there with the horses until about 9:10 when he came out and off we went for the drill field.  When we got there Lieut. Col Whigam was already giving oral instruction to the orderlies and non-coms who attend the school.
            Soon after we arrived the order was given for us to form a circle in single file.  Then we walked, trotted and galloped the horses, and circled right, right about, left, left about, figure eight right, etc. for about ½ hr. After that we practiced mounting and dismounting both right and left sides, with and without stirrups.  Also picking up our hats from ground without dismounting. I can get along all right (tho not gracefully I fear) till it comes to mounting from right side without stirrups.  So far I haven’t mastered that.  Next we had a short drill in mounted formation and then (now don’t die of envy, sister) we all took a couple of tries at the hurdles.  They are laid out like this and four troopers go at them at a time. 

            My black “Midnight” took them fine this morning and didn’t even try very hard to run around the ends instead of taking the jump.
            Well after the school was dismissed the Major ordered me down to my tent and post haste to change my overalls and jumper for O.D’s and meet him at his quarters.  I rushed around and was back to his quarters all ready in about 15 min, but he wasn’t ready as he had lent his horse in the meantime.  However, more good luck, I no sooner tied up and reported than he invited me in to partake of a piece of hot peach pie.  It certainly was good.  One appreciates good pie down here, they as seldom get it. To quote Major Roth, “Most of them have to be opened with a can opener.”  After that I waited about 20 min and then we went on our morning inspection of regimental latrines.  We usually jump the drainage ditches with the horses as they are only a foot and a half or two feet wide but for some reason “Bean Billy” refused to cross the 2^nd one this morning and it took the Major half an hour to work him over.  It was just stubbornness as he would jump it farther down, but refused at that one point.
            So it was about half past eleven when we finally got back to the Major’s quarters and then I took an extra half mile ride to mail a letter before I could take the horses to the corral, water and feed them and get ready for mess.  How is that for a busy forenoon.
            After mess I [here he drew a double pointed arrow referred to below] took a half hours nap then went down and worked some of the sweat out of the horses’ hair.  At 2:00 P.M, had to report to the Major to find out if he had any use for the horses this P.M.  Then I learned that he wouldn’t want them until tomorrow at 8:45 so I came back and wrote a letter to my home folks or rather got as far as the double pointed arrow at the top of this page. Right there [other end of arrow] Pat got thru shaving and wanted to know who wanted to use his brush and the mirror while it was out and wet, so I quit and shaved. Then it was time to go down and feed so I did that, and made my horses snug for the night.  I hate to think of giving this job up, for I’m getting to think a lot of the horses already but it is hardly probable if I do keep it long.  Besides, one feels more like somebody when they have more of a set line of work to do, and only one real boss.  And keeping dressed up for it makes one feel more respectable. You have to be snappy and on your toes to salute, in speech, etc. too where you are constantly running into officers.  Anyway, I’m thankful for it while it lasts and live in hope it may lead to something as good or better later. 
            Well I came up and washed, read the farriers manual Skinny left for awhile, then went to mess which consisted of liver, bread, potatoes, gravy, cocoa, onions fried, and fruit salad.  Rather better than we usually get.  After mess got your letter of the 2^nd which I read with the usual enjoyment.  I never heard from either Grace or Mayme so guess their letters must have gone astray.  I got a box of very good candy from Dean Campfield yesterday, and a shoe shining set from Dora.  But where is that good candy and cookies my sister and mother respectively promised me, and which I in turn promised part of to the boys.  They are wondering and so am I.  Sister, if you can’t find time to do better than this before you are married, what kind of treatment will poor little me get afterward?  So poor Roy finally got discharged.  I am surprised that he has to turn back his uniform after as much service as he has put in.  One certainly must feel queer to be back in civilian clothes.  But I wouldn’t mind having the war over so I could try it.
            I was very much shocked to hear of Harry’s trip to the hospital as I never knew he was even conscious he had an appendix.  But I trust he is progressing all right.  I will try to drop Jo a line at the earliest chance I get.  What is the reason you don’t get your money from the condensary? Am sorry the party had to be called off, for you see I knew they were going to have it, even as far away as I am.
            Well, I better close before I have to get another sheet of paper. So love and regards to all.                                                George

           

February 4, 1918 -George Has New Duty as Mounted Orderly

Camp Logan

 February 4, 1918

Dear Ones All:

            I got your letters of the 30^th mailed at Kendall & Glendale respectively this noon right after mess. So I will have to hasten to answer even tho I am all “legginged & spurred” for a ride.  In ten more minutes I must take my saddle and take “Bean Belly” and “Mid” out for exercise.  “Bean Billy” is Major Roth’s horse and “Midnight” is at present mine by virtue of “Skinny’s” kindness.  To explain:  “Skinny Gleason,” who I have spoken of before, was Major’s mounted orderly but he got a chance to transfer over to experimental station a couple of weeks.  I was lucky enough to have him put in a word for me with the Major (unbeknown to me) so when he left I was made mounted orderly pro tem as it were, provided I make good. Friday was my first day and I was out with the Major both morning and afternoon.  Got pretty sore as “Mid” is far from easy and I’m a bum rider, but hope to get along all right. Yesterday was rather muddy and disagreeable so I didn’t go out with the Major, but took “Mid” for a little jaunt on my own book.

            Now I must close this and take them both out to exercise as the Major doesn’t hardly expect to go out this nice sunny Sunday P.M.  But I must report in an hour when he will know for sure.

            Am very busy so don’t worry if I don’t write so very often.  Got the other $ O.K. but really this must cease mother!  And send that address of Mrs. Rasmussen's please again at once, as the letter got burned up that had it in.  And you spoke of an enclosed letter but all I found was the one from Albert’s wife.

            Now I must close as I must be very good if I expect to hold down this job while “Skinny” is gone.

                                                            Love to All,

                                                                        George.

Be sure to answer my questions soon Sister, and plan to come to Texas.