Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 255, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1917 — LETTER FROM CAMP SHELBY [ARTICLE]

LETTER FROM CAMP SHELBY

TELLING OF DISMEMBERING OF CO. M, AND ASSIGNMENTS OF SEVERAL. Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 8, 1917. The Republican, Rensselaer, Ind. Dear Friends: It has occurred to me several titnes to write but it is difficult to find anything to write about since the dismemberment of old Company M. Notwithstanding the fact that I have not been with the regiment to whichlCo. M belonged, I kept posted regarding it and was very much disappointed when it was broken up and scattered about to' the four winds. What happened, however, had to happen to some organizations and it came to the Rensselaer company for the sole reason that it of the third battalion instead of part of the first or second. It had the making of a great company. The spirit was right, the men were a fine, intelligent, loyal and willing set and they were determined to give the organization a name to be proud of. It was the wrecking of this purpose that went especially hard with them. But they are now working as individuals to the aid of other organizations and are mostly in the 137th field artillery. It is probable that Lieutenant Edward L. Watson, well known for his efficiency as drill master in infantry, will be transferred to my own regiment, and he is making plans to that end. _

I meet occasional surprises here when some old acquaintance drops in to inform* me that he is a part of Uncle Sam’s big military plans. Just after coming here I met Dr. Ray Clayton, formerly of Monon and Fowler, and well known in Rensselaer. A few days ago I met Dr. Ivan Brenner, of Winchester, son of Jinks and formerly of Rensselaer. His old classmates in high school will remember him and also his wife, formerly Miss Marlhtt, a teacher in high school. He is a "first lieutenant, as also is Dr. Clayton. Both have their wives with them and are living in Hattiesburg. x , When the recent assignment of selectmen from Camp Taylor arrived here my regiment got 1,729 of them and they were placed in the various companies of the organization. In order to make the distribution equal we shuffled up the names and then called them off for the purpose of assignment. The drawing took place on our parade ground and I watched closely for familiar names and faces, but there was only one, that of E. E. Shoemaker, formerly a mechanic in the Main Garage. He had been troubled with his feet and ankles and was unable to drill, so was placed in the headquarters company and will probably be used to drive a motorcycle with a side car. ~ This evening. Ernie Moore ana Emil Hanley called upon me. Ernie is a sergeant and in charge of the dispensary of the 150th field hospital of

the 113th sanitary train. He has Emil as an assistant and they are not only very nicely located but are in line of non-commissioned promotion. Both are considering entering the next training camp, which stars Jan. sth, and which is for soldiers particularly. One will be held in this division. John Luers is also in the some field hospital with Ernie and Emil but I have not seen him since I came here. I understand, however, that he is well and getting along nicely. Archie Lee and “Red” Bowsher called on me this evening and I frequently see Sergeants Jimmie Eldridge and Laban Wiicox. They are well but find it hard to adjust themselves to field artillery harness. Earle Reynolds and wife and daqghter Helen are giving their skating act in Hattiesburg this week and are to be my guests tomorrow at an army dinner and he has reserved seats for myself and members of my official family for the Friday night performance. Earle’s act went big at the Orpheum in New Orleans two weeks ago. General E. M. Lewis, commanding the Indiana brigade and during the absence of General Sage, the commander of the entire division, left us today greatly to our regret and has been relieved of the command for ! other duties, a discussion of which i would not be allowable. He had en--1 deared himself to all by his constant ! demands for training and good soldiering and it was a great misfortune to lose him. Today we had arrive in the regiment a number of French and' English officers to give instruction in certain matters of training and we are to have them with us for quite a while. The Frenchmen speak our language quite fluently and we will receive much benefit from their instruction. My letter has been quite gossipy, but I know that friends of all whom I have mentioned will al! be pleased to hear_from them to know that they are well. I also want the parents of the boys now in France to know how much pleasure we had from their letters. Those by Alfred. Thompson were certainly splendid descriptions. I am glad that Bummer Davisson mentioned the wool lined sleeping bag for I will get one as I am not given to sleeping very warm. It is hoped that some of the Rensselaer people get down here before our departure and they will find southern hospitality, so far a# the soldiers are concerned, all that it is traditionally supposed to be. Sincerely, , Lt.-Col. GEORGE H. HEALEY.