Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1917 — PLEASED WITH DAMP TAYLOR [ARTICLE]

PLEASED WITH DAMP TAYLOR

Jasper County Boys Reach Camp Without Incident. A letter received Saturday morning from D. J. Babcock, one of the twenty-two Jasper county boys who departed for Camp Taylor last Thursday, says: We arrived here all O. K. last evening at 9:30 o’clock, the train being almost two hours late. We were met at the train by federal officers and were hiked for at least two miles by them until we reached a mess shack. Had no trouble with the men on the way down here, all of them seemingly having arrived at the conclusion that the best thing to do was “to stick with the ship.’’ On the car with us were thirtyeight men from Hammond, and at Lafayette we picked up twenty-two from Williamsport. Met the commanding men of both these companies and also several other fellows, all of whom, impressed me as being above the average specimen of mankind. It was not necessary to reprove any man from home; all of them acting splendidly and giving no trouble at all. After getting two meals on the train we were asked here if we

wanted to eat, and all grasped the opportunity to feed on sandwiches and good, hot coffee. We were then marched to our quarters, our names called off and as each man responded he took his place in line and was issued a straw tick, ■ two blankets and a cot. We then ha*i to go’ to the straw house and fill the ticks, then back to the sleeping quarters, make up our beds, and climb in. I slept quite well, being rather fatigued with the ride. Our meals on the train were good, the government allowing each man 60 cents' worth of grub. We drilled a while this morning and were then taken before a lieutenant and answered a few questions, after which we were allowed to do as we pleased until dinner time, which will soon arrive. Have met Carroll LeathTerman, Othel Caldwell and John Kriz, Jasper county boys, who came here on the sth. The buildings are very good, bright, airy and cheery, with plenty of fresh air and sunlight, furnace heat, electric lights and other conveniences. The officers in charge are fso far) very agreeable and patient, and take plenty of time in explaining the different orders, etc. D. J. BABCOCK. 28th Co,, 7th Battalion. 159th Depot Brigade, Camp Taylor, Ky. Louis AV. Misch. of Wheatfield, whb. with D. J. Babcock, had charge of the men from this county is* going down to the camp'; writes The Democrat his address for forwarding the paper, and says: “I have been with your son nearly all the time so far. We are in the same room; there is only about 200 here and not ’ full yet. We are well pleased with army life.”

A second letter received yesterday morning reads as follows: Camp Taylor, Ky., Sept. 23. Got your letter at noon today and also the paper, and was certainly glad to get both. All of the fellows are eagerly reading the paper. Also got Edith’s’ letter, which was quite interesting. Sunday we have nothing to do except police duty, reveille and retreat, and (after today) expect to get around the camp a little and see some of the fellows. Have met two from Lafayette whom I know well. ,• Devere Yeoman is located about four miles from our barracks, and as yet I haven’t seen him. We took our first medical examination today, were vaccinated and received the first typhoid “shot,” and everyone is nursing a more or less sore arm. Mine gives me but little trouble. I shaved myself today, the first time since reaching the camp. They are very strict here, about one’s personal appearance and demand that one keep cleanly shaven and his shoes polished and take a shower bath every night. This latter is very nice, as both cold and warm water are provided. As far as one can see from here there is nothing but buildings similar to our own barracks, all of which are well filled with young men. A giant searchlight, with a range of five miles each way. assists the thousands of electric arc i lamps in illuminating the camp at - night. As soon (which will posI sibly be this week or early next .week) as we get our uniforms, we ! can go to Louisville on either Saturi day, Sunday or Wednesday after- | noons, as we have nothing to do j but answer roll call at 5:30 ofclock on those days. Today the camp is thronged with I visitors, all of whom must obtain a pass before they are allowed to pass the outer guard. AU of the Rensselaer and Jasper |- county boys are well and seem to be contented. They . take quite a lot of interest in their work, as they are kindly dealt with by the officers. We have all been sorted o'ut according to height, and the tall men form the first squad of the company. This is quite nice as, we are the grst to get to the mess table, count off first, etc. The Y, M. C. t A. is certainly doing good work here. They furnish us paper, and envelopes free, have a piano and Victrola in their -building near us and we can go there whenever we are off duty. Saw a wrestling match and boxing match there. -the—other —evening.-both of which were good, There was also some good singing and dancing,-all of which was put on by members of the camp. • At-present there are about 18,000 to 20,000 m#n here, and after retreat in the evening the place is literally thronged by jolly, well-be-haved groups of men who are out to get a glimpse of the camp or are seeking friends housed in other barracks. The man in charge of the mess shacks is from Lafayette

and knows me. The bunch from Lafayette is in the barracks north of ours, and we have mess with them. I expect to see Yeoman tomorrow, if possible. We were told that our rifle range is six miles from the barracks and when we get our guns we will have to hike there and back twice each day for target practice. We get some good, physical exercise each morning for about an hour, are then divided into squads of eight men, placed under an older private and receive drill formations until noqji, with a ten-minute rest each hour. The training is all right and I believe 1 will like it as soon as I get used to it. This camp is one of the quietest, most orderly places I ever saw; is clean, well kept, etc., all men turning out each morning to pick up all match stems, cigaret stubs and litter around their building. Will have to quit now as retreat is being sounded. D. J. B.