Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 October 1917 — WRITES FROM CAMP TAYLOR [ARTICLE]

WRITES FROM CAMP TAYLOR

D. J.-Babcock Gives Interesting Account of the Camp Life. D. J. Babcock, youngest son of the writer and one of the second contingent going from this county to Camp Taylor, near Louisville, Kentucky, has written a further account of the life at camp to his brother, G. M. Babcock, that may be of interest to friends and relatives of the Jasper county boys. The letter, in part, is as follows: Camp Taylor, Ky„ Oct. 7, 1917. My Dear Brother: It was indeed with pleasure that I perused your very welcome letter this evening after returning from spending the day in Louisville. As I told you before, we do no training on Wednesday and Saturday

afternoons, and only.’-stand reveille and retreat Sunday. This leaves one free to do as he pleases on these days, and I seized the opportunity to “take in" Louisville, From what I saw of it I was not very favorably impressed—it has too large a negro population and too many inferior, ill-kept shacks. We spent quite a little time on th? river front, near what is reputed to be the oldest ship afloat, a goodsized wooden vessel, which the British used in ages past in transporting ammunition arid which was sunk for five years, later salvaged and is now an object of curiosity here. Wax models- of prisonersthe. ship is called the “Convict Ship’’—-are placed in their exact position ns found . when raised. A charge of 25 cents is made to defray expenses of the/ officers and crew of the vessel, and many people throng the vessel all day long. We saw an old-fashioned sternwheeler with some barges in tow v-ending its way slowly through the murky 'waters, and also several ■•fleet, low-lying motor boats. The water front, for a considerable distance, is paved with brick and co’ biestone; dredges are working deepening the river near the wharves so that the larger boats can warp in with greater ease. The state reformatory (Indiana) at Jeffersonville can be Seen just across the Ohio, the small houses on the - walls, used by the guards, being easily discernible from where we stood. Louis Misch has a picture of this old vessel, some scenes along the water front and a river scene showing the Indiana prison in the distance. Roy Burch. Anton DeGroote, DeArmond, Kriz, myself and some of the other fellows from home had dinner at a good restaurant, took in a vaudeville and movie show and then returned, to camp for retreat. We enjoyed the day immensely, especially the eats. We expect to be transferred again to another building, as this one is too crowded. We will, however, undoubtedly remain in the same organization, Co. B, 3O9th Engineers. C. Arthur Battleday and the rest of the Jasper county boys are also quartered in the same building with us. They occupy the lower floor, and we are upstairs. Rumor has it that the conscripted men from Jasper, Newton and some other county will all be placed in one -building and will form a separate engineering company. Elbert E. Shoemaker (“Doc”), another Rensselaer lad, holds a good position in the company office as orderly for the officers, his 'feet and ankles not permitting his taking part in drill. “Bill ’ Ott of Knirnan, who was also afflicted with flat feet, has been given his pay and returned home last week. Herman\Lange is in Co. F., 309th Engineers, just across the parade ground from us, and we see each other often. . . We have 221 men in our company at present and will have 240 when up to full strength. Inspection is held every Saturday morning, and is a fine sight. On our parade ground yesterday morning Companies A, B, and C were lined up in platoons ready for the inspectors to view each man. Cleanliness of uniform and general personal appearance of the men are taken into account by them. We were given an hour to prepare for inspection, each man being required to shave, clean and polish his shoes, clean finger nails and brush his clothing immaculately. Certain and sundry penalties are provided for men who fail to comply with these requirements. They are placed on what is called the “black list” and are given extra duty as punishment. None of the men in

our platoon was put on the list. Following the inspection of the men themselves, their barracks, toißt and bath were closely scrutinized by the inspecting officers, who insist on everything being kept in a most sanitary manner. The Kentucky state militia, which has been encamped near Camp Taylor arid which has been doing all the guard duty at the camp, leaves this week for the South, the cars for the men and their paraphernalia already being on hand in the camp railroad yards. Our drill is getting easier now, or, rather, we understand it better and it seems easier. We took an eight pr ten-mile hike tlie other afternoon; everyone enjoying it immensely. The shower baths are thronged; each evening, as the nnture of the soil, a crumbly red clay; makes a bath each night almost obligatory to cleanliness. Both hot an<J cold water are provided for our use, and everyone is delighted with the bathing features. I will write again soon, explaining some of our drills, but mustclose now, as it nearly time for taps—9:3o p. m.— hoping to hear from you soon. Am not homesick at all so far. Would advise you to come down on Sunday—if you come at all, as it will be possible for me to meet you in Louisville any Sunday, and you would be able to roam over the camp all day until 5:30 in the afternoon without a pass. Ii yon are escorted by a uniformed man you need no pass, otherwise you might get in bad. Well, George, will have' to close as Misch, who sleeps on my right, says I have but a few minutes to “roll in.” Write often. Your brother, D. J. BABCOCK.