Diary of Robert E. Moore at Army Training Camp, 1918
Robert Edwin Moore (02 Nov 1894 - 28 Oct 1990)
A Daily Diary
of Robert E. Moore,
Written while he was at training camp
during World War I, 2/14/1918 – 5/31/1918
Transcribed by Sharon E. Moore, 9/2018
Note:
Underlined words are pre-printed in the book.
Brackets [ ] are used when the transcriber is making an educated guess
(ex: Ida’s hoped for appointment is
for a teaching job), an assumption (ex:
the person identified only as “William” is his brother William), or
observation (ex: writing in
pencil). The year of the diary was
determined by combining the known personal history of the writer with the day of
the week combined with the date of an entry.
A Line A Day
CRX / 1.50 [in pencil]
[begin writing in black ink]
Robert E[dwin]. Moore
Sanitary Detachment
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
February 14 [1918]
U.S. Prophylactic Station, Macon, Ga.
Day spent in a state of mental and spiritual depression.
– As I walked back alone from the P.G. Station, dinner hour, I stepped up to the
front of a Presbyterian Church in a reverential mood.
“Aceticism still exists,” I thought.
“We would pour out our unhappy souls in ceremonial cleansings in time
worn customs to find that the hunger is still there.
We would find solace in solitude, in a silent walk with God, only to find
that our hearts ache for the companionship of kindred natures.
Peace must be had in looking through the mists and saying, ‘Stand back,
ye doubts and shadows of darkness’.”
February 15
U.S. Prophylactic Station, Macon, Ga.
More cheerful mood.
Wrote letters to Barton Morris and Hugh Wright. – Went to hear Charles
Edward Russell speak at city hall.
His address was a description of the spirit of democracy as it exists in Russia
and France and a statement of the task we have in helping them and defending
ourselves. His statement of the
grim determination and prayerful resignation to suffering was a call to us for
stronger effort more whole hearted part in the fight.
February 16
U.S. Prophylactic Station, Macon, Ga.
Received letters from Nell, Nannie Myrtle and William [brother].
The sweetest thoughts of life are that there are those who care for us.
Our friends are our best assets.
Their lives are for us and to them we owe our fullest gratitude and
deepest affections.
The perfect and unfailing Friend, the One who is infinitely able to help us is
God. He created us, He cares for
us; and to Him we owe our all. My
prayer is that I may so live that I shall not grieve the infinite Father.
February 17
U.S. Prophylactic Station, Macon, Ga.
In the morning I attended Sunday school and church at Mulberry St. Methodist.
Sermon on faith. – In the afternoon attended men’s service at the Grand
Theater on “Father and Son.” At
night Edmundson and I went to church at Mulberry St.
Sermon was on “Obedience to the heavenly visions.” – God grant me the
strength and the will to yield my life to him.
Not to find fault with my fellow but to declare the word of God to him.
Open to me Thy Will, O God.
February 18
U.S. Prophylactic Station, Macon, Ga.
Waited another day to be taken to camp, but no one came after us.
Wrote letters and read a little.
Determined to go to camp the next day; unwilling to stay in town to spend
the time in idleness.
On why one should read the Bible daily.
The lover likes to hear his beloved say from time to time she loves him.
So with the promises of God; we need them repeated over and over again.
February 19
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
That morning we came back to camp and were glad to get back to our duties.
The camp was alive with the talk that the division was soon to be moved,
supposedly preparatory to going across [the ocean]. – That night I went to see
Luke and Harry. Also stopped by to
see Prof. Mackey and Hodge. And so
the activities of the world go along, but mine is to do the will of Him that
sent me. God save me from treason
to his cause.
February 20
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
With this morning the routine of the hospital duties were resumed.
Great things were constantly in my mind which it seemed God intended I
should do, and my waking thoughts were weighted as usual with the feeling that I
was falling far short of God’s plan for me.
But it occurred that at any rate it was my duty to do my hum- part as a
private cheerfully and painstakingly. – Attended prayer meeting at the “Y” and
had a talk with Beaird. He was
helpful.
February 21
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
I woke this morning on the jump determined to be busy and keep on trusting in
God and living an upright life though my heart burst out of me.
The day is more cheerful than usual.
– I hope for William [brother] to come to see me, and write him a letter.
– Picture show at the “Y.” – Having determined to have prayer service in our
tent, we begin this night. We need
courage to carry our work to a wider sphere.
God, show us the way, we pray; God forgive us our shortcomings.
February 22
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
The routine of the morning was performed as usual.
Sick call was cared for and the hospital swept. – In the afternoon the
detachment attended in formation the athletic meet. – That night I met Beaird in
town. First I had supper with Hodge
at Pressler’s and afterward walked with Beaird while we discussed religious
questions. – Taking a taxi for camp, we concluded the evening’s discussions with
an exchange of experiences and hopes relative to matrimony.
Altogether it was a rare evening.
February 23
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
This being Saturday, the details for the week ensuing were read at reveille and
for the week I do duty at the coral.
Burnett calls me preacher and I feel the impression I make is a joke.
I speak to him about his soul.
He says he expects to correct his ways but he can’t until he gets out of
the army. My courage is not
sufficient to speak out boldly unless supplied by the Spirit who worketh in me.
O God, let the value of souls be increased in my heart.
Let love displace envy, revenge, and pride.
February 24
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Sunday gave me little rest. Being
on the corral, I performed the daily duties as on week days.
I had not finished until after the hour for church and Sunday school.
Sunday night with Riley. I
went to Mulberry St. Methodist to hear Bishop Candler preach.
His sermon was a helpful discourse on “Faith.”
February 25
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Monday was to try the encouragement received by Bishop Candler’s sermon of the
night before. However, It was not
to be entirely thrown from my balance for I knew the devil would not abandon a
plan of attack which had more than one time put me to confusion.
At the corral I did my usual work and attended lecture besides.
Closed the day with devotional in our tent.
February 26
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
To-day the mail brings me a small box of candy from Miss Lee.
I wish that I could look on her face again, hear her voice, be inspired
by her gentleness and purity. It is
good to have friends, friends whose lives are are [sic] a constant force for
good in ones own life. And then it
is of untold comfort and pleasure to have friends just to love and be loved by.
I long for greater richness in this as well as in my love for my Great
Friend.
February 27
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Another day at the corral. It was a
day of spring sunshine and the devil was put to flight by the irresistible hope
and joy of spring.
A letter from Bro. Waller gave me a deal of inward pleasure.
A friend in whom ones confidence rests secure even when severe
disappointment almost destroy ones equilibrium is the source of much secret joy.
I also got a letter from Ida [sister] which gave me satisfaction.
She hoped to get an appointment [teaching job?].
February 28
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
To-day Gen. Steiner led the 62nd brigade on a hike of about seven
miles. Part of the march was over a
hilly interspersed with old fields.
The weather was unusually warm for the season, and with our woolen clothing on
it required no little amount of grit to stay it out to the end.
But there is a satisfaction worth while in beating down ones aches and
sticking it out. So with life and
life’s calling. There are some
extremely hard points to pass, but it is worth it.
February 29
→ March 1 [there being no Feb. 29th in 1918, he wrote in the correct
date]
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Friday, the last day of my work at the corral.
Received a letter from N.M.P. She
seemed more true to me than I had believed.
But I am not exactly content to push my case with her:
I have my thoughts towards Ella.
Opened my books from home and read verses from “In Memoriam,” “The Cotter’s
Saturday Night,” “On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture,” and others.
This was a delight. – Young
left us on this day.
March 2
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Saturday and inspection.
This was my first field inspection.
In the afternoon I washed some clothes and took a bath.
I find myself longing for my old attachment to industry.
It is joy to have ones thoughts and ones heart fixed on doing ones work
to the best of your ability, to be eager to put every minute into useful labor.
My time is to learn, to learn to of the world [sic], to learn my part, to
learn to love, to learn to know God.
March 3
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Sunday. I attended the morning
services at the Y.M.C.A. In the
afternoon I went to see several of the boys and took a long walk with Beaird and
another boy. Everything was
propitious for a pleasant time, a good time and we had it. – At 6:30 six of us
met with Beaird to make plans for the S.S. work.
Immediately afterward, Bro. Register preached on the young rich man who
came to Christ. I experience some
of my early zeal to do service for the Master.
God help me.
March 4
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
This morning we went for a hike to be gone for the day and to have dinner in the
field. This was the first time I
had ever messed on the march and the novelty of it lent interest to it.
The pitching of the tents, the cooking of the meal, and the reassembling
of equipment was all done in a way to be admired.
One minute an army was encamped and at rest.
Thirty minutes later it was on the march and no signs of its stop were
left behind.
March 5
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
The hospital routine to-day. First
I helped in the dispensary to fill prescriptions.
Next I helped in the sweeping and cleaning the grounds.
After this there was nothing until lecture at 9:30.
After lecture we drilled until dinner.
From dinner until one o’clock rest, then once more the hospital was
swept. From that until three was
rest. At three the detachment was
detailed to instruct in first aid among the various companies.
I was not used and spent the time washing.
March 6
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Wednesday morning brings another round of hospital work and lecture.
The afternoon being holiday, a parade is called.
This is a weekly event at this time.
The regiment passed in review before the Col. with equipment “N.” – The
continual reading of God’s word is edifying and strengthening.
Like a lover are we, who likes to hear the promise of his beloved often
repeated, we find peace and happiness in reviewing from time to time His
unconditional assurances until They are locked up in our lives to comfort us all
the day long.
March 7
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
All lectures were attended and the regular daily drill of one hour was performed
in addition to fatigue in the hospital.
I try to do all my work with patience and in the Christian spirit.
There is something lacking, however, in that all my work is done with the
feeling of performing a task and not with the gladness of the privilege of
working which spurs one on to special effort.
God grant me guidance to to [sic] lead me in useful labor.
March 8
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Another day of routine. At this
time we are hiking twice each week.
It is especially agreeable with me.
I have a troublesome cough at this time which threatens the worst for me unless
it is carefully guarded against.
Exertion in sunshine and open are is [sic] my best friend.
The personnel of the Med. Det. is an interesting study, though it leaves one
discouraged and despairing of mankind except for the promises in Gods word and
that ever present inner witness which gives the lie to every influence which
would cause man to quit the struggle.
March 9
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
To-day I begin my first week as orderly in the office and get some interesting
new experience. – At this time there are twenty-eight privates and privates
first class, five sergeants, and ten officers.
They are Major M. H. Hagood, Capt’s Forcheimer and Walker, and Lts.
McGruder, Smith, Walker, Weeks, Wall, Miller, Boykin; Sgts. Reade, Quina, Kraus,
Lynch, Farmer; Pvts. Delchamp, Cox, Caro, Hines, Touart, Wooley, Duncan, Hopper,
Mitchell, Stone, Wilkins, Michaels, Tubb, Sims, Fosberg, Wadsworth, King,
Bidsole, McCall, Willis, Finley,
March 10
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Moore, Belden, Edmundson, Burnett, Daniels, Slaughter,
Satterfield, Brumback, McClure, Reynolds.
There are several marked personalities in the Det. but most of them are
privates. Several of the men are
church members, but very few give much thought to church interests.
There are about as many Catholics as Protestants and these indulge freely
in profanity and most of them in strong drink and sexual vice, besides many
other immoralities. There are two
Jews among us.
March 11
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
This is Monday and we start on our first hike of the week.
This is our first hike for more than a day.
In the morning we marched out by Swift Creek station toward the rifle
range and pitched camp for dinner in a small field.
After eating an abundant dinner and a good rest camp was broken and we
hiked back the same road. The march
was continued past camp out the Macon road by the Base Hospital about a half
mile where we pitched for the night on a small grass plot and in a pine
[continued on next page]
March 12
grove.
While supper was being cooked the men gathered pine straw out of the grove for
their beds. Supper was a little
late because of our late arrival, but a good meal was served.
As dark came on fires were everywhere built and the grove glowed.
The camp rang with laughter and loud conversation above the humming
undertone of the tired but cheerful crowd.
The bands also did their levelest to make a gay evening of it.
With the dying away of the music and shouting the men arranged their blankets
and crawled in on their straw under the puppy [continues on bottom of March 13]
tents to sleep. And the majority of
them slept soundly and comfortably.
The next morning about a nine mile hike was done and after dinner and rest we
marched to the music of the bands back to camp.
General Steiner led the hike in which the entire 62nd brigade
took part.
March 13
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Back to the routine at the regimental hospital.
I receive a letter from Nannie Myrtle in which she somewhat timidly
reveals an undiminished attachment.
A box from home containing a cake.
Those hands would toil unsparingly to bring a bit of pleasure or forego the
slightest discomfort for their boys who have soldiers’ lots.
March 14
Camp Wheeler, Ga.
My work is in the office as orderly.
In my leisure periods I read “The Restoration of Egypt” in the National
Geographic. The bodies of the kings
of a mighty empire are preserved for us to view three and four thousand years
later. How humble a being should
man be! The mighty of those days
are but bits of earth now.
But the indomitable spirit which overcame tremendous difficulties and
accomplished wonders with which
modern ingenuity has been unable to cope, may live as brilliant lights in the
Eternal City. At least, they have
set an example for us in the matter of marching against and our difficulties.
March 15
To-day was the first general inspection.
General French had just returned from France to his command of the Dixie
Division and called for this inspection as his first act.
It seems to be preparatory to going away from Camp Wheeler.
Equipment A and C were taken to the field and the entire day was employed
in the inspection. A cold meal was
served in the field.
We hear it said we see other’s faults but not our own.
Not so; we see our own faults better than another’s, but we are more
tolerant of ourselves. Let us
cultivate toleration of the other person’s humanities.
March 16
Saturday morning a parade takes the place of the regular inspection.
In the afternoon I did some washing and wrote a letter.
That night with Belden, I went to “Y” .46. at the 121 Inf. to hear Mme.
Riheldoffer sing. Her voice was
good and her bow was well nigh perfect.
Caro, alias “Pensacola Pete” and “Frisco.”
He is saturated with the idea that he has wandered far and long from the
path of rectitude. In fact he has,
but the idea is exaggerated in his mind.
And now he wants to come “gradually” back.
He has the wanderlust and seeks excitement to [continued next page] woo
him from his past. He has dipped
deep into immortality and the poison is left in his mind.
A stream of it flows involuntarily and he has not set his heart eternally
against it. Hence it is unchecked
although some of his ways are rectified.
His mind is unusually strong.
His personality is perhaps the most marked in the detachment.
March 17
Sunday morning took me to Sun. school at the “Y.”
Our efforts seem feeble in this work, and yet one soul may be saved and
then a million. – In the afternoon letters.
I write to Ella and propose a renewal of our friendship. – I go to see
Luke, Harry, Hodge and Jim Gardner.
March 18
Monday morning three squads of three each accompany the three battalions on a
short hike and maneuver coming in at twelve.
In the afternoon hospital work and lecture. – I get a box of candy from
Ethel [sister].
Sgt. Farmer, a Catholic, a former ball player, bartender and bootlegger.
Profane, irritable, of unclean sex life, and generally disagreeable.
And yet he takes a pride in doing some things well.
He is industrious in keeping his person neat and his quarters in order.
He is quite fair in discussing some moral questions, but he lives no
moral standard.
March 19
On Tuesday after completing the duties of the morning I wrote a letter to Nell.
In the afternoon I attend the lecture and take a bath. – The night finds
me in an unusually happy frame of mind.
The old hymns fill me with contentment and the great old love songs and
others of the bards delight me with a calm delight.
Oh, life eternal! And some
are without it. – What is the evil of profanity and unchaste language.
A chaste and pure life makes a chaste tongue. A reverent heart hates
irreverent words. There is no
harmony between foul language and pure life.
March 20
Wednesday was spent with the regiment in the swamp above
the lake. Six of us and two
officers attended for any first aid which might be needed.
After supper I found Bryan Smith and was very happy with him for a few
hours. – Several of the detachment were drunk this evening, among the number
Findley. As a result there was a
near riot. The more direct results
of drinking I see the more appreciation I have of the tremendous crusade which
has been made against. A compromise
with it is treason to this cause of righteousness.
March 21
To-day the regiment went on an all-day hike and most of our men went.
A few of us who were out the day before were allowed to remain.
I spent most of the day washing.
I began reading “A Student in Arms.” – Edmundson received his commission
and was assigned to a post this day.
His behavior clearly indicated he was somewhat drunk with his success.
Do we feel elevated by success, promotion to a different sphere into a
“better” creature, or do we feel we are the same humble servant merely
transferred to a different job with slightly different prerogatives, perhaps so.
March 23
Saturday morning morning [sic] routine. – A rigid inspection was stood this
morning in an effort to efface the low mark received on the general divisional
inspection of the week before. – Sat. afternoon Dr. Finley and I went to town.
We had a home cooked supper at the “Y” and enjoyed it all.
Finley found his commission awaiting him on his return.
Sin: -- the child does something it knows is contrary to the parent’s wish.
In the presence of the parent it tries to keep the act covered.
When we commit any act which was not in accordance with His plan, not
harmonious with His law of human behavior as it is revealed to us through His
word and in our own natures, we [continued on next page]
March 24
are ashamed when we are conscious of His presence.
We have been disobedient children.
x
x
x
Sunday’s work was soon done and we were free to do our
will. I went as usual to the “Y” to
church and Sunday school. Our class
was organized. I was asked to serve
as president. The S.S. is very
helpful and the fellows who take a part seem happy in it. – At the evening
service a series of revival services was begun.
A. J. Moore preached on having the mind of Christ in us.
A very inspiring sermon.
[Robert E. Moore had a first cousin once removed, who was a Baptist minister
named Adoniram Judson Moore; was this he?]
March 25
Monday morning the regiment went out for a little problem and four of us went
together with each battalion. In
the afternoon there was the usual lecture. – After supper Reade came in for a
talk and among the things we touched, all of which were spiritual was judging.
How often I have erred! And
yet the sin will beset unless God be with me.
At the “Y” “Uncle Nate” Thompson preached on “Christ the giver of
abundant life.” It was a delight
and a comfort to listen to his quaint, simple, practical way of putting it.
March 26
Another war game to-day for the entire day.
We were Belden in charge.
Tubb, Hopper, Bedsole, Fosberg, Stone, and I.
The particular objection to these games for the Sanitary men is that if
there is anything to do we get no instructions and have to do it on our own
initiative and run the risk of incurring reproval by the superiors. – At the “Y”
Calloway preached on the judgement.
A large number responded to his proposition. – We have our prayer service in our
tent again. There is a response in
me to-night to love’s call – Godly love.
March 27
On Wednesday came our regular half-holiday and to-day was a special event.
A field meet was held which was of special interest, because of the
increased rivalry and also because on it depended which team should hold the
cup. The 123 Inf. won a majority of
the events. The Yankees and the 124
Inf. played ball. Frank Baker, Ping
Bola and Derrill Pratt were in the game.
Baker is very modest in appearance and plays with calm confidence.
He enjoys a good joke. The
series of meetings at the “Y” continue good and I enjoy them.
March 28
Instead of the regular hike on Thursday a brigade parade was held and three
times we passed in review before Gen. Steiner.
The remainder of the day was spent in the regular work about the
hospital. At night I went to church
at the “Y.” Dr. Fort preached a
good sermon on “Is the young man Absolom safe?”
It was a strong appeal to live a clean, pure, beautiful life.
My desire is stronger than ever to be clean and I thirst for more of
nature’s generosity, to shine on all, more of the Christ spirit.
March 29
The war game which was to have been Thursday and was postponed was to-day
instead. The Sanitary as usual had
nothing to do but keep somewhere near the field of operation.
I used the time to finish reading “A Student in Arms.”
The book is a beautifully simple treatment of some of the predominant
questions in the mind of the soldier as he goes to the front and through the
long days undergoes the strain of battle and idle waiting. – At the “Y” Chaplain
Smith, 122 Inf. preached on the Prodigal.
His sermon was a very strong challenge to accept Christianity.
March 30
Saturday: This morning a divisional
review in heavy marching order was held by Gen. French and inspection was called
off with us. – The details of the week put me in the ward for the first time and
made my round complete. – I received a box of roses for Easter from Mary and
wrote her a letter at once. As I
started to church at the “Y” after supper Sgt. Quina called me and we had a
lengthy conversation on religious questions.
I missed church. – Several of the fellows drinking to-day.
Not an unusual thing in our detachment.
March 31
Glad Easter day. The band played
just before time for setting up and it seemed that heaven had opened up.
Holy! Holy!
Holy!; Nearer My God to Thee; and one or two others.
I was on duty in the ward and did not get to attend Easter services.
I studied the Sunday school lesson a bit and enjoyed to some degree,
anyhow, the glorious thought of eternal life.
In the evening I attended the last of the services at the Y.M.C.A.
The sermon was on the “Prosperous Life” as it is thought of in the first
Psalm. – I went to see Ben Stinson and Bob White.
Bob and I talk on becoming a citizen of the Kingdom.
April 5
[begin green ink] Friday – My last day on the corral ward.
I find this work of attending the sick gives some opportunity to release
my sympathetic nature and gives some comfort. – A letter from Ella comes and I
am very happy. I can make no
predictions what will be the end of it but the restoration of her friendship for
the present seems more to me than that of anyone else could. – She makes no
pledge and does not declare her unlimited confidence in me, but expresses the
hope that she may. She proves her
worth in her words.
April 6
Saturday morning we have a field inspection with equipment A in preparation for
the hike which is to start Tuesday following.
April 7
Sunday – I go to “Y” 45 and hear Chaplain Crosby speak on “Christian Fidelity.”
His text was Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law.
A splendid talk for the Chaplain. – Sunday night I went to “Y” 46 to see
Hodge and found a crowd of Macon laymen out to hold the service.
Ben Norvell sec. Macon Y.M.C.A. was the principle speaker and in his
words was a “Big gun.” He spoke of
baseball and boxing stunts in religion:
winning men for Christ outside “prayermeeting;” serving Christ in Co. A
or on the drill field – Mr. Lingo told what Christ would do; [continued on
bottom of next page] what he had done for him, what he would for anyman. – Mr.
Solomon preached quit your meanness.
He said no gentleman would swear.
I agree.
April 8
Monday was a holiday. We got ready
for the start next day. The packs
were to be made up paper, reading, candles, etc. procured and all our clothes
washed if they happened to be dirty.
April 9
Tuesday was that memorable day. We
boys felt the same in importance and pride so many would have felt, I imagine,
as they sail away for France. The
123 inf. left Camp Wheeler at 8:45 and arrived at Camp Harris [Georgia] where we
camped Tuesday night, about 12:30.
Gov’s Henderson [smeared] Dorsey reviewed the division as it passed through
town. Gen’s French, commander of
the division, Hayden and Steiner were also in the reviewing stand.
Thousands of people lined the streets and I saw in some mothers and fathers
faces a far look ahead to see what was coming for those boys of theirs.
But for most of them there, [continued on bottom of next page] was
nothing but pride and so for the girls and boys.
The small children admired.
To them all it was something strange and unknown.
It made the war more real.
April 10
Wednesday morning found us out at the usual hour for reveille.
Giving the old munitions factory and the monastery on the hill a parting
glance we hiked out on our journey of sixteen miles to Jackson’s Mill in
Crawford Co. Tents pitched, sick
all held, I got straw for my bed.
Retreat and music by the band. I
sat up in my tent until eleven writing to Nell by candle light.
April 11
Thursday morning we were out early and on the march at a fast clip.
This was the day of our principle maneuvers and before noon positions
were taken by all the regiments.
Being a very poor tactician, I understood very little of what was done. – One
feature of interest in all the marching through the country was the watchers
along the road. It was no doubt the
first time for a majority of them to see soldiers on the march, and it made such
an impression as will be remembered by them as long as they live.
The children, when old people will relate the story with the vividness of
an event of yesterday. – All [continued at bottom of next page] the boys were
impressed by the beautiful farming lands we passed this day and especially the
large peach orchards. – Camp was made at Echeconnee that night.
We were now in Houston County [Georgia].
April 12
Friday, the engagement being over we hiked back to Camp Harris.
Our route of march for the greater part of the days march was on the
Dixie Highway. We passed two
schools, a rural high school and a grammar school in the outskirts of Macon.
At each place all the teachers and students were out with their yells and
gay chatter. At the latter a little
miss of twelve, perhaps, asked a St. for his swagger stick.
He threw it to her without hesitation.
I see her years [continued at bottom of next page] after as a young woman
showing it to friends, later as a mother showing it to her children, and finally
as an aged woman showing it to her grandchildren as she tells them the story of
the Great War as it impressed her. – At Camp Harris we spent the last night out
and cleaned up for the return through Macon.
April 13
Saturday morning long before dawn the artillery rolled out of Camp Harris.
About 7:30A.M. the 123 Inf. marched out bringing up the rear.
Eager to be back at camp, we began the march cheerful and happy.
At Wesleyan College the girls were all lined up and gave us lots of
cheers and many smiles. Pretty
girls they, and we know there was more in their feeling than “Wish you good
luck, boys.” There was that deep
feeling of “I go with you in heart” and the keen pangs of personal loss. – Back
at Camp [continued at top of next page] dusty, hungry and footsore and tired
there was no rest until everyone had cleaned up and stood inspection two hours
after arrival. Thus it was ended.
April 15
Monday found us back at Camp Wheeler running on our same schedule.
I am in charge of quarters. – A letter from Ida [sister] speaks of Jim’s
[brother] arrival in Europe. ‘Tis
sweet to fight for the Stars and Stripes over there in a land where freedom is
loved; To fight for our dear ones and leave it to God.
‘Tis heaven to be on the Lord’s side and to say “O God, there lives not
one soul but is precious in Thy sight. – Belden receives his appointment and
leaves to take up active duty at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. – In spite of his
faults I love him and hope that through experience he will gain closer touch
with God.
April 17
Thursday
Wednesday – My duties in caring for quarters together with some washing keep me
busy most of the day. However I
take a little time and write to Ila congratulating her on her marriage.
Also mail a rather lengthy letter to Miss Cureton on the hikes and hiking
philosophy. It was for the school.
Got a letter from William [brother] saying he will come to see me the
following Saturday. – In the face of the present grave crisis those boys of the
detachment whose minds dwell at all times on lewd women, liquor and gambling
wish for a discharge and complain of their hard lot.
Traitors!
April 18
Thursday – Besides cleaning in quarters I continue my preparation for William’s
[brother] coming by washing and getting as much of my letter writing off hands
as possible. – Hodge drops in that night and I walk with him up to the “Y” 46.
He is not admirable in every respect, but he has the capacity for making
one feel good. And so it was a
pleasant walk.
April 19
Friday was my last day in charge of quarters.
All my work on that day was done in anticipation of Williams’s [brother]
coming, for I had long looked forward to it, somehow thinking he would come.
Friday evening I went to town to wait his train.
The result was that I spent the night at the station and came back to
camp next morning thinking he had failed me.
Two books from Miss Holti intended for Christmas reached me.
“With Christ” and “Vital Truth About Prayer.”
Every reminder of her is sweet.
She is one of a very few for whom my love is pure, one whose whole soul
has been laid open.
April 20
Saturday morning I came back from town though my pass was good until 10A.M.,
because I had no business and helped with the work in the hospital. – An
inspection of equipment “A” was called and I prepared my cot in the tent. – The
mail came bringing a letter from Ella and one from Esther also.
They both gave very brief account of the Flat Rock commencement [his old
high school]. – That afternoon I had sat down to answer Ella’s letter when
William came in. I laid aside the
writing and we started out at once to find the boys from home and others whom we
knew. Ben Stinson, Hodge and Prof.
Mackay were all we found. We spent
the night at the Dempsey and William left at 7:30 Sunday morning.
April 21
Sunday morning I rather wanted to stay in town and attend church and Sunday
school, but felt somewhat obligated to come back to our class at “Y” 45.
And so I came back to camp without delay.
Chaplain Spencer filled Chaplain Crosby’s appointment a second
consecutive time and a little talk glowing with spiritual enlightenment.
The subject was “The Vine, the Branches and the Husbandman,” a discussion
of our relationship to Christ and the Father. – At S.S. we had a good time.
We had some very interesting visiting soldiers and an all-around free
open discussion of the lesson. – In the afternoon I went to the romamet[sp?]
with [continued on bottom of next page] Jones to see his brother.
We stopped at the ball game on the way while he talked to some old
friends form back at home. He got a
car and we rode over and back.
Jones and his brother seem perfectly happy with each other.
They do little stunts and chat contentedly, forgetful of everybody
present, as lovers do.
April 22
Monday puts us back at work. A new
schedule is begun now, which has the earmarks of a very lax arrangement.
Later, however it may develop some strenuous training. – With it the
rumor comes that we are to remain at Camp Wheeler several months yet contrary to
the expectations that most of us were to go across [the ocean] immediately upon
arriving back at Camp from the hike.
Some still persist in the belief that we will leave in a few weeks.
April 24
Reveille sounded an hour later this morning than previously, but I was up at the
usual time. We went over to the
camping ground back of the Base to spend the day.
We pitched tents and spent the day at ease.
We each carried an uncooked meal and had our first tryout at individual
cooking in the field. We returned
early to camp and I found letters from Ethel [sister] with pictures, Mary and
Nannie Myrtle. Dear old Mary:
a wonderfully lovely girl is she. I
read of the N.Y. State Troopers. I
am impressed with the idea. “Don’t
tell men they are only human. They
will excuse their faults and failures and begin to shrink from duty if you do.”
We can be more than human, we can overcome our humanity. – I swear same
for Kraus, McCall, Burnett and Leatherberry with the hope of causing them to
think.
April 25
Thursday we went on the same march as the day before.
After pitching tents and demonstrating first aid work awhile with the
band we of the Med. Det. went into the woods to eat our lunches and have a
picnic. There we stayed singing,
riding saplings, and doing various stunts until about two o’clock.
We then struck tents and went back to camp. – That night I went to see
Luke and Harry. Harry told me
William [brother] and Ovie and Paul had been called to report at Camp Jackson
Apr 26. It was a great surprise to
me.
April 26
Friday was Liberty day and there was no “putting out” for most of the boys, but
the hospital work went on in the main.
With sick call attended and the sweeping done we were ready to go to the
patriotic meeting on the drill field.
Capt. Schwartz Chaplain Crosby and a major led the speaking. – I went to
town and saw “The Beast of Berlin” Friday night.
After witnessing this reproduction of of [sic] some of actual horrors
imposed on an innocent and unoffending people, I cried “O God, how selfish and
unfeeling, how disregardful of others we have been [continued on bottom of next
page] that we have been so slow to offer our hand in defense of the helpless.
And yet some complain. God
forgive us.”
April 27
On Saturday the 123 Inf. hiked to the rifle range.
It was a beautiful day and spring was at its fullest.
The swamps, much like those on grand and glorious old Sand Mountain, were
eloquent with the speech of spring, a moss of the unsoiled green and freshness
of youth. After reaching camp and
establishing ourselves in our quarters, I went down and looked over the range
for the first time. In this tent
are Mitchell, Happen, Slaughter, Delaney.
April 28
Sunday morning I went with Duncan and some boys from Hgs. Co. to Billy Goat Hill
in search of church services, but found none.
But we found a very beautiful swamp.
It carried us back to the time DeSoto led his few hundred through
unbroken forests and the almost impenetrable swamps of Florida and Georgia.
Many of the soldiers walked or rode over to the little store to fill up
on the trash and rid themselves of their money. – I spent the afternoon sleeping
and writing to Nannie Myrtle.
April 29
Monday morning dawned cloudy and soon the rain began to fall.
Firing was postponed until afternoon.
Details caught me for care of quarters.
Sgt. Reade just couldn’t see his way clear without using me, it being
contrary to his conscientious light to use one of the Superior children from
mobile. After dinner there was a
cessation of the rain and firing was begun on the hundred yard range.
My first shot hit the bulls eye and I was thrilled as I used to be when a
child over a success. My score was
46. Firing was called on account of
rain.
April 30
Tuesday morning brought more rain.
Our tents being floorless and open everything in them became damp and uncanny.
All our clothes and blankets absorbed moisture almost to saturation and
without any provision for fire inhabiting such quarters was just grit and stay
with it. The rain continued all day
and we were disappointed not to go on the range at all.
I got a letter from Nell.
She is a very sweet girl. Her
letters show no special ability of hers in correspondence except to get enough
of herself in them to transmit her charm by mail.
May 1
Tuesday night was very unwholesome and damp.
Everything was beginning to scent of must and the clothes we wore had a
very unhealthy feeling. But
glorious Wednesday repaid us for all the rain.
All day long a brilliant sun drove away the germ breeding moisture and
when night came we had dry and healthy blankets in which to wrap. – Early that
morning the men were taken to the range and rapid progress was made on the
schedule. I got a trial on the two
hundred and three hundred yard ranges and made good, but on the rapid fire fell
down. However it was all great
sport. – I got a letter [continued at bottom of next page] from Ella.
She is the same dear old girl and is not altogether wanting of the
quality of sweetness.
May 2
Thursday the shooting continued full sway I shot rapid fire on the one, two, and
three hundred yard ranges. – The sun remained brilliant and quarters became more
tolerable.
May 3
To-day shooting is begun on the “mid-ranges” 500 and 600 yards.
Enjoying the shooting, as I do, I take my turn in this and make a fairly
respectable score.
One thing noticeable when we are established in temporary quarters is the
ingenuity of some fellows. There
being no floor space, tables or wall hangings, it was necessary to devise some
substitutes. To hang clothes,
towels, etc on Slaughter drove down two forked sticks a few feet apart and laid
a stick across these. For a table
he drove four stakes in the ground and laid a table top on these.
For candle stand one of the boys drove down a stake and [continued on
bottom of next page] tied a candle to it by wrapping a string around the two
overlapping ends. I am reminded of
the method many used during the winter to heat water.
A wire was attached to a can or bucket and it was suspended against the
side of the cone shaped stove. Or
the side of a can was mashed until it would fit the stove and then it was
propped against it with a brick.
May 4
Saturday morning shooting on all the ranges is continued, but I go to camp for a
bath and miss my shot. – Saturday is given as a half-holiday as usual.
May 5
Sunday is again observed by suspending fire until Monday morning.
Most of the fellows went on some lark such as fishing, an egg hunt or a
bear chase, or strolled about the woods and country about camp.
Wishing to secure a shell from one of the artillery pieces, Duncan and I
went to the artillery range and got two shells for me and one for Duncan.
Sunday afternoon I write to Miss Lee after having first been refreshed by
a nap. – Sunday night I attend a service at the “Y” tent, the first since
leaving camp.
May 6
With the advent of another Monday the firing starts anew with greater vigor than
ever. While some of the companies
continue shooting on the ranges up to 600 yards others begin practicing with the
automatic rifles and pistols. In
another quarter combat practice is in progress.
In the morning I resume firing with Co. “G” on mid-ranges, and prove that
much depends on the rifle as well the person.
In the afternoon I go in the pit for the first time and am surprised at
the sharp report of the bullet striking the target.
May 7
To-day sees a lull in the target practice but shooting continues on the
mid-ranges, the thousand yard range the pistol range, and in the combat
practice. I am detailed on the
firing line in the afternoon. – I do some thinking on patriotism, duty and
sacrifice, and what is salvation.
Bedsole gives his views of on sex question and opinion of the church.
He thinks what is nature is good.
The Bible he plainly believes, is not wholly trustworthy and not binding
on the individual. It all goes to
show that anyone who rejects the Bible has no guiding path and [continued on
bottom of next page] will wander into ways which to human eyes appear safe, but
which human history have proved destructive.
May 8
I go with the ambulance to camp and get a bath.
While there I talked to Willis and learned some of the change that would
likely be made in our non-com. rank.
Kraus is to become Sgt. 1st class and Leatherberry or Lang to
become duty Sgt. In the first place
no one of these men is fit morally to be in command of even so few men.
They have proved themselves shirkers and indolent.
In the next place they are not prepared to fill the place from a
standpoint of the knowledge of the duties.
May 9
[appears to be continued from previous page] Not a one of them has more than
average mental capacity and it has never been trained to act except to invent
some selfish scheme. There is no
enthusiasm or patriotic fervor or high conception of duty to get results from
men under their leadership. In fact
there would be no leadership to it for the men have no respect for them or
confidence in them. It is a case of
every man for himself. Finally the
politics they have been playing would be a stench in the nostrils of any
self-respecting person or anyone who has any sense of fair play
or
___rits. [end green ink] [begin
black ink] Their aim is to wrest (continued May 13) the 1st sergeancy
from Sgt. Read for Kraus; to head off Delchamp, a capable and deserving fellow,
from the supply sergeancy, a place he has been filling for months and put in
McCall, one of their ring and a whisky head; finally to have Leatherberry or
Lang, two of the most worthless of the detachment, appointed to the other open
sergeant’s place. Their method is
underhanded politics and demeaning language.
May 10
On Thursday most of the shooting was finished.
Our shells which we had secured from the artillery range were ordered
turned in Thu. night. I went with
Hopper Bedsole, Fosberg and King fishing down on the little creek across the
swamp below the range. We took
lard, salt, meal, bread and preserves and cooked our supper on the creek after
we had caught fish. We used
canteens and mess pans for cleaning and cooking the fish.
For drinking water we boiled creek water in our canteens and cooled it.
A good camp fire was built and between that and our hooks we divided the
time [continued on top of next page] until two A.M.
We then wrapped ourselves in our rain coats and lay down under the two
shelter tents we had pitched ends together.
The next morning we were up at four o’clock and at five we had our hooks
in our fish on a string and all our camping outfit packed in a barracks bag
ready to start for camp about two miles.
We reached camp just before first call and when reveille sounded we were
ready to fall in. The fun had been
ours; the fish, which was a nice string of cats and eels, we gave to the mess
sergeant at M. Co., who furnished us with the supplies for the supper of the
night before.
May 12
Very little firing was done Friday as it had been nearly completed the day
before. Most of the day was spent
in preparing for the march the next day, sleeping and policing thoroughly. –
Saturday we came back to camp. It
was a very warm day and yet in spite of the heat one could not help but notice
the ease with which the march was made compared with the same march where it was
made four months before. – Camp becomes home.
When the men caught sight of the rows of tents a great yell went up.
The band came out to meet us and we felt like proud conquerors coming
back home.
May 13
Sunday was Mother’s day. Being on
duty as office orderly I didn’t attend any service.
I took the time however to write Mamma a short letter. – Monday I was
kept on the run all day with office errands.
May 14
The question is continually asked among the men of the Det. if any of them would
volunteer, if a call were made to go to France for immediate service.
It is to be regretted that a majority of the men are not ashamed to say
they will never go until they are compelled.
They came into the army unwillingly and their own regret is that they
cannot be at home to get some of the easy money chances the war has opened.
We have some men go AWOL and get their punishments.
Occasionally there is a deserter.
I hear many sighs and complaints against enforced service.
This causes me to ask who is a deserter; “Who” a traitor, who a patriot?
I think of Christ’s [continued at top of next page May 15] definition of
a murderer and an adulterer [sic] and think it can aptly be paraphrased here.
Military law says anyone who leaves, or attempts to leave his
organization with the intention of not returning is a deserter but I tell you he
is also a deserter whose spirit runs away from the fight, the coward who fights
because he thinks it is safer to face the enemy bayonets than the bayonet of the
law. [being light blue ink] – George Bernhard Shaw has said that heroes[?] are
nine tenths uniform. I sometimes
think there are a great many more “patriots” when it is popular to be patriotic
than when other thoughts command the attention of the country.
It is very often and truly said that war brings out the noblest there is
in men. [continued on next page May 16] Men who have been frivolous loafers and
sports, whose thoughts have been wholly of themselves, full of vanity, have
responded with the noblest and most beautiful unselfishness when the call of
country sounded a loud blast. But
on the other hand I fear I must a majority of men fight, because they have to
and not through any sympathy for the principles which are the heart of our
cause, nor for any passionate love [continued on next page May 17] of country.
Many have I heard mourning the opportunities for making money or the ease
and pleasure they were missing back at home.
Again I fear most of us are looking for the safest branch of the service.
In fact, many don’t hesitate to put the consideration of safety into
every step they take and avoid all the danger possible.
But the true, the ideal patriot forgets [continued on next page May 18]
safety only so far as it is necessary for best service and doesn’t conflict with
duty. We must conclude then that he
cannot be a true patriot who has not assumed the proper attitude toward death,
who has not learned to value his physical life as nothing, his immortal soul as
all.
May 31
Reveille this morning presented one of those very disgusting scenes.
Billie _onart was in charge.
His eyes were swollen and his entire face was disfigured.
When he about faced to report he avoided falling with great effort.
The Major ignored it. The
other officers laughed. The members
of the detachment thought it a rare joke, and Billie was very proud of himself.
He was drunk.
Reade, Cox, Leatherberry and I went before the board for admission to the
officers training school. – Read Frank Simond’s war article in the Review of
Reviews and got scared.
[last entry]
