Private L. E. Peterson
Camp Funston, Kas.,
April 19, 1918.
Farnam Echo,
Farnam, Nebr.
Dear Mr. Editor:—As several of my friends have asked me to write to them I am taking this privilege to write to you all.
I arrived here April 2nd and we were held at the barracks in Funston for two days when we were hiked to another barrack for general examination. The men were lined up in single file, passed by different army doctors and each took a look at the different recruits after which those that passed the first goal were given their outfits which consisted of a barrack bag made of blue denim to keep our belongings together, one pari of O. D. (olive drab) trousers, two O. D. shirts, six pairs of sox besides one pair of knitted sox, one Red Cross knitted sweater, one pair of russett shoes, one pair of field shoes, three suits of underwear, one pair canvas leggings, one hat, three towels, one bar of soap, three blankets, one bed sack which is filled with straw, one tooth brush, hair brush and comb, also a heavy O. D. overcoat, two pairs of gloves and a mess kit. So you see Uncle Sam fits out his soldiers pretty well from the start. Of course we have a good deal more equipment coming yet, such as rifles, etc.
As to getting something to eat, we have the very best and plenty of it. For instance, this morning we had bacon and eggs, baked apples, shredded wheat and milk, bread and coffee. We have pastry from three to four times every week after May 1st. Of course it was rather hard for some of the fellows to get used to having everything dished up in one can after having been used to having three or four course meals.
After passing the first examination the men were sent to a detention camp which is about four miles out of Funston where they were given the inoculations against pneumonia, typhoid and small pox. These "shots" as the boys call them, leave disagreeable effects for a few hours and after that one is able to eat out the entire kitchen.
Besides drill we are given most every kind of work to build muscle with which to lick the kaiser, we are kept busy all the time. Of course it has been raining all day and we have not been outside our tents except for mess.
Our original company is all split up. The qualifications of every many is taken and he is sent to that branch of service for which is best adapted. About 20 of us, including myself are to be kept here for the purpose of helping train new men that iwll come in soon. I understand there will be a big bunch about the 25th. How long we will stay at the detention camp I do not know.
Our officers are fine fellow and no one needs fear not getting a fair deal in the army if he is willing to work, and if he isn’t there are several means by which he is induced to become acquainted with it.
In closing I wish to say that I am feeling fine and will be glad to hear from any of my friends that care to write. I asssure you that there is one thing that every soldier keenly appreciates, and that is getting mail.
Truly yours,
Lloyd E. Peterson,
Company 58, 164th Depot Brigade
Camp Funston, Kas.
