Letter 94 ~ November 13, 1918

Infantry at Mess on the Rifle Range at Camp Funston

I write Minnie about training again on the rifle range. I still hold out hope of going overseas and don't anticipate being discharged until next spring despite "Kaiser Bill's" defeat. This letter to Minnie is a near duplicate to one I wrote my mother on the same day from the Camp Republican "Y." I have only included here, in parenthesis, the one sentence that was different.

Letterhead, “Army and Navy Young Men’s Christian Association
‘With the Colors’”
Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas

Range Camp
November 13, 1918

Dear Kid,

I expect you must think by now that I must have left Funston. I might as well have so far as writing accommodations go.

As soon as I had breakfast Monday morning, I had to make up my pack and start to march out to the rifle range. [It is a long ways out there, especially when you are taking nearly everything you own. But I rode on a truck part of the way and a taxi part of the way.] Some of the other men of my company went out Sunday night but as I happened to be somewhere else, I didn’t go.

I didn’t take any writing material but if I had, tonight is the first time I could have written because we have sure been working. We have been shooting at night as well as all day as long as we could see the target. Last night we had to shoot with our gas masks fixed. I used to think it was lots of fun to shoot that rifle but I have shot so much now that it is an old story.

We don’t get any too much to eat while we are out here. For dinner yesterday we had 1 cup of coffee & one bologna sandwich. Today we had 1 slice of bread, a few beans, coffee & hardtack. Bread and beans for dinner and beans and bread for supper. Monday night I nearly froze. We got in so late we didn’t have time to fill our ticks with straw & with only 3 blankets; I tell you it was somewhat cool.

I haven’t had a bit of mail since last week Tuesday & I probably won’t get any until I get back to Funston. I don’t know when that will be but I think we ought to be able to finish the course by Thursday night & get to Funston Friday. We are on the 500 & 600 yard range now.

Well how do you feel about the way Kaiser Bill is cutting up now? He is a little slow about running but he finally did it. I think he was afraid of the 20th [Infantry] after I was transferred into it & thot he ought to get out before we came over.

No one is allowed to go across unless their range record is complete so it was necessary for me to get right out on the range. Our Lieutenant said that the war looked a [hell] of a lot from being over & that we also looked a whole lot more from being out of the army. It is mighty hard to tell what they will do with us fellows but I was hoping to be let out sometime next spring. I don’t know whether we will stay at [Camp] Funston this winter or not. I sure hope I hear from you soon.

Are you going to make up your school work? We have been fortunate in having good weather for target practice because some of the regiments had to shoot during that rainy weather & it made no difference whether it was raining or not, the men had to shoot. They are playing a Hawaiian piece on the Victrola here in the “Y” and it makes me almost homesick for a big armchair in front of a fine big fireplace not many miles from here.

Well goodnight, my Little Girl, -- Ward

Letter 89 ~ November 6, 1918

I write my mother and brother to let them know I'm still at Detention Camp 2 (Camp Republican) and that we hear peace may soon be at hand.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
November 6, 1918

Dear Folks,

I got your letter tonight that you wrote Tuesday. I have been anxious to know how Willis’ hand was getting along and was glad to learn that it was alright. It is bad weather tonight. I hope you have gotten the hay up. Have you found those lost calves yet?

I am sure getting tired of waiting for a transfer. About 17 or 18 are to be transferred tomorrow but I am not one of them. When this war is over and someone asks me where I fought and in what organization, I hope I won’t have to tell him I was in the Depot Brigade all the time and only fought bed bugs.

I heard that the 10th Division has stopped moving until further orders. I suppose the reason for that is because of the German Peace Note. Things seem to be dragging out here as tho there was no need of hurrying up the training of new men. It looks as tho the Allies would have an easier time of invading Germany now than ever before and they may be able to do it shortly.

We haven’t been paid yet but maybe we will be by tomorrow. Well, there isn’t much news. I expect it will be pretty cold in the morning. I am feeling fine and hope you all are. With love, -- Ward

Letter 88 ~ November 6, 1918

I let Minnie know I'm running out of patience...

Post Card Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas

November 6, 1918

I am still waiting for my transfer but not patiently. I sure hope I won’t have to stay here much longer. I may still be here Saturday tho. Hope you are well & that school is doing fine.

Letter 86 ~ November 5, 1918

I send my brother Willis a postcard on election day. I screwed up and dated the card as October, however.

Addressed to Willis Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas
[November] 5, 1918

Dear Bill [Willis] --

I am still laying around up here in this hole hoping to be transferred any time but it hasn't come yet. We voted today. Hope your hand is well now.

Letter 85 ~ November 5, 1918

I write Minnie about camp activities, voting in the national election, and close with a poem.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas
Camp Republican,
[Tuesday evening,] November 5, 1918

Dear Minnie,

I am still in good health, well fed, but anxious to get away from here. It is very tiresome waiting for something to happen when you don’t know what it is.

I got back to camp all O.K. Sunday evening & nothing was said about overstaying the pass. Last night Ralph Currie & I went to the picture show down to the “Y.” It was the first show I had seen since that night before I left for the army. We had to stand up outdoors to see it but we were glad to do that even. The pictures were only fair. Before the pictures, we sang songs that were thrown on the screen by slides.

Today we fooled around the whole morning voting [in the national elections]. They would line us up to march us over to the polls & then fall us out for awhile & then line us up again. Finally we went over to the “Y” & just before noon we got to vote.

You must be a good schoolteacher or the children wouldn’t be anxious for school to begin again. I don’t see why you want to tell me why you have a trade last for me & then not tell me what it is because if you are planning on waiting until you see me, it may be so long that you will forget all about it.

Tomorrow is inspection again & we always have it on Saturday too. If we have a dirty gun, that means no pass! So if I don’t get a pass next Saturday or Sunday, it may be from other reasons than that I am transferred.

I saw that picture today that I told you about. It is fairly good but would have been better if the camera had been closer. The man said he was going to have several struck off so if both of us are still in camp by the time they are finished, I will have some. Like you, I hope those we took Sunday are all right, if I don’t get transferred away from here, I want to have my photo taken as soon as I get my other clothes fixed up.

Well good night Kid

[P.S.] I hope you are having good luck with your school & don’t get lonesome up there by yourself. My visit home was about half dream & about half reality. I don’t know which.

It’s the faith of a little girl like you that counts when the world goes wrong. When a fellow’s down & mighty blue, and his lips can voice no song, when the loneliness seems hard to hear, and the scheme of life seems tame, it’s knowing somehow that still you care, that makes a fellow game. It’s girls like you that keeps men straight, keeps them white clear thru & clean. It’s girls like you that keeps men great, and not what they might have been. Oh it’s good for the man when all seems night, when the clouds hide the goal from view. Just to knuckle down & fight, yes fight, for the sake of a girl like you.

Footnotes:

• Ralph Alexander Currie was the 22 year-old son of Charles and Nancy A. [Fleming] Currie who lived on Osage Street in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born 24 October 1896 in Garrison, Kansas, married Katherine A. Ryan on 3 June 1922 in Topeka, and died June 1980 in St. George, Kansas.
  

• October 25, 1918, may have been the single most decisive turning point in Wilson’s entire eight-year presidency. Before that date, he enjoyed bipartisan support as a war leader for the entire nation. Then, with just ten days before the elections, he released a note calling for the return of a Democratic Congress as essential to the nation’s security. Wilson’s questioning of the Republican party’s patriotism turned what had been a listless campaign into a heated contest.

• On November 5, Republicans swept the congressional elections, compiling a two-seat majority in the Senate and a forty-one-seat margin in the House. Local issues, the tendency of the president’s party to suffer losses in midterm elections, and dissatisfaction with Democratic legislative accomplishments accounted for some of the Republican gains. But the bitter and egotistical tone of Wilson’s plea also made a difference. For Wilson, the worst consequence of the election was that it placed his Republican nemesis, Henry Cabot Lodge, in two vital Senate posts: majority leader and chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. His subsequent failure to work agreeably with Lodge to secure ratification of the Treaty of Versailles ultimately doomed his presidency and set in motion the ominous chain of events that tied the first world war to the second.
  

Letter 80 ~ October 31, 1918

I send my mother and brother a short letter to let them know I am done with the special training at Smoky Hill Flats and am back in the Detention Camp awaiting news of our transfers.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 31, 1918

Dear Folks,

Well, this is Halloween night. I suppose if I was home I might be at some party somewhere but I’ve had my last party for awhile, I guess. There is no news since I wrote last so this letter will be short.

I had to turn in my overcoat, gloves, and sweater when I left Smoky Hill Flats and I can’t get any over here so I get pretty cold sometimes. I haven’t gotten my winter clothes and I don’t know when I will get them either.

Our company was on guard the other night and there were three of the men posted to guard the prisoners. When it got dark, three prisoners escaped and these three guards that were supposed to be guarding the prisoners are now under arrest. If the prisoners are not caught, it will go mighty hard with them.

Men are still being transferred out of here and I may be yet. I haven’t drilled since I have come back.

I hope that Willis has found all the calves by now.

Well, I can’t think of anything more, so goodnight. -- Ward

Letter 77 ~ October 29, 1918

I write my mother and brother to let them know I am back at Camp Republican. Much of this letter repeats what I wrote Minnie on the same day so I'll abbreviate.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 29, 1918

Dear Folks,

Well, I am again settled in my new home and it is about the best place I’ve had since I have been here. The tent is brand new and has a new stove. There are only six of us in it. Roy Drown, Ralph Currie, and Johnnie Clarke are in it. I was lucky to get in with them because a boy had been transferred out of there yesterday and Ralph said that there was room for me....

Johnnie Clarke said that while I was gone, my name was called for transfer to the signal corps and I would have been stationed at Ft. Leavenworth for training. The signal corps is way and again better than the infantry.

I am feeling swell and I hope Willis can be about now. The weather is much better now. Goodnight. -- Ward

Letter 76 ~ October 29, 1918

I write Minnie about being moved back to detention camp and that I expect to be issued winter clothing soon.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 29, 1918

Dear Kid,

Well I have gotten back to [Detention Camp] No. 2 & have gotten my barracks bag & am all settled. There are only six in this tent. It is a brand new tent & has a good stove in it. One of the men has a little pine table & I am writing at it now. It sure is swell here after what we have been [living] in for the last two weeks. A truck load of new winter clothing drove up in from of headquarters this P.M. so probably we will be issued our new clothing tomorrow. It looks like awful poor stuff compared to what was issued a year or two ago. Every man from the 26th Company packed up & was hauled out on trucks this evening. I don’t know where they went but I imagine it was down to [Camp] Funston. I hear that this company is likely to do the same next Tuesday.

Johnny Clarke told me tonight that while I was gone, my name was called for a transfer. I would have been placed in the Signal Corps and would have been stationed at Ft. Leavenworth for training. About 18 of the boys are up for transfer tonight to go into the aviation. Either one of these corps would suit me lots better than the infantry.

I got two letters from you today. You asked about the proper way to address my letters. The correct way is Pvt. so and so. We never use Mr. in the army. I know because I have heard men called for it. It is perfectly alright not to use any title at all just as you did in your last letter because it is a civilian letter. But in a strictly military letter, the military title is required & no civilian title goes. The letters will come any way they are addressed & as that is what you want & the letters are what I want, so don’t worry about how to address them.

Say Minnie, I want to apologize to you & your folks for not saying goodbye. They must have thot I did not appreciate staying there, but I thot of course that I would be back Sunday evening & I could say goodbye then. And too, [your brother] Lester put himself out to come down & get me. I felt sort of bad when I left home because things hadn’t been kept up on account of Willis’ sickness. Things sure looked neglected, but of course it couldn’t be helped & we can be thankful it wasn’t any worse. The weather is so good now. I expect he will get out pretty soon.

I wonder what you folks on College Hill will do for Halloween? I sure wish I could go to a house party again on Halloween like we used to. Remember that Halloween at Hartley’s? I do. I feel just swell tonight & hope all my loved ones do the same. Goodnight. -- Ward

Footnotes:

• John W. and Elizabeth Hartley lived in a farmhouse close to the Griffing’s on College Hill. They had three daughters and one son, all younger than Ward and Willis.
  

Letter 73 ~ October 28, 1918

Post Card Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Manhattan, Kansas
Post Marked: Junction City, Kansas, October 28, 1918

Had our [mock] battle this P. M. & turned in our stuff tonight. Strike camp & go back to [Detention Camp] No. 2 tomorrow A. M.

We were complimented on our work here today & were reviewed by General [Leonard] Wood.

Hope to see you again soon. Sorry I couldn’t get back again Sunday [to see you]. -- [Ward C. Griffing]

Letter 62 ~ October 20, 1918

I write my mother a short letter to let her know I am concerned about my brother Willis who has contracted the flu.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 20, 1918

Dear Folks,

I am writing in the “Y” while waiting for an answer to a call I put in for you folks. I got a pass today from Smoky Hill Flats to [return to] D.2. [Detention Camp 2] and Johnnie Conrow said that his mother told him on the phone that [my brother] Willis had the influenza. I am afraid I can't get my call thru because I have been waiting a long time. It sure is tough that Willis had to get sick. I don't see how you can get along now. I want to hear from you as soon as I can but my mail out there is uncertain.

It is fine weather now and things are getting nice and dry so we will get along fine out at Smoky Hill Flats. I am feeling fine so you don’t need to worry a bit about me. It seems as tho it would have been better if I had gotten sick because it must be awful hard to get along at home. I am going…

[Later at] Smoky Hill Flats. Well I got my phone call all right and had a good talk with you. It sure surprised me to know that Willis had been sick since Monday. He must be very careful after he gets out because it will still be dangerous. We were issued our overcoats this morning. They sure are nice and warm. After I talked with you, I got my mess over at the 25th Company and then after that we got a jitney and rode over to Ft. Riley. From there we walked back over here. Well it is late and I must work hard this week so goodnight and good luck to you all. With love, -- Ward

Letter 55 ~ October 13, 1918

After being in camp for six weeks, I write Minnie about being picked for the ‘model company’ of the Regiment.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 13, 1918

Dear Little Girl,

Well Kid, I am glad to say that I can still write, “I am well.” In fact, I am not a bit afraid of the “flu” now although a man in the next tent who had been feeling well all the time was sent out just this afternoon. One of the boys from Kansas State Agricultural College by the name of Norman was taken out last evening & died during the night sometime. It sure shocked me because apparently he had been well before. But don’t worry anymore because the “flu” is nearly thru up here. I am hoping the quarantine will be lifted by next Sunday & that you folks can come up & get me, if I can get a pass.

I tried to get a call thru to you last night but didn’t have any luck. If you lived in town as Alice Bobeck does, I could talk to you occasionally.

I sent out a card last night saying something about extra drill. Now I will explain how it is. Friday night the company commander called the noncoms & some of the acting noncoms (I was one of the latter) down to the orderly room & picked out about 18 or 20 of the best, or perhaps I should say 18 or 20 from among the best. These men will be formed into a company along with other picked men from each company in the regiment. This company of picked men will be trained as the ‘model’ company of the regiment.

We go down to Smoky Hill Flats tomorrow morning & will receive very intensive training along such lines as bayonet fighting, hand grenade throwing, bomb throwing, gas attacks, trench fighting, automatic drill, etc. then we will be brought back to act as instructors – that is, those of us that can teach. Some can learn the work fine & all but can’t teach it. I am afraid that will be my trouble. I am not afraid but what I can stand the work & keep up with the others even if some of them are old men & old noncoms, but I never did teach anybody anything. I sure think I am lucky to get to go because it is quite an honor even if we did have to drill on Saturday & Sunday when the others were laying off. We only drilled till noon today, however.

We will only take our bare necessities – blankets, toilet articles, a change of socks & underwear, mess kit & cup, raincoats & maybe our sweaters -- those who have them, and of course our rifles. We who are going were issued the new Enfield rifle this afternoon. It has a bayonet about 18 inches long. As I heard one man say, he thot the army life was alright until he got to working with that bayonet & then he said it was nothing to laugh at after he got that old knife out there on the end of his rifle. It didn’t look funny anymore.

I won’t get a chance to send or to receive any mail so don’t worry if you don’t get any mail for a week. Sunday evening. Gee whiz, somebody yelled “Ward Griffing’ so I stopped writing & went out & Sergeant Conrow said there was something down at his tent for me. I went down & he had just come from the road where his folks left your box of candy & a box of cake & a bag of apples from Mama. Believe me, we had a feed. I called in [James] Sparks, Johnny Clarke, Walter Creviston, & Roy Drown. Oh my, but it seemed like Christmas. We had to eat everything tonight because I can’t take anything like that with me & I am going at 7 in the morning.

Well, I must hurry & get packed before taps & it is late now so goodbye & take care of yourself. With lots of love Minnie, -- Ward

Letter 50 ~ October 11, 1918

I write a letter to my mother to let her know that I am still alive. I finish the letter the following day and inform her that I have been selected with 19 others from my company for special training. I also include a note to my niece, Carol Cunningham, who lives with my mother and brother Willis.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 11, 1918

Dear Folks, Well the “flu” hasn’t gotten me yet and I am beginning to think that I will get by without getting it. If I do, I will consider myself lucky because so many got it. It sure pays to take care of yourself as much as possible when you’re in the army because nobody else will look out for you.

October 12, 1918

Well this letter is somewhat broken up but I expect it will reach you sometime. Last night when I was writing the first part of this letter, [Clinton] Scott brought in that package of candy and nuts so we celebrated and I thot I would get to finish my letter today but I couldn’t because I had to drill instead of having a holiday as most of the others did.

Last night about 20 picked men from the company were ordered to report to the orderly room. I was lucky enough to be one of them. These men will join other picked men from the other companies of our regiment and will form a crack company. We had to drill today and we will drill tomorrow. When I say drill, I mean drill too because it was sure hard. Old non-commissioned officers and new non-commissioned officers are drilling right in the ranks with us. In fact, most of the picked men are noncoms or at least acting noncoms as I am.

The first of next week, this picked company will be taken to Smoky Hill Flats where it will receive special intensive training along such lines as bayonet work, trench fighting, bomb throwing, etc. It will be very hard work but I am sure glad I will get to go because it gives a fellow a chance to see what he is made of and it is quite an honor too. If I only keep well, I think I can stand up with most of them and I think I will. I sure am tired tonight. We have drilled fairly hard all the week and were looking forward to a good Saturday and Sunday layoff but instead of that, we have to work about twice as hard as usual – but I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

The influenza seems to be slacking up here but there are still plenty of cases. Quite a large number are dying but I think that is slacking up also.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t get a letter from me for a while because during that special training next week, I may not have the time or accommodations to write. But I will try to at least drop you a card to let you know I am still alive. I got a letter tonight that you wrote on October 4. It must have gone to some other company first. I got your letter today telling about the Cunningham troubles. They sure are having their share, and then some. You folks must be careful and keep well because you can neither one get along with the other sick.

Bill [Willis], you sure are blowing yourself on calves. Don’t sell too short of feed. Both of those deals sound good; better than going to Kansas City. Don’t you think Mr. Munger’s old mare is too big for our purposes? She would be hard to mate. What you said about Hays’ sale surprised me.

Do you remember Becker? He was one of the men picked from the 36th Company for that special training and I saw him out on the field today, but didn’t get a chance to talk to him.

I got Lew [Griffing’s] letter [that you forwarded to me] all right but forgot that you wanted it back. I will send it in this letter. Say, you don’t need to send me any stamps because I can buy them at the “Y” now. I don’t suppose I will be transferred to any eastern camp so that I could see [my sister] Gussie but it sure would be fine if I could. Well, I must go to bed, so goodnight. – Ward

WHY DON’T YOU WRITE ME A LETTER, CAROL? HOW DO YOU LIKE SCHOOL NOW? I HOPE I CAN SEE YOU SOMETIME SOON. – UNCLE WARD

Letter 44 ~ October 9, 1918

I write my mother to let her know I'm still okay and to update her with camp news. I tell her that I have enrolled in the War Bonds automatic deduction from payroll program.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 9, 1918

Dear Folks,

Well the “flu” hasn’t got me yet but I had better not brag because it is going thru the company. I believe tho that it is slacking up a little. Some of the men are coming back from the hospital. Our company had a very good percentage of men that didn’t get it as compared with others in camp. Our company is the largest with about 1400 men [and we have only had] about 140 cases while some companies of about 200 reported 150 cases. I have had my throat sprayed nearly everyday and have kept my bowels open and have been careful to not cool off too quick so I may escape.

We sure had a rain Monday night. I thot our tent was going for sure. The walls were rolled up and we had to crawl out and let them down and move our luggage and bunks out from under the leaks. My bedding got a little wet but the sun yesterday dried it out and I sure slept fine last night. After the rain was over during the night sometime, the sergeants came around and made us roll out and tie up the walls again.

We didn’t drill yesterday P.M. The men were sure glad because we drilled hard in the morning and it was so close and I don’t believe a man in camp was feeling just right.

We got paid late yesterday evening. We received pay for time from September 5 to October 1 – 26 days. Then they take out $1.50 for insurance and $1.00 for laundry (the laundry is a steal because we can’t get any laundry work done). That left $18.50. Not much for a month of hard labor, is it? Then they want us to buy [war] bonds with what is left. I signed up for 1 bond. They take $5 out of my pay for 9 months and $4.75 on the 10th month.

I guess I will send home $10 to help pay back what you sent me. I would like to buy a nice present for Minnie on her birthday but if you folks are buying cattle, it will come in more handy there.

You asked if my arm got sore [from the vaccination I received]. It only itched a little while. I don’t believe you could call it a “take.” I can’t feel it now.

They sure drilled us today – forenoon and afternoon both. We go to a different drill field now. It is quite a little farther away and they make us walk there and back at a cadence of about 140 steps a minute. Willis knows how fast that would be. It brings the grease out of a fellow.

I heard the other night that measles were in camp. It certainly is one thing after another. I have my doubts as to whether the quarantine will be lifted by Sunday or not. Yesterday we heard that today a bunch of about 65 were to be transferred to the medical corps but they weren’t. I hoped I would be one of them because then I would get out of here. Well I hope your dinner turns out all right. Did that airplane light out in [Washington] Marlatt’s [fields]? We see them everyday here. Goodnight, -- Ward

Letter 43 ~ October 8, 1918

I write Minnie about the influenza cases, about receiving my pay, and the possibility of my getting transferred and possibly sent overseas.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas
Camp Republican
Tuesday Evening, [October 8, 1918]

My Dear Little Girl –

Well another day has past and the influenza hasn’t caught me. It has finally gotten into my squad. There are only four of us left. I believe half the company has left for the hospital. Some are beginning to come back now. It lasts about a week. It is very similar to lagrippe if no complications set in. I expect everyone in the company will get it before it stops but it is nothing serious. The worst part of it is tho I heard tonight that measles had broken out in camp so there is no chance of the quarantine being lifted. I am glad I have had the measles.

It sure rained last night & the way it blew I thot we wouldn’t have any tent left. When the rain started, we had the walls of the tent rolled up so we got out & let them down. We moved around as best we could to avoid the leaks & then tried to sleep again. I had gotten to sleep when the sergeant came down & made us roll up the walls again [as] the rain had stopped. It was a good thing tho because the tent was stuffy after being used to sleeping with it open. My bedding got a little damp but the sun today dried it out.

We didn’t drill this afternoon. The men were sure glad because we drilled hard this morning & hardly anyone feels real good. Not drilling gave me time to put out a wash. I am getting to be an expert along laundry lines now.

We were paid this evening for time up to October 1. From September 5 to 30 inclusive was 26 days but they take out $6.50 for insurance and a dollar for laundry (the dollar for laundry is a steal because we can’t get any laundry done) so I received $18.50. Not very much for the work I have done, is it? And then they want us to buy Liberty Bonds with that.

I hear that quite a bunch of men are to be transferred out of here tomorrow. I sure hope I am lucky enough to be one of them. With all this talk of peace, etc., the men sort of quit working hard and today the Major gave us a talking to. He said that there wasn’t a man among us but what would go across [to Europe] & probably before snow flies. The war isn’t over yet. Our Lieutenant said ---

I just now had to stop for mess. It is away after dark. Supper was late tonight because it took so long to finish the pay line. Our Lieutenant said that if the war should stop tomorrow, we would [still] go across because there will be so much reconstruction work to be done. “Policing up” he called it.

Minnie, when I left Manhattan for the army, I thot I would surely get a chance to go back in a short time. I wanted to get you something before I left for good but thot I would do it when I got a pass. Now I may not get to a town for some time & may be transferred most anywhere so it may be sometime before I can get [you] anything. There are some things in the way of souvenirs to be bought here but they are cheap.

A man just brought in the mail for my squad. I got your letter written Sunday night. You expect to see me next Sunday but I am afraid you will be disappointed the same as I.

Kid, as I look into the candle flickering there in the breeze trying to think of something interesting to write, I keep seeing you as I have often seen you just as you were that night over three years ago. Kid, when I can hold you in my arms once more after this war is over, it will be with the same feeling of joy that I experienced on that night in April. Well, dear, good night. Write often & don’t worry about me. With lots of love & dreams of better days, -- Ward

Footnotes:

• Another soldier named Charles L. Johnston who worked as a medic in the Camp Funston hospital during the worst of the influenza epidemic wrote home to his sweetheart on October 8, 1918. He described the conditions they were working under by saying, “The roof of our hospital has been leaking in several places and we have been having some time keeping the poor devils dry. The lightening burned our lights all out at once, and we had a hell of a time. It was a real hard electric storm for a while. They are keeping our beds all filled with new patients as fast as we send the old ones "home well" or to the hospital, half dead. There haven't been so many cases the last 48 hours. I sure hope that they all get well soon, for I am sure getting tired of the job. Don't like to stay up every night the best in the world. We put 6 more of our boys in bed today. We are getting real short handed.”

The hospital at Camp Funston during the height of the Spanish Influenza Epidemic

Letter 41 ~ October 8, 1918

Sensing that my mother and sweetheart may be fearful of my contracting the Spanish Influenza ("S.I."), I fire off two postcards to reassure them that I am "still on deck and as fit as a fiddle." Both cards contained essentially the same message.

In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have mentioned the fifty cases of influenza being taking out of our camp on October 8th. It seems to have undermined my intent to reassure them of my continued good health.

Letter 38 ~ October 6, 1918

I reassure my mother that I'm too thrifty to spend as much as 10 cents on a candy bar very often.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, KS

Camp Republican
Sunday Eve. October 6, 1918

Dear Folks,

I got the package today containing the leggings and my pen. It sure seems good to be able to write with a pen once more. I got your package yesterday with the writing paper and candy. Believe me, the candy was sure appreciated. Now that the canteen is quarantined, men go down there and buy chocolate bars and peddle them in camp for 10 cents apiece but I don’t patronize them very much because it is a holdup [at that price]. I never was so crazy for candy. I didn’t eat much at home but I had honey and jelly, etc. [to satisfy my sweet tooth].

You didn’t need to send me so much money but if we aren’t paid before long, I will have to break into it. If we do get paid, I will send it back. I spend most of my money on stamps.

I wonder whose [corn] binder Willis is using. Whose ever it is, I’ll bet he’s having an awful time. I don’t see how the people on College Hill could pull off a doings like Mr. Hays’ sale without someone getting sore. It is human nature.

Tell Carol to keep on getting good grades and I will get her something when I get a chance. Tell her to write me another letter.

That man who is married and bunks with me got a pass to Manhattan Saturday night and had his wife come up from Wamego [KS]. He sure was homesick but he came home happy. He said it cost him $25 but he didn’t care a bit.

Say Bill [Willis], I’ll bet you a dollar I’ll get to help you shuck corn next fall. Have you learned anything more about what Niehenke is going to do with his place?

This has been the strangest Sunday I have spent since I came to camp. Nobody to be seen around the Hostess House. A good many cases [of influenza] go out of here everyday and I am afraid it is fixing to rain. If it does, it will be bad but if the weather stayed like today, I believe the epidemic would run its course in about a week. You should have seen the hill behind the camp today. Every man had to take his bed clothes out and spread them out in the sun on the hill. They made the hill look like a great huge patch work quilt. Well there isn’t much news. It’s the same old drag. I am well so far and expect to get a pass sometime.

Goodnight with lots of love, -- Ward

Footnotes:

• Louis Niehenke, born about 1866, had a farm north of the Griffing's on College Hill. The Griffing's never purchased the farm but they did "farm" it for many years in the 1920's and 30's.
  

Letter 35 ~ October 5, 1918

I write Minnie more news about camp life, circling airplanes, and the flu epidemic.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas
Camp Republican
October 5, 1918

Dear Little Girl ---

Well this is Saturday morning & it sure is a beautiful day. I expect you are home & enjoying your visit but I am still under quarantine & there is no telling when I can get out. My, how I wish I could go home tonight. Yesterday was an awful day. I believe it was the worst for wind & dirt we have had.

A bunch of men is taken out of this company every day with influenza but I don’t believe any have died from this company. Health orders are very strict. We have to sleep with our tent walls rolled up & the canteen is closed to avoid crowds. Married men whose wives are in Manhattan or Junction City [are the only ones who] can get passes. Some of the boys wish they were married now.

Tomorrow will sure be a lonesome day. Last Sunday I had hopes of seeing someone but this time I haven’t even any hopes. I got your box of candy alright & it sure was fine. I didn’t eat much candy in civil life but I always had honey, jelly, syrup etc. for sweets. But here we don’t get hardly any of that kind & all of us crave for something sweet. I expect sugar is hard to get now at home tho.

Every once in awhile we can hear a roar & look up & see an airplane. We have seen four in the air at one time over camp. The other night one lit just west of camp & then flew over pretty low & we sure got a good view of it. It was a great big thing & made an awful roar.

I was moved into another tent the other night & do you know I got sort of homesick? We had gotten so used to that tent that it seemed like home. But our new tent is a better tent, although there is no place to put up a stove. I trust we will be out of here before cold weather tho. I would rather be moved across right away than to have to stay in this place all winter.

The new “Y” [YMCA] is almost done now so maybe we can have better writing accommodations soon. I suppose you won’t care if we do, will you?

My squad is on fire guard again but it won’t stop our visiting today I guess with this beastly quarantine on. The 10th Division hasn’t moved out yet so we can’t tell whether we will be attached to it or to a new division. The news from the front is sure encouraging, but just the same I would like to take the trip across [to Europe]. I would like to get back in time to go to school [at the Kansas State Agricultural College] next fall. You are still planning to go, I suppose.

Say, there is one thing I won’t kick on when I get home & that is grub. I will have the innards of a mule when I get out of this army. At home, if I didn’t like a thing, I wouldn’t eat it but now the only thing I worry about is the quantity.

Everything is inspection up here on Saturday. [There is] inspection of arms, then bunk & equipment inspection, inspection of quarters, & foot inspection. I washed some of my clothes yesterday but it sure is a hard job to get them clean after living out in this awful dirt with no hot water too. We have got to scrub our tents out with creosote today. Don’t you pity our noses?

Don’t you worry about my getting sick because I am well so far & intend to keep it that way. Well darling, goodbye for this time. – Ward

Footnotes:

• A fellow soldier at nearby Camp Funston named Charles L. Johnston also noted the airplanes in a letter dated October 8, 1918. He said, “There has been a squad of airplanes here for several days, making demonstration flights. They sure do pull off some good stunts.”
  

Letter 34 ~ October 4, 1918

I tell my mother and brother Willis about camp life, give Willis some gratuitous advice about the farm, and update them on the quarantine in effect at Fort Riley and the adjoining camps.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, KS

Camp Republican
October 4, 1918

Dear Folks,

My squad is on detail as the barracks squad today and as we are thru with our work, I can wash and write. A barracks squad is left at camp each day to police up and do odd jobs around. They take turns at it.

I got your letters and the money and stamps but the leggings haven’t come yet. I may get them tonight. I got the posts the other day. Your letters sure seemed like home this time, especially Willis’ telling about the crops, cattle and other things. I am sure glad you were able to pick up those calves there at home without having to go to Kansas City. Be careful and don’t sell too short of feed. I hope Bonine is well by this time. I sure would like to get home once to see those calves and your crop of [winter] wheat. I’ll bet it looks fine.

It sure is fine that you [Willis] can be with the Sig Alpha [Fraternity] because I guess they are about the nicest Frat bunch in school. I sure wish I could too. My, but I sure would like to run the car just once more. Is McCormick back in school this year?

The wind and dirt today is something awful. We never had it so bad as this back home. The reason is that the land is inclined to be sandy and the grass is skinned off of lots of it. If a person washes and hangs out his clothes, they soon get covered with dirt, but if they are dirty on Saturday morning inspection, it’s the rock pile or K.P. If we ever get out of this camp and into barracks, it won’t be so bad. I would rather be sent right to France than to be kept in this hole all winter.

We were called out just a little while ago because of fire but they didn’t need us. There was a fire up on the hill back of camp but the men around it put it out. If a fire should get started in camp on a day like this, there wouldn’t be a tent stake sticking out of the ground.

A bunch of men is taken out of camp every day but I don’t think many deaths have occurred yet. They make us sleep every night with the walls of our tents rolled up so as to have lots of fresh air and I go down to get my throat sprayed as often as I can. We can’t go down to the canteen anymore because they don’t want crowds. I thot by the time I wrote another letter, I would have some news but it is the same old thing.

I guess I didn’t tell you I was on the main guard Monday and Tuesday. Those who knew their general orders were put on guard and they were to be the only ones issued passes. We were tickled about it but that night while we were on guard, the order came to not let anyone in or out of camp without a special pass. During the day, visitors would stop to see their boys in camp and it sure was hard to turn them down. Sometimes they would let a man go to the road, say hello to his girl, kiss her and say goodbye. And if he was lucky enough, he might talk about a minute.

Well, I hope to see you soon but it may be some time. Write often. With lots of love, -- Ward

Letter 30 ~ October 1, 1918

I write Minnie about my failed attempt to get a weekend pass. Since some of this is the same material I wrote to my mother a couple of days earlier, I'll not repeat it here.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas
Camp Republican
October 1, 1918

Dear Kid:

I am afraid you will think that I have forgotten you if you don’t receive a letter from me very soon. I got two letters from you today & you said that you hadn’t received a letter from me. I think you should have because I wrote one about the middle of the week. I am sorry if you didn’t get it & I am more sorry that I haven’t written more often but it seemed as tho I just couldn’t. As you see by the heading, I am still at the Detention Camp and I may be for some time. The last of last week we saw that we would probably be here at the end of the week so I began to plan great things about [getting] a [weekend] pass. Well Saturday there came an order that due to the prevalence of influenza, no weekend passes would be issued. You can imagine how I felt. Well Saturday evening we learned that that order had been revoked from headquarters but no notice was posted to that effect because all applications for passes must be in before 8 o’clock A. M. or else they didn’t want to be bothered. [Long story short, we didn't get the passes and I missed the opportunity to come home for a brief visit.]

You can never imagine how I wanted to come home & how I felt after all those disappointments. If I hadn’t been a soldier, maybe I would have bawled. I know I felt like it. As it turned out, I guess it was a good thing I didn’t go even if I don’t get home until Christmas. For one reason, I would not have seen you & you were the one I wanted to see. We drilled pretty hard yesterday & with no sleep & the way I felt it would have been hard to top all that. Our company had to furnish the main guard for the camp for the 24 hours beginning 5 o’clock Monday P. M. Yesterday the company commander chose the guard by having all those who had learned their general orders to step forward. About 1/6 of the company had learned them & he said that they would be the only ones to receive weekend passes this week. Well I was sure glad I had learned them because I would walk guard all night in order to come home. Well we went on guard & believe me, it was mighty little sleep we got last night. It was cold & raw too down there by the [Republican] river where the post was. I wore my sweater, two shirts, my blouse & my raincoat & that was none too much. If it hadn’t been for you sweetheart, that would have been a lonely old post but I just kept thinking about you and about the things we had done together & above all, the things that I hope we will do together in the future. After this old fuss is over & I get back, I hope that you & I, Minnie, will fall out at reveille and march shoulder to shoulder through to the end of the day until retreat sounds in the evening. We will then salute Old Glory together & thank God that we had known & loved each other forever & always.

While we were on guard last night, the order came out that the camp was under quarantine & to allow no one to leave or enter the camp without a special pass. Well that sure was the climax. After going on guard under the belief that we would be issued passes & then quarantine us! I don’t know how long the quarantine will last but I sure hope it is lifted by Saturday. Several men were taken out of our company to the base hospital because of the influenza but don’t you worry about my getting it. I don’t believe it is so very dangerous anyway. I got a sore throat on guard but I went over to the infirmary & got my throat sprayed & it feels a little better now. I hope I can get it sprayed everyday.

Well, I am sure tired tonight so I will prepare my downy couch for sweet repose etc. etc. I will try & write oftener. I believe one of my letters were lost. Good night dear girl. I hope to see you soon but I may not write often. I didn’t get a letter from you for two days & I sure missed it. Good night & sweet dreams. As ever, -- Ward

Letter 27 ~ September 29, 1918

I write my mother to tell her about my failed attempt to get a pass and make a visit home. I also let her know that Camp Republican isn't yet under quarantine due to the Spanish influenza.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, R.7.D. #8, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
Sunday, September 29, [1918]

Dear Folks,

Yesterday & today has sure been a series of disappointments for me & some of the other boys too. About the middle of the week it looked as tho we might still be here Saturday so we counted on getting passes. Saturday afternoon an order was posted that no weekend passes would be granted on account of the influenza. Well, Saturday evening we learned that that order had been revoked but they didn’t tell us because passes must be applied for before eight o’clock A.M. We thot then that we would be the first to get in our names for passes on Sunday, so Roy [Drown] and I went down there before the top sergeant was dressed & put in our names. He put down our names for from reveille on Sunday to reveille on Monday. So we sure were tickled. Our passes didn’t get thru right away so we thot we would have to wait till noon. So [James] Sparks & I went to the [Post] Exchange to phone. I thot if you folks could, you might drive up [from Manhattan] at noon & I could ride back with you & come back at night. I couldn’t get you folks but Sparks got [his girlfriend] Alice [Bobeck] & told her he was coming in & for her not to come up. She said that you folks were coming up at 10:30 so we were tickled again.

Pretty soon we learned that no passes would be issued till after 5 o’clock because every man had to be in a parade in the P.M. Well, I thot if you folks came up, I would ride back with you anyway. I would be at home 4 or 5 hours. Well, I got my pass after the parade & went down to the road & saw that you hadn’t come so that I had better not try to go home. I guess it is a good thing I didn’t because I don’t feel very well. I guess my last vaccination is taking. It is beginning to get red, and if I staid up almost all night I couldn’t stand the drill Monday. I hoped that you folks would do like Conrows did. They came in the morning, staid all day & took the boys home this evening & will bring them back before six o’clock in the morning. Of course the stay at home is so short, it hardly pays for the trouble.

Some of the boys who lived in [Manhattan] went in but I thot that by the time I would walk out home [to College Hill] or wait for you to come after me, it wouldn’t pay. And besides, I didn’t want to bother Willis in the morning because he is so busy.

It is hard to tell when I will leave this camp. It may be tomorrow or it may be a week. I may get a pass & I may not so I wish you would send me my leggings that I had in drill. I thot I could get them today but I didn’t. You might send my fountain pen also. I am pretty short on money & I am out of stamps but maybe we will be paid this week sometime.

How are all you folks and all the neighbors? I haven’t heard hardly a thing about College Hill since I have been up here. It sure made me sore to have a pass to go home & then not get there. No telling when I may get another. How is Carol [Cunningham] getting along in school? Is Willis getting the work caught up?

The camp isn’t under quarantine so maybe we will be moved some time this week. There is some talk that the 10th Division is full & that we will be put into a new division at Funston but that is only talk & there is still a chance of our being sent with the 10th when it starts to move the first of the month.

Willis, are you thinking of buying any cattle or are you going to sell the ensilage? I sure hope I can help fill the silo next fall. It would seem like heaven to get a chance at it again.

You folks write as often as you can even if there isn’t much news. Any little thing suits me. I’ll have to do quite a lot of washing tomorrow if I get time. I took a bath & changed my underclothes last night. I thot maybe I would get a chance to take some dirty clothes home but I didn’t get to. Well, it is getting most too dark to write, so Goodbye -- Ward

Footnotes:

• James Sparks was born 21 February 1897 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. His parents were G.C. and Myrtle Sparks, born about 1872 and 1871, respectively. James' father was the manager of a restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas. At the time that James registrated with the draft board in the Spring of 1918, he was a student at KSAC in Manhattan. His draft registration papers report that he had blue eyes and light brown hair. His girlfriend, also a student at KSAC, was named Alice Bobeck. James and Alice were married in 1920 following the war and by 1930 they lived in Lawton, Commanche County, Oklahoma, had two children, and James worked as the County Superintendent.