June 16, 1918
Ft. Riley, Kansas

My Dear Father,

Will scribble you a line or so this evening, as it is too hot to do any thing else. We have been working pretty stiff since I have been here. I have been vaccinated twice (smallpox) and think the last one will take. My arm has begun to itch and get red. Some of the boys have awful arms from it. I have taken all three shots of syrum and it didn't affect me bad at all. Just made my arm a little sore for about one day afterward. I am rearing to get to Germany now. ha ha

I had a letter from Harry the other day and he wanted to know how I was shooting and if I liked rifle practice. You see, we don't know what a gun is in this branch. So I will never get to be a sharpshooter. Instead, I am a walking drugstore and have everything to bring a dead man to life, so should take pretty good care of myself. To see me grinding across the hills, you would imagine I was a pack mule. But it doesn't seem so heavy when you have it all placed.

We have an individual mess hall and they sure do put the chuck to us. Only about 150 men eat there. At the other hall, there was 3,000 so you can imagine about how they put it out to us. It was named right when they called it "mess." There is no chance for me to get transferred to any other branch except Aerial, for M.O.T.C. is the second highest branch and you can't go to a lower branch. I think if they don't shoot us out too soon, I can get a furlough, for they seem pretty liberal to the boys.

The Germans are sure getting theirs now, if the newspapers know any thing about it. The newsboys almost run us wild. We have all kinds of entertainment that the best shows have and lots of it. Some mighty good fights and wrestling matches. I live just a little ways from the wireless station, but have never been over yet. Will send you all some cards of the place when I get better posted.

Well, Daddy, I will close for once and save some for next spasm, so you must answer soon and give me the latest news. With worlds of love,

Your son,

Charles L.

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