June 11, 1918
Ft. Riley, Kansas

My dear Mother,

Will drop you a line or so this evening that you may know I am still well and onery as ever. This weather is so warm in the daytime I think it will take some of the meanness out of me.

We have sure been hitting the ball today. They seem very anxious that we should learn this dope right away. They are going to transfer us into companies and there will be a big lot of us leave these barracks. I want to go, for this bunch is getting slow for me. ha ha You see, your son thinks he is learning whether he is or not, so that helps some.

There have been lots of sunstrokes today, but I don't know of any deaths. The ambulance has been busy bringing them in most all day. That's where a working man has it on those soda squirts and bankers. He can take care of his own hide. How is your old back holding up? You can just send me your family washing, for I guarantee satisfaction at very low rates. Also, mending and sewing on buttons. We have to be very careful about keeping buttons on and everything buttoned up to the top. You know I don't like that very much for I want my collar unbuttoned but I think I will do this just to please them. ha ha

We have a pretty good bunch of officers here, but they have to be pretty strict with this bunch, or the place would soon be torn down. A fellow doesn't care to go out into camp much, for there are so many officers that it soon makes your arm tired saluting them. If they get tired, they pretend they don't see you.

Well Mother, I am almost roasted to death, so guess I will have to close the circus tonight. I will write every time I can steal enough time, for they keep us pretty busy.

With oodles of love from your own son,

Charles L.

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