Collin Chronicles, Volume 31, Number 3 & 4, 2010/2011 Page: 76
57-112 p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
PAGE 76 Vol 31 No 3:2010-2011 COLLIN CHRONICLES
ROBBIE'S LAST LETTER
WRITTEN ONLY FEW HOURS PRIOR TO HIS PATHETIC DEATH-
BREATHES PATRIOTIC SPIRIT
Hospital Corps, Great Lakes, Ill., Saturday, May 28-Dear Mother and all: I received your letter
today, which was written on the 24th. Sure was glad to hear from home once more.
Mother I sure do wish that you had sent my Testament and razor, for I may be transferred to
the hospital ship Solus in a few days. They have sent in a draft for twenty-five untrained men, and I
hope that I can be in the bunch that gets to go.
Mother I am always thinking of home and my brothers and sisters. I realize that I am a good
way from home, and with chances of being further, and when I get on a ship there will be no sure thing
of life. Tell Elbern and Walter to live right and not to quarrel about what they have to do. Teach them
also that their duty is to protect their country. We have a country to live for and it is one great nation. I
am hoping that war will be over before they become of age.
I received a letter from Mae. It sure was a sweet letter and it helped me out of a good case of
blues. Tell Aunt Teia to write to me if she has time.
What is papa doing? I want him to write a few lines and let me know how he is getting along. I
am always thinking of him and wish I could see him for a while.
Tell Hugh and Ruth that I am not coming back for a good while, but I won't forget them. I guess
they miss my cutting up and going on. Don't let them forget me as they grow older, for they may be
grown before I return.
Vida I was glad to get your letter. Had begin to think that you was not going to write. Was sorry
to hear that you had been sick and hope that you will get along all right. I wish I could have been there
and in that graduating class. Vida, who did they put in my place to finish the school?
You asked me to tell you what I do here. Well I have to get up at 5 o'clock and make a half mile
run, then take a cold bath, go on detail at 6:20 to 7; at 7:30 go to mess. After breakfast, beginning at 8 I
have physical drill for an hour, lecture for two and a half hours, line up for dinner and muster roll at
12:45. From 1 until 3 we have lectures, then we have to drill for an hour; from 4 to 5 I am on detail
again, at 5 I eat supper, then until 7 p. m. I can write letters. At 7 I have to be in the class room and stay
until 8:30. By 9 we have to be in our cots and all noise has to be kept quiet. That is the program for the
week except Saturday and Sunday. Early Saturday morning I have to wash and get everything clean for
inspection; after that we are free for the day and can go to Chicago or anywhere else, just so we get
back in twelve hours. I have not been off the grounds yet, but think I will go somewhere when I get
some money and have my picture taken in my uniform-I sure don't look like Robert here.
Vida, my pal's name is George Foster. Believe me he is some guy too. His sister sent him a box
of candy one day this week, and believe me I sure got my part of it. I want you to show him that you
can beat her making candy.
Ray, how are things going with you? Why don't you write sometimes? Ray, I guess that the draft
bill will be passed today. It won't get you, but remember that you can serve your country there. A good
farmer is needed worse than fighting men. So keep trying and you will make good and still be at home.
Here you don't know where nor what you are going to be doing the next day, and all that you know is
that you have to do what they say, and that real quick. Still if you show that you will do what they ask
you to they will quit asking and make those that shirk work do it.
I sure wish that I was down in Texas just for a few minutes to get warm. Believe me there is
sure some difference between the Sunny South and the cold North.
Ray, send me the Princeton paper or The Weekly Democrat Gazette for about three weeks. APAGE 76
Vol 31 No 3:2010-2011
COLLIN CHRONICLES
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Collin County Genealogical Society. Collin Chronicles, Volume 31, Number 3 & 4, 2010/2011, periodical, 2011; Plano, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth238553/m1/22/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Collin County Genealogical Society.