Ernest McKeighan letter to Family - September 2, 1918
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Camp A.A. Humphreys [Virginia] [September] 2nd 1918 My Sweethearts This is labor day and the troops have been having a holiday. I have been watching about three innings of a ball game played between two negro teams and it is absolutely the most weard thing ever. There are about 10,000 negro troops here and they surely are the most cheerful and happy soldiers yet. They have plenty to eat and that always makes a happy darky. I am a major but don
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[page 2] desk waiting its turn to be mailed. What is more, I have been a said Major since July 31st but did not know that either. I rank as such from that date but do not get the pay of one by reason of the commision from that date, but from the date of my acceptance of the commision, which I cannot accept until I receive it. However, I am in command of a Battalion so by reason of that fact I shall be paid (sometime) as a major, though I still rank as a Captain. How is that for a red tape complication. We have a Regiment Parade and Review tomorrow and I shall get my first real test as a Bn Commander at that time. I have made good so far on the drill and engineering work and have no fear of tomorrow. My Colonel seems to think well of me. in fact am the only Captain in command of a Battalion. Yesterday he took a major, another Captain and myself to Washington (17 miles) in his car, and to Keith
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[page 4] as yet. it is ten miles away and no fit place is available to date If it looks like we will stay here much over a month I shall get some place if I have to put up a tent. Am anxious to know wheather your allotment came through for last month as my being on this side may affect its payment please let me know. I got the $20.00 yesterday for which thanks. The Q.M. say I will probably get my money by the 10th or 12th and will send it back. Address Me, Capt EmcK C.O. 3rd Bn. 3R.D. E. T.R. (meaning Engineer Training Regiment) Camp A.A. Humphrey [Virginia] Lots of love, my sweets from your loving husband & Father Ernest
Details
| Title | Ernest McKeighan letter to Family - September 2, 1918 |
| Creator | McKeighan, Ernest |
| Source | McKeighan, Ernest. Letter to Family. 02 September 1918. Ernest E. McKeighan Papers. 2005.14. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | Ernest McKeighan sent this letter to his wife and daughter from Camp Humpreys, Virginia. In the letter, McKeighan mentioned the troops at his camp, his activities with a colonel at the camp, and other affairs. McKeighan served as part of Company E, 110th Engineers, 35th Division during World War I. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. Division, 35th; World War, 1914-1918--African Americans; Promotions, Military |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; United States Army. 110th Engineers; Camp Humphreys (Va.) |
| Site Accession Number | 2005.14 |
| Contributing Institution | National World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the National World War I Museum and Memorial: (816) 888-8100. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | September 2, 1918 |
| Language | English |