Walter G. Shaw letter to Lizzette W. Shaw - May 1, 1917
Transcript
Douglas 5/1/17 Dear Ma - : I rec’d your letter Was glad to hear from you. I am waiting for an answer from Mr Langston in regard to his horn a boy has it here he is going to play in band he will either send it back or buy it. will send Mr Hart $6.00 for shoes about the 15th. If you could you might make one payment on my Piano for me. if not I will sell my clarinets and pay in full if I can I get $15 per month of course I can make beter if I study a little and make a good record with the rifle. I will transfer to the band I guess when I get out of the Isolated camp. some one keeps breaking out with the measels. one case of smal Pox If I go in the band I will recieve $24
Transcript
[Page 2] Per month. No Civilian can be a Military Band Master all the new Band Masters will be musicans with one or more term enlistments you might know how to direct the music but what would you do with a band on guard mount or prade you have got to know the manouvers in Fact you have got to be a sergent to direct a Military Band. I am just feeling dandy the air is so bracing. We are the best men ever enlisted in the [18th Infantry] there was a big piece in the paper about the way we went through with the drills. the reason is because every man is of average intelegance I have the drils learned fine. I have ben driling the dumy Squad 14 men out of 350 who are slow to learn some of them not over 15 the Sergant said if I stayed in the ranks I would soon be a corperal but I guess I will go in the Band, but I shure like to drill I am Writeing in the big amusment tent Over
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[Page 3] We all gather there in the evenings and read write and play the talking machine I just have a great time all the time I sleep on my gun to keep it clean the Dr. looks in your mouth about to see if you are getting anything. also sees that your teeth are clean have to shine shoes everd evening for reatreat. It looks as if we might get to go over to France if we do some will never come back. I would rather be in than be drafted which I would have ben I would have ben in the militia now if I hadent gone in the Reg Army. Well I must quit as it is getting late Love Walter Pearl is coming out to see you some [Sunday] after noon Please treat her nice and dont talk down hearted. Ans soon My Dear Somers : - - I recd your letter you must practise lots 4 hrs a day I want you to be able to play good When I see you again which will not be less than 1 year 6 mo. I will send you a nice Fountain Pen when I get out of Debt alittle I am your Loving Brother Walter [written vertically in margin] Pearl is going to be your sister some day
Details
| Title | Walter G. Shaw letter to Lizzette W. Shaw - May 1, 1917 |
| Creator | Shaw, Walter Gray |
| Source | Shaw, Walter G. Letter to Lizzette W. Shaw. 01 May 1917. Walter Gray Shaw Collection, 1917-1919. 1982.83.30. National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In a letter written by Walter G. Shaw on May 1, 1917 in Douglas, Arizona, to his mother, Lizzette W. Shaw, Shaw discussed being in quaratine and the military band that he may join. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. Infantry Division, 1st; World War, 1914-1918--Music and the war |
| Subject Local | Quarantine |
| Site Accession Number | 1982.83.30 |
| 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 | May 1, 1917 |
| Language | English |