Harry S. Truman letter to Bess Wallace - August 11, 1917
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[August 11, 1917][Second Missouri Field Artillery Letterhead] Dear Bess: I am just now through the day's work and as it is after 10 P.M. I am not going to call you up. It was the same last night. I am staying here tonight. I have some news for you that perhaps you won't consider good. The Federal Mustering Officer passed me into the service of the United States today. I am accepted and have to go. I will have to confess that I am not very sorry because I have been crazy to be a military man almost since I can remember. It has fallen to me to drill the Battery both yesterday and today. If you’d have happened along about 3:30 this afternoon you'd have found me yelling myself hoarse on the lot across from the Hall. I surprised myself by really producing a voice that carries. The impression seems to have gotten out that I am a terrible stickler for formality
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[Second Missouri Field Artillery Letterhead] and the bunch sure steps when I come around. I had to read the Articles of War to the Battery. It took me nearly one hour to do it. Then we had to line up for the asst Federal Inspector to call our names off the roll and then it was all over. I can't even get in to call up in the day time as we are ordered to drill the Battery, drill and then drill some more. Col. Klemm also appointed me police officer which means sweep officer. Whenever he sees any dirty floors he calls the police officer and wants to know why. Then he gives me the very dickens. I am sorry I know him so well now. Boxley says it is a very good asset to be well acquainted with the Colonel. I wish I was in your back yard this evening. It is sincerely hoping I am that I will be let off Sunday afternoon at 3 P.M. We are expecting to be sent to Ft. Sill any day. The impression seems to be here that
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[Second Missouri Field Artillery Letterhead] we will not be sent to Nevada. Have you made that picture yet? I am crazy for it. Bauer and Coffey are making one of me for you. It is in uniform I am sorry to say but I can't appear as a plain citizen any more until the war is over. If you don't like it you can tear it up or send it to mamma. The Regiment had a picnic at Electric Tuesday. I was on guard as officer of the day until 5:30 and my auto was not running therefore I didn't call you. I was afraid you wouldn't come anyway. Mrs. Salisbury and the new Mrs. Bostian were out. There was enough lunch to feed two regiments. I was stuffed to the guards and went home at 9:30. I hope you won't hold it against me because the Met has quit business and the war keeps me on duty because I am plumb crazy to see you. Couldn't you manage to drive by Convention Hall some time
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[Second Missouri Field Artillery Letterhead] and see if I am really busy? Some of the other officers have an audience some times. I hope to see you Sunday, and tell you all about it. Most sincerely, Harry
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[Envelope] [ms illegible: torn 3 wds][stamp] KANSAS CITY AUG 11 8:30 AM 1917 [Missouri] Miss Bess Wallace 219 Delaware St. Independence, [Missouri]
Details
| Title | Harry S. Truman letter to Bess Wallace - August 11, 1917 |
| Creator | Truman, Harry S. |
| Source | Truman, Harry S. Letter to Bess Wallace. 11 August 1917. Papers of Harry S. Truman Pertaining to Family, Business and Personal Affairs; Correspondence from Harry S. Truman to Bess Wallace, 1910-1919. HST-FBP_4-36_01. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, In |
| Description | Letter from Harry S. Truman to his future wife, Bess Wallace telling her that he is officially mustered into military service and is in charge of drilling the Battery. Captain Harry S. Truman commanded Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery Regiment from July 11, 1918 through the end of the war on November 11, 1918. During his military service Truman frequently wrote to Bess informing her of his experiences. |
| Subject LCSH | Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Klemm, Karl; Fort Sill (Okla.); World War, 1914-1918--Military life--United States; Military training |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | HST-FBP_4-36_01 |
| Contributing Institution | Harry S. Truman Library and Museum |
| Rights | Documents in this file are in the public domain. |
| Date Original | August 11, 1917 |
| Language | English |