Harry S. Truman letter to Bess Wallace - November 11, 1917
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Lawton, [Oklahoma November] 11, 1917 Dear Bess: I had a letter from you yesterday and one today. The one yesterday gave me an awful fit of the dumps. I wouldn't have you think for anything that I was stringing you along about coming home to Nellie's wedding. I was the most thoroughly disappointed person you ever saw. It didn't even occur to me that I'd be turned down because I had a job for the divisional canteen officer to perform in Kansas City. The Col also has things for me to do, and I had my grip all packed on Tuesday at noon to catch the 3:30 train. The Col went over and asked Gen Berry himself to let me off and there was just a curt “no” for an answer. A first lieutenant who has been attached to us and who has been in the Philippines for the last five years asked for
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a ten day leave to go see his mother who has three boys in the army, and Gen Berry turned him down without comment. They are letting no one go home. I thought that by working regimental business and pulling wires to get a job for the division I could surely get away for three days but as you perhaps know couldn't. Your remark hit a very tender spot because I have not been so completely disappointed for some time. I was willing to bet a month's salary Tuesday morning that I'd be in K.C. Wednesday and there were no takers. The boys all thought I had a cinch, so did I. We all went equitating this morning rode about fifteen miles with the Colonel in charge. He was very happy this morning and took us on a real ride instead of a drill. He was all sore about something yesterday though. Every Saturday is
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inspection day and we have to clean up. Usually he inspects the Canteen at about 10 o’clock (The Col does the inspection) but yesterday he came in on me at nine. I happened to be ready for him. He looked all around and then said “Well how the- did you get this place so clean” and walked out. Capt Casa the Ajutant told me that he (the Col) was intending to step on me proper but there was no excuse. Yesterday was my busy day. I had a case in the general court. They tried one of my thieves. Convicted him but I don't know how hard for the court won't tell until the judge Advocate General of the Division reviews the findings of the court. I guess the poor kid will get about three months hard labor. Pretty expensive
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eighteen dollars. Battery F gave a party last night in the mess hall and everyone had a good time. Some ladies came out from town and sang some songs and recited song pieces. We have a bass singer in our organization who is a real star. He out shined the entertainers. Every one had a good time and a grand fill of grape punch. I am looking for the registered letter with socks and shall certainly send a thank you note as soon as they arrive. I am thanking you for them though because I’d never have gotten them if it had not been for you. Hope you can come to see me before we have to move, which I don’t think will be any way before Christmas
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if at all. They transfered Bostion & Hines from C Battery today. Hines to A and Bostion to B. They put Marks from B and Slagle from A in C. Marks is a son of my tailor friend and a very competant officer. I haven’t heard any more of Charlie [ms illegible 1 wd] going to the flying corps and I don’t think there was anything to it. Well I wish I were in Independence this afternoon. What would you suggest that I buy Nellie for a wedding present? Write as often as you can for the days your letters come are brighter. Yours always. Harry
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ONE HUNDRED TWENTY NINTH FIELD ARTILLERY [stamp] LAWTON OKLA NOV 12 6PM Miss Bess Wallace 219 Delaware St. Independence [Missouri]
Details
| Title | Harry S. Truman letter to Bess Wallace - November 11, 1917 |
| Creator | Truman, Harry S. |
| Source | Truman, Harry S. Letter to Bess Wallace. 11 November 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_4-62_01. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, |
| Description | Letter from Harry S. Truman to his future wife, Bess Wallace informing her why he could not take a leave. He also explains military inspections. 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; United States. Army. Field Artillery Battalion, 129th; World War, 1914-1918--Military life--United States; Military leaves and furloughs; United States. Army--Inspection. |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | HST-FBP_4-62_01 |
| Contributing Institution | Harry S. Truman Library and Museum |
| Rights | Documents in this file are in the public domain. |
| Date Original | November 11, 1917 |
| Language | English |