Transcription of the Soldiers' Newsletter, 26 February 1918
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL NEWS LETTER NO. 10.
February 26th, 1918
We have received many sweet messages and brilliant reflections from our Soldiers Boys; no doubt prompted by the “sweets” and reflectors sent them at Christmas. A package was sent to each one of you . Also a fine picture of the Major. If you did not receive one it was because you “moved and left no address”, or some one else saw it first.
“Jedge” Hall tells us that “Christmas here (Hospital Unit No.12, France) was delightful. There was some snow on the ground, but the mercury registered only about 15 degrees above. First we gave the patients a real Christmas dinner, then had one ourselves. Then we distributed a package to every patient in the hospital, and as all the packages were prepared in the States, many were thesurprisies of the Tommies; and I daresay they had a better word for the Yankees than they had on December 24th. There is a rumor around camp that in the Spring we will go behind our own lines, and perhaps we will be given a chance for a commission.”
From the ROCKFORD REPUBLICAN, l/26/18: “Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Perry announce the engagement of their daughter Margaret to Lieutenant Henry Hubert Cole, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Cole of Lakeland, Fla.” Certainly looks like our “King”, doesn’t it? And since he sent us the clipping himself, and also gave us the pleasure of a brief glance at the young lady herself, we will vouch for “Congratulations are in order”. We extend our most heartiest, and can assure the young lady that we are giving her of our very best.
Acknowledging receipt of Spearmint gum and a housewife from our students Comfort Commttee, Mr. Clauson says: “I am certainly duly thankful for these good things, particularly the housewife, which came just in time. I had to use it to sew up a ripped seam in my breeches. Thanks to the housewife, my breeches are now free from public criticism, as well as that of the inspecting officers who seem to be so severe during inspection. To one or two of my close friends I confided the secret that I had a few sticks of “good old American Spearmint”. However, to maintain secrecy is a difficult task; for as I passed one of the boys he detected the aroma of spearmint in the air, and he turned and said “What are you chewing, Spearmint?’ Again I was put to task to find a new way to gain secrecy. Solution: When I open a package of gum, I always take a stick myself before passing it around.”
Ed. Note: Mr . C’s associates are especially requested not to read the last sentence. We don’t want to betray his confidence .
On Jan. 15, James Max H. wrote us: “So far I have successfully weathered two-thirds of my ground school career, and am almost ready to flap my wings (as opposed to a dearer dream of interviewing my first client). Whether the said flapping will take place in Texas ‘midst the buzzards of the Lone Star State, or over the sands of Sahara the next two weeks will tell (ed. note: understand the Lone Star won.) But after picking from my anatomy the splinters of the North Pole blown down by last week’s blizzard, and witnessing a few reels of Theda Bara’s “Cleopatra”, I am hoping for a trip to the Land of the Nile, where, in odd moments, one might float down said river in a canoe drawn by crocodiles, a native maiden on either hand, and plaintively uki “There’s Egypt in your Dreamy Eyes”. Joe Keig graduated from here last week and is probably at Waco (Tex) Flying Field by now. In uniform he is the same precise, authoritative Joe who used to flaunt Prof. Kales. He has set his heart on becoming an aviator, and a darned good one, so results may be expected. Lyman Sherwood is in D week and coming strong. The same might be said for Lorin Taylor, in E week. We are now living in new “barracks”, finished in white enamel and mahogany, and steam heated. When the radiators sizzle I think of Groth and Golding, Peck and the many others in ordinary army camps, and sympathize . As for the boys in France, in the hospital and trenches, God help them!”
Mr . Schulte, Batt. I, O.R.T.C., Camp Dodge, Ia. writes: This is the most fun I have had for a long time. We work hard in the day and far into the night, then, if we’re not too tired, we sleep a little. I miss most of all, I think, my friends at N.U. Law. It’s a regular school, and I am sure I shall always pull for it to my utmost.”
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Lt. Kuflewski, Co. C., 342nd, Camp Grant, tells us: “Major Wigmore sent me a card from Washington, and I must say that when a Major condescends to write to a mere 2nd Lieut. the incident is not forgotten by the 2nd Lieut.” Lt. Kuflewski has paid us one or two visits and is certainly a glowing example of what army life can do fer a man.
Philo Lindley is entitled to Honorable Mention. HE MOVED AND SENT US HIS ADDRESS! He also, at another time, wrote us a letter in which he states: “My tale will consist merely of an answer to a question which has undoubtedly arisen in the minds of most of you. How is the, so called, South taking this war, and are her soldiers conscientiously putting forth every effort to equip themselves with that military strength and knowledge which will be necessary to bring this war to a successful termination? Most of the fellows from Northwestern who are in military service, are undoubtedly in northern training camps, and have not had a chance to get into personal contact with the sure enough southern soldier. I myself am a native of Max Henderson’s paradise, Wisconsin, but as I have been stationed with troops from Florida, Alabama and Georgia for the past four months, I have had a chance to observe the seriousness and steadfastness with which these boys tackle the job before them. I am with the Florida N.G., and most of them are ‘crackers’ from the long timber and aligator ponds, but each one is firmly convinced that he is going to “get” the Kaiser and is more than ready to do his part. I think this war is the one greatest factor in destroying the last vestige of sectional feeling, so that even the old Confederate Vets look upon the new army, from the north or the south, as “our boys”. My ability has not measured to any higher extent than being made a corporal, but am leaving for the O.T.C. at Leon Springs, Texas, where I hope to win my commission, with the added pleasure of having risen from a buck private in the ranks. During my brief experience I have had the pleasure of snipe lifting, pot washing, company pointer, carpenter, etc., all of which are parts of the education of a soldier.”
We hope to hear soon again from Mr . Lindley, and wish him “the best of luck.”
Hon. Lieut. Hiebsch, Camp Dodge, informs us that “this soldier life, awaiting an assignment so as to have something to do, is a ‘great life, if you don’t weaken’. It revives memories of law school days when Pat Carson and I used to have to take our regular evening trips to some vaudeville in order to pass away the surplus hours we had. At that, I believe we made most of the ‘profs’ believe we were studying. I certainly have been impressed with the intelligent claos of men which the draft is drawing. They are so full of snap, drive and initiative that I am convinced, with the proper amount of training, old Bill Hohenzollern will be about like a duck in the mouth of a wolf when they are turned loose on him. There are a goodly number of N.U. Law men here. Pvt. Stelle in the Q.M.Corps; Corp. Dwinell in the Inf.; either Corp. or Serg. Himstedt in a M.G.Co. Lts. Denton and Shanesy in the Art. and Inf. respectfully (tother way round). I believe there are five N.U. Delta Sigma Rho men here. In this company there are three Coif men. So far as I know we are all still single except Stelle, who is married. (Wish we could have the rest of this but space presses).
The P. E. D. letter told of Lt. L.E.Johnson’s trip across the sea, we are now able to go further on the journey with him, “Then followed long, cold nights of travelling in day coaches, wandering here and there like many sheep, until at last we arrived at our destination, and found buildings and barracks, some of which were marked
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Sunny France! You can imagine the impression lofty mountains, antique castles, towers and villas created upon this former student of the loop, Chicago. The gayety of France seems hushed by a terrible national calamity – the loss of thousands of her best young men. But her spirit is unbroken! I had the pleasure of speaking to a French marquise a few weeks ago. She has lost two sons in the war and grieves because her third son has been declared physically unfit, and refused by the military authorities.
About a month ago I joined this regiment of the regular army. (9th Inf. U.S.A.) We are quartered in a little village and I received my introduction to fireplaces, the zuphlay tile floors and a curtained
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bed. The other Sunday I attended Mass. Only two women out of about 60 were not attired in mourning. Yet never a word of complaint from this brave nation. We Americans are handsomely treated here and made as comfortable as possible. Our company is on a wood chopping detail at the present time, so the men will be hardened up when they meet the rigors and hardships of the future. The Y.M.C.A. is doing a spendid work. Each of our men received a serviceable present from them (for Christmas); hoods, sweaters, wristlets, American tobacco, good shaving material, etc., being dealt out. It is impossible to secure any of these things from other sources. The best of success to the Y.M.C.A.! I am very proud of the part Northwestern has played thus far in the war. We must all put the maximum amount of vigor and determination in our efforts if we are to win this war in true American style.”
Lt. Larimer, Box 32, Fishers Island, N.Y., has broken his long silence with a fine letter, of which we have room for extracts only, this time: “It took them a couple of days to decide what to do with us when we came in August – 50 strong. They decided to dilute the aggregation by splitting us up among already organized companies – both regulars and national guard. I happened to be made an additional officer attached to 26 Co. After two months of anti-submarine guns, I was transferred to 29 Co. as a superfluous officer. On Dec. 9th, without warning , my superfluity seemed to cease and I was put in charge of 75 quarantined recruits from Kentucky. It was a hard job but the boys were so eager to learn that I was sorry to have to turn them over after only eight days of my instruction. Meanwhile a regiment for immediate overseas service started its organization in the se defenses and I was one of ten officers of the post to be left behind. When I walked into Headquarters to be relieved of Recruit Service I was rather overwhelmed to have the Fort Adjutant thrust me into his chair. I have occupied the desk next to the commanding officer ever since, and hope to continue as Fort Adjutant.” Another victory for N.U.L.S.
Cadet H.C.Wade, U.S.A.T.C., Ellington Field, Houston, speaks thusly “We are having the most severe snowstorm and the coldest weather this country has witnessed for years, making flying impractible. Among the 300 cadets here are two from N.U.L.S., Skinner and myself, and close by, at Galveston is my classmate Cook, whom we see occasionally. The Government has given me the privilege of seeing a good deal of our country since last August, sending me first to Berkeley (Cal.) Ground School, from where I was transferred to the Chanute Flying Field at Rantoul, Ills. But orders came from Washington to close that field for the winter the second day after our arrival, so we came to Houston. I have flown five hours and feel quite at home looking down at the earth from an altitude of 4000 feet .”
Lt. Arthur Dixon has been attached to Batt. C, 149th Art., the battery in which Brothers Seifried and Wagner are lending their efforts toward keeping that unit the brightest in the Rainbow brigade. Lt. Golding was really quite jealous when he heard of it, for that was his old battery.
From Batt. E., 122nd Art., Camp Logan, H. L. Norton, commenting on the picture of the Major says “he certainly looks good in his uniform, and he has a way about him that would make you think he was raised in an army post.” “We had our first bit of real work when our battery went out to the artillery range and had the honor of being the first battery in our division to fire a shot. We made a good record for ourselves and came back to camp with our heads up.”
Benj. Black of the Base Hospital – Camp Grant – called to see us. He is a most enthusiastic exponent of the work done in his hospital. He is Ward Chief, oder was ( as we might have said once).
E. M. Aaron is our latest recruit. He has just left for Camp Jackson, S.C., in the Ordnance Dept.
Cadet R.E. Brown is now at Gertsner Field, Lake Charles, La. He was one of 18 to finish his ground school course out of a class of 67. So it is with N.U.L.S. Men!
Orville Davies has returned to our shores, filled with ardent desires to get back, in some U. S. A. capacity. Understand he has his eyes on the “high-fliers”.
F. H. Eldredge is in the Aviation section of the Navy at Gt. Lakes.
W. S. Fredenhagen, U.S.N., has been transferred to the Navy Yards at Charleston, N.C.
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Maurice James has joined the Camp Grant contingent as a high private in the Artillery branch. The editors and all the sponsors and readers of this little news sheet will watch his progress with keen interest. All success to him.
Lieut. H. L. Jones, U.S.Cav., and Cadet H.L.Jones, Aviation Signal Corps, are trying to straighten out matters so they can hold two titles and one job. Harry might have known (we could have told him) that he would make whatever he tried for. He is now a Cadet training in France, and has received his commission in the U.S. Cav. for which he took examinations in July. His address is 3rd Aviation Inst. Center, Headquarters Detachment, W.E.F., via New York.
Lt. Wm. M. Kirby is in 335th F.A., Camp Pike, Ark.
Serg. Lodwick’s former “wife” Pete has just received a letter saying that “Bill’s” arm is better and the splints have been taken off. As this is the first we have heard of the calamity to this member, we are wondering. Where did he fall from? We hope not from a mountain or a water wagon; or, what have you? However, we are awfully sorry it happened.
M.R. Shapiro is in the Ordnance Dept., San Antonio, and writes “This is the life.”
We have been told that a notice has appeared in the CAMP DODGER – the official news organ of Camp Dodge – asking all Northwestern men to meet in a specified place at a certain time. A most excellent idea. Why shouldn’t our men in other camps try this plan? It might have astonishing results.
Things are doing in Camp Dix, Dallas, Texas. The birds are singing more tunefully; the breezes are blowing more gently; and there is a general “In the Springtime a young man’s fancy” atmosphere prevailing. In short, Cadets Sherwood and Taylor have now arrived, and Henderson was already there. We shall expect to hear of high efficiency – but we hope of no reckless stunts – from the Camp Dix Flying Field.
And Now for the GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT, which will doubtless be real news to many of you.
All line up and stand at Attention while our LIEUTENANT COLONEL passes by. For our Major, of whom we have been so proud, has retired to the past.
LONG LIVE LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN H. WIGMORE!!
Three cheers, and a Hip, Hip, Hip Hoorah!!!