Military Letters, WWI

As found in old newsletters.
Transcribed by barbara stallman-speck

                                                  June 22, 1918
Dear Friend,

I am now in Camp Fremont, Calif. Have been here for a month now.

We were sent to Ft. Logan, Colo. but did not stop for more than 24 hours. From there we came here; the land of flowers, you know. I do like it very well and the rest of the boys just the same. The boys are in the best of spirits. Some sickness, but we will be alright by and by.

How is Oacoma? How many more men have been drafted and where did they go?

When I left Oacoma I was surprised to see so many old friends bid me goodbye. Never will I forget that night for I did not expect to see anyone at the train, but now I know I leave old friends behind me and will be glad to come home again. You know, we are fighting for home and friends and homes across the sea and no one can stop us in our work before it is all done.

I believe we will soon be in France. Everything is in a great hurry to get us ready for our big trip across the sea.

The commanding officer of the camp has given me and everyone without citizenship papers the right to become full citizens and I'm proud of that.

You know I'm a very poor hand in English, but now I'm going to school three times a week so that the next time I let you hear from me I will do better.

Say, say hello to everyone in Oacoma; your Mrs. and yourself the very best of luck till I see you again. Let me hear from you soon. If you can find Calvin Holmes' address, please let me know.

Yours truly
Gunnar Johnson
Co. D. 23rd M.G.Bn.  Camp Fremont, Calif.

Co. D  23 M.G. Bn.  Camp Freemont, Calif.
                                                                      July 20 1918
Dear  Mr. & Mrs. A.L. Greene,

It is nearly a month since I received your letters and I surely was glad to hear from my old hometown friends. You may think I'm slow to answer but I've been very busy. Tonight I will try to get a few lines written.

I'm feeling fine and I like a soldier's life better than ever. I am disappointed as they keep us longer in camp and not sending us across. Just now the biggest drive is going on and why should we not be there helping the boys? I think and hope the time is getting pretty close right now.

I got the letter from Mrs. Greene and she asks if we get enough to eat. Yes! And everything is in fine shape, too. What do you say about this dinner today: roast pork, mashed potatoes, tomato salad, peas, chocolate pudding iced tea and ice cream. If someone tried to make folks think we don't get enough to eat, he is pro-German.

In our spare time we go where we please. Yesterday a bunch of boys from our company went to "Frisco" and stayed one day. We took in the big war exhibit just now going on. It was great.

The days are good hot but the nights are very cold. I use three blankets, part of a dog tent and a heavy overcoat as cover every night. What do you think of that? We don't mind.

About a month ago I got my citizenship papers, First and Second and now I'm not a sleazy Swede any longer. Ha ha. I'm still going to school and do you think I'm improving?

How are Otto and T.B. Strong? Thanks for the Oacoma paper. I was surprised to see my letter in print.

How are you folks getting along? Got a letter from Harry Moore today.  He got my address from the paper.

Best wishes to all of you friends.
Gunnar Johnson