Sgt. Ervin Reuben Wakefield

ABOUT ME: Sgt. Ervin Reuben Wakefield - I was born on January 21, 1890 to Reuben Edson and Adaline Miles Wakefield (Frost) in Hardwick, Vermont. I was the sixth of seven children. At the age of four, I was sent to live with my maternal aunt, Ida May and her husband Willis Parker. I joined the Vermont National Guard.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Letter to Aunt Ida - July 16, 1918

Camp Wadsworth
July 16, 1918

Dear Aunt Ida:

Your letter came some time ago but have been very busy lately getting our men and getting things settled.  We expect some more tomorrow and by the last of the week we will all be filled up ready for training.
Most of the fellows that we have received so far are from the south and they are a lot of large men.  We are not sure that we will keep all of this bunch but probably the most of them.  All of the Pioneer Regiments are getting filled now so I guess we are going to do something.  It is great to have a lot of men and see them out on the field drilling one begins to take an interest in the company that they belong to.
About coming home I am not sure just when I can come but if everything turns out all right I will be up there very soon now as I am about 7th on the list and two of them go in a day or two.
The weather down here is getting something terrible now but I don’t seem to mind it so much as I am getting used to it.
Some of the fellows that came in and were innoculated fell at retreat and were taken to the hospital but the same thing is at Fort Slocum so that must be part of the joining the army.
For the last day or two I have been helping them out in the office but I don’t like that kind of work I had rather be out in the hot sun with the sweat rolling off my skin.
I haven’t time to write much tonight but will write again soon.  Hoping this finds you both
 O. K.
I remain
With Love,
    Ervin