Howard Lyford

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This collection consists of thirty-one letters written by Howard D. (Duke) Lyford to his family, primarily to his sister Lela. This collection documents Lyford’s military career after he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Without having gone through basic training, he was sent with Company D of the 2nd California Infantry to guard a copper company in Utah against possible enemy espionage. After five months he was sent to Camp Kearney for basic training, where he joined Company M of the 159th Infantry.

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to get out of the regiment since we were put in quarantine. The pictures are shown outside so there was no danger of spreading the disease.

Next Monday night we go on our first night march. I don't know where we are going but it will be a four hours march. They forget all about the quarantine when it comes to the marches. The whole regiment goes out in one body so I guess they figure there is no danger as we are all in quarantine.

I felt sorry for Vivian Monday night but I can't say she gained any thing when she told Marcela she was to tired to come down to the depot. I have received two letters from Beth since Wednesday, and beleive [believe] me that little kid can write a nice little

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letter. I had a better time with her than I could have had with Vivian anyway. Did you go to the Palm Garden with the rest of the bunch?

When you see Mrs. Adams tell her I will write as soon as I get the time. Is she still up?

Well Newah I don't feel very much like writing today so will call this sufficient for the present. How is all the family?

Love to all

"Duke"

Sunday Afternoon January 6th '18

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Co. M 159th Infantry Camp Kearny

Dear Lela: -

Yesterday was pay day but I can't get out of camp to spend it, as I am confined to camp for the next two weeks for not having my services cord sewed on my hat. I am not alone though; as there are about ten corporals in the same boat and sixty-two privates. The bunch is pretty sore but you can imagine how much good that does in the army. I did want to go to town today and get my picture taken, but as I said before the captain changed my plans. He told us Monday afternoon that he wanted every hat cord sewed on, and Monday night we went on our firth night march and didn't get back until ten o'clock so you can see how much time we had to do it in. Tuesday

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morning the officers inspected all of us, and two weeks in quarters is the result of not having the service cord sewed on.

When we went on that march we did it just the same as we would do it when we get on the other side. All the way out and back we were not allowed to talk or smoke. After we get to our destination patrols were sent out and one half the company was put out on outpost guard. I was on patrol duty and my object was to get through the outpost without being seen. I was in the last patrol to be sent out and we had to assemble before we had a chance to accomplish our purpose. It was nice and pleasant as we were working through sage brush, and had to crawl most of the time as we had to keep out

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of sight. It was something out of the ordinary and I learned quite a bit about patrolling, although I can't say there was anything easy about it.

I am sending under separate cover a picture of Camp Kearny and two service pins which I bought at the canteen today. One of the pins is for you and the other for Miriam. They just got them in today and I bet there has been close to a thousand sold already.

That said order about wearing tailored clothes that I was talking about when I was home went into effect the day after I got back, so Howard Clark will be out of luck with he broad-cloth uniform from now on.

Pug and the bunch that were going to stay over so long

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Displaying pages 61 - 65 of 171 in total