Howard Lyford

ReadAboutContentsHelp
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.

Pages

HDL002e
Indexed

HDL002e

company to regimental camp to work in the bakery at Lind Vista, Cal. The captain would just as soon part with his right eye as one of his men. He stalled around for a little bit not knowing just who to send, when he happened to remember that he had three men in the company on temporary transfers (this is where I come in) He asked co clerk Becker who they were, and they were read off to him. He thought a minute, and then said who is this man Lyford, (you know that's me) Becker described me to him, and he said you are not going to send him are you? The captain said no, he is one of the best men we have in the company. Becker told me that himself. Oh, there is some class to me. I told Beck I was going right in and ask the captain for a raise.

I was some what disappointed with Salt Lake. I always had an idea that it was a pretty place, but it is just the opposite. Tell Mrs. Marsh I am going over there in the day time

Last edit about 4 years ago by California State Library
HDL002i
Complete

HDL002i

soon, and I will visit her relatives. I should have done it long ago, but I keep putting it off. Just think we have been here close on to two months. I will have more money next pay day as I will not have insurance to worry about.

You asked me about a month ago what a poncho is. It is a rubber coat that we wear when it rains.

I am enclosing a porcupine quill taking from a porcupine by one of the fellows from one of the detachments about twenty miles from here. They say they are thick around where there were. I am also enclosing a menu our second cook put on the table. Show it mama and papa. I wrote a letter to mama a few days after I got your letter. That was news to me.

Love from "Duke"

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
HDL003a
Indexed

HDL003a

Co. D. 2nd Cal. Inftry. Acient Order of Watchmen Garfield, Utah October 8th

Dearest Neewah! —

I have just finished dinner after coming off guard at twelve o'clock, so I thought I had better write to you if I expected to hear from you in the near future.

Friday morning's Standard has a story to the effect that Co. C. leaves Martinez Saturday

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
HDL003d
Indexed

HDL003d

morning for parts unknown. They left the Alameda Union Iron works the same day Co D left to come here, but I didn't have any idea they were going to Martinez. I thought a detachment from Co. A was stationed at Muir. You are a fine war correspondent, when you didn't tell me any thing about a movement as important as that. Company C. leaving Martinez is the best piece of news that we have heard since we arrived here, as they are in the first battalion with us, and we are now anxiously awaiting orders to entrain for Fort Mason or Linda Vista. I can't see where they get that "Unknown destination stuff" unless it is for a training camp, and then I cannot see there objection keeping it quiet. It certainly gave the bunch here some new life, and I only hope we get our orders within the next week. In the next letter you write try and tell me where C. went and if A is still at Benicia, and any other infromation you think might interest me. If we go to Fort Mason and join the rest of the regiment there I will have a chance to come home for a few hours and possibly a few days. It all depends on the circumstances. If we go over the Salt Lake-Los Angeles route I will be completely out of luck. If we go to Frisco and then to Linda Vista it will make a trip of about two thousand miles, while if we go direct it is only 721. It is 921 miles to San

Last edit about 4 years ago by California State Library
HDL003e
Indexed

HDL003e

Francisco from here, but the government doesn't care for expense, so I am hoping we go to Fort Mason first. If we go to Linda Vista direct from here it means I don't get home until I am mustered out of service.

I have just come in from drilling to fire a salute over the grave of one the men that left here with the first bunch of drafted men from American Lake, and died a few days ago. He is going to the be buried with military honors at Harrisburg tomorrow, and I am one of the eight on the firing squad. We will go in automobiles.

Our dance Friday was a big success as usual, only some of the

Last edit about 4 years ago by California State Library
Displaying pages 11 - 15 of 171 in total