Howard Lyford

so far. The more I see of them the more thankful I am that I volunteered.

I was made first class private yesterday before the company had any new men added to it which is going some. I went over a bunch of old men's head, and am now in line for a coporalship. I think that was one reason for making me a high private as there will have to be a number of new corporals made. I really am not crazy about a corporalship as there is quite a responsibility attached to it, and you have to take your squad out and drill them every day.

I certainly feel proud to think I went up so quick in a company that is up to its full war strength or was before they changed to 250 men. The notice was posted on the bulletin board today with your big brothers name on it. It read from private to First class private Howard D Lyford. It means three dollars a month more added to my salary. My friend Becker is to be made corporal,

but it hasn't been posted yet. I will know in a few days whether I will be made a corporal also, and be entitled to wear the stripes. A corporal doesn't have to do any work but laso [lasso] his squad and go to school at night for about three hours. That means eleven hours a day.

Three of us including "Beck" are going to San Diego tonight and take in a show. I haven't been there yet, but the bunch here says it is the deadest place in existence.

I am surely glad I am not a rumhound, as there are 700 military police in San Diego, and if you are even caught drunk out of camp or with any liquor in your possession you get $60 fine and three months in the guard house. The order is stickly enforced too, and it doesn't make any difference how good your record is, you get it just the same. God only knows what you would get if you cam in camp drunk. They are awful strict here and discipline is the main thing. You certainly know you are in the army.

I meet men every day I used to know at Fort Mason, John the

Palace of Sweets proprietor is the only drafted man I have run across since arriving here. I met him this morning. You remember Sullivan who used to have the paper route, well I saw him this afternoon. He has the agency for the San Diego Union, and has a good thing, as he has the whole camp. He was at American Lake for a while. He was asking about papa Dutch and the rest of the family.

Well Lela dear it's almost time for retreat so will have to say olive oil for the time being. I have only eight letters I have to write tomorrow.

Love to all "Duke"

M Co. 159 W. S. Infty Camp Kearny Nov. 11th

Dear Lela: -

This is going to be a very short letter, as I am completely under the weather from a heavy cold which I have had for four days. I got another "shot" in the arm last week, and that "hit" me quite a jolt too.

I went to church the morning again and am getting to be a regular since I came here. A woman cornetest [cornetist] from San Diego favored us with a solo. She was a good looking kid too. This regiment has a good chaplain.

Our company went on guard Thursday and I was in charge of a special guard detail. My name is on the list for regimental headquarters tomorrow to be approved. From present indications by the time I write my next letter it will be Corporal Lyford. Address all my letters private until I tell you.

You spell this camp K-e-a-r-n-y and that is the name of the post office. I spelt it Kearney in my letter to the Standard because it was being spelt both ways in the Los Angeles Times. Send me a paper with my letter in it. How is mama and papa? Will write more when I get well.

Love to all "Duke"