Now that I've sorted out Henry's birth family a bit, we'll return to "present day" World War I. If you recall, when we last heard from him, Henry had been on a weekend pass to Chattanooga for a little rest and relaxation. He hadn't gotten mail from home for a week. The following letter indicates that the family went on vacation to Three Rivers, MI.
Three Rivers is a small town located near Noah Lake, about 50 miles southwest of Bellevue, which is just north of Battle Creek. The family had recently lived in Three Rivers, and had only been living in Bellevue for about a year when Henry went off to war.
Bat. 5, Co. 19
Camp Greenleaf M.O.T.C.
Chicamauga Park, Ga.
Dear C: Your from 3 Rs came this afternoon. Was very glad to know that you were having a good time with your friends. I had a letter from Marion and Jim on Sunday. How long were you at 3 Rs? I hope to send you picture of my entire company. You will find Dr. Tower in the line. He has been assigned to all parts of the US and finally here. They all have to come here I understand.
So Faith thinks too many stones were thrown in lake. That isn't only place.
I guess I am too tired to write entertaining letters. How did you find Bowies?
Fire ins papers are in file with office material. Life Ins card at home office as there is loan you know.
Well tell me all the home news.
I can't be absolutely certain, but I think this is Henry, right in the front row, fourth to the left of the righthand panel.
^Henry?^
The following letter seems to be written around the same time as the undated letter above, so I've included them both in the same envelope.
Camp Greenleaf M.O.T.C.
Chicamauga Park, Ga.
Aug 27th 1918
Dear Camilla: I presume that you have been home long enough now to have reviewed yours letters that accumulated. Have you written Marion and did you send her any money. Poor kid must have been busted for some time.
Work here has eased off somewhat. Maybe only seems so.
Have two good pictures to send you. One of the company (19) and the other of review of entire Medical Officers at Camp Greenleaf. You will get an idea from lat(t)er as to the number of Doctors on the job and more are coming. The building about in center is executive office and auditorium for camp. Battalion 5 is behind pole on right. You might let Dr Haight and Miss Sellers have a look at them.
I had a letter from Dr. Wasson enquiring about drugs. Any that you do not want he will be welcome to. You might call him up a(nd) tell him so if drugs are accessable[sp]. Otherwise not.
Life Ins. receipt are in letter file. Lights out.
Three Rivers is a small town located near Noah Lake, about 50 miles southwest of Bellevue, which is just north of Battle Creek. The family had recently lived in Three Rivers, and had only been living in Bellevue for about a year when Henry went off to war.
Bat. 5, Co. 19
Camp Greenleaf M.O.T.C.
Chicamauga Park, Ga.
Dear C: Your from 3 Rs came this afternoon. Was very glad to know that you were having a good time with your friends. I had a letter from Marion and Jim on Sunday. How long were you at 3 Rs? I hope to send you picture of my entire company. You will find Dr. Tower in the line. He has been assigned to all parts of the US and finally here. They all have to come here I understand.
So Faith thinks too many stones were thrown in lake. That isn't only place.
I guess I am too tired to write entertaining letters. How did you find Bowies?
Fire ins papers are in file with office material. Life Ins card at home office as there is loan you know.
Well tell me all the home news.
Yours
Mac
Marion is Henry's eldest daughter, my grandmother. She is a young lady of fifteen when Henry is at camp. If I were to guess, I'd say Jim is Henry's oldest brother. He never married. Below is a photograph of the entire camp at the time Henry was there, found in the Army Medical Corps archives.
The following letter seems to be written around the same time as the undated letter above, so I've included them both in the same envelope.
Camp Greenleaf M.O.T.C.
Chicamauga Park, Ga.
Aug 27th 1918
Dear Camilla: I presume that you have been home long enough now to have reviewed yours letters that accumulated. Have you written Marion and did you send her any money. Poor kid must have been busted for some time.
Work here has eased off somewhat. Maybe only seems so.
Have two good pictures to send you. One of the company (19) and the other of review of entire Medical Officers at Camp Greenleaf. You will get an idea from lat(t)er as to the number of Doctors on the job and more are coming. The building about in center is executive office and auditorium for camp. Battalion 5 is behind pole on right. You might let Dr Haight and Miss Sellers have a look at them.
I had a letter from Dr. Wasson enquiring about drugs. Any that you do not want he will be welcome to. You might call him up a(nd) tell him so if drugs are accessable[sp]. Otherwise not.
Life Ins. receipt are in letter file. Lights out.
Yours
Mac
The second page of the letter is dated the next day, so it clearly wasn't in the same envelope as the undated one, since the envelope I've included is postmarked 8/27.
Wed Aug 28th 1918
D.C.: Your letter with enclosures just received. Once again I will state Life Ins Policy is at home office of Co. Receipts are Accident Policy is NG now that I am in Army. If you have remitted for it notify them of fact and ask return of premium and cancellation of policy. I haven't received any Bellevue Gazett(e)s as of yet. Send me a Free Press 2 or 3 times weekly. Never mind Med Journals unless you wish to cut out Honor Roll and assignments.
You have done very well with collections. Watkins Drug Bill is OK I guess. You can look in file and see if receipt is there. If not found send ck for same. I presume it quite relief to Byingtons.
Did you ever get your pass to Custer? Quiz going on that diverts my attention. My postal photos were NG.
Marion said her snap view of me was not good.
I haven't had a chance to do up large pictures as yet. On Friday we have a review of entire outfit at Oglethorpe in honor of Dr. Mayo. It means a long hard drill and one or two extra drills. Everyone feels the tension.
What are Marions plans for return? When does school start? Give Margret any(an) extra kiss for me. Good night.
Yours
Mac
Helen writes later of how close and loving the family is, and I can see how much Henry already misses his family and friends at home. The Free Press refers to the Detroit Free Press. Detroit is close to Bay City, and Henry was there for medical school. By this time, I believe all of his siblings live there, as well.
Camilla is reputed to be notoriously bad at math, so that would explain Henry's ongoing coaching regarding her takeover of the family finances.
The mention of Dr. Mayo is notable. I assume he means the founder of the Mayo Clinic. I haven't reviewed the history of the clinic yet, but I imagine that's what I'll find.
On that, I'll close. There are five more letters and two postcards from Henry before he leaves Camp Greenleaf. There is also a letter from Camilla which was returned to her because he was transferred.
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