Ed. Kubesh and Arnold Bergein Write From Army Camp

Camp Taylor, Ky., October 12, 1918, Olivia, Minn. To Mr. J. R. Landy,

Dear Friend:

As I am officer of the day with little to do makes me think of Olivia. Often think of that good town in the north. Louisville is quite different. The people are different, and the country too does not compare with Minnesota.

This is a large and one of the best equipped camps in the country. Nearly 75,000 men are stationed here. This is mostly an artillery camp with a few Regiments of Infantry. The location is very good, being built among the beautiful Kentucky hills and the movements of the artillery and troops over these hills make it appear like a real battle scene.

Two weeks ago, witnessed a scene that will be hard to forget. It was on Sunday morning and the entire 814^th Infantry were marched out on the drill grounds to hear their farewell sermon from the Chaplin as they were leaving in a few days for France. This was a colored regiment and were lined in perfect rows and the sun reflected from their dark and shining faces. They covered an area of about two blocks and every oe looked one way, to be sure that he heard all the Chaplin had to say. His last words were “We are not thinking how or when we are coming back but to get there as soon as possible.” Three days later heard this same regiment cheering and the trains moving them on their way to the field of honor.

The Spanish Flu has somewhat attacked this camp and 10,000 cases are now under treatment. Had been confined to the Base hospital for ten days myself and surely did see some pitiful sights.

The men receive the best of care and one cannot express in words what the “Red Cross” is doing in caring for the patients.

Eight officers were brought in with me and within forty-eight hours three had died. About 400 men died this week but fever cases are being reported.

We sure have fine equipment to work with and the work done is better than what one sees in civil practice. Lieut. Nellermoe of Cottonwood reported the same day with me for duty and we were assigned to an overseas equipment which is very complete.

Four of my classmates are at this camp, so we have enjoyable times by telling the other en about the good State of Minnesota.

The army life is great and like it more every day, would not want to miss it. All the officers in our infirmary are anxiously waiting for orders to proceed over sea, and hope the orders arrive in the near future.

Well, as I must take charge of my command will close.

Very truly, 1^st Lieut E. J. Kubesh, Dental Infirmary No. 2, Camp Taylor, Ky.

Edgerwood, Maryland October 6, 1918

Dear Mr. Byers:

Was transferred down here from Syracuse, N.Y., and am now doing guard duty at the Arsenal. Had a very pleasant trip down here and saw many interesting sights.

First of all, saw the large ship yards at Hog Island, N.Y., and at Wilmington, Delaware stopped at Philadelphia on our way down and were met by the ladies Red Cross who treated us to some fruit, cigarette and best of all a hot cup of coffee and some sandwiches. Also saw where Washington crossed the Delaware river at Trenton, New Jersey, also saw several crews of negro women working on the section. So I think the western folks have a much better job. Those that help in the fields, compared to section work.

This is one of the largest Arsenals in the world and are still enlarging it, make all kinds of gas shells here and also grenades and are loaded right on the docks only a few miles from here.

This camp is about twenty miles from Baltimore about seventy-five from Washington, D.C. and only a few miles from Chesapeake Bay.

Am planning on taking a little trip to the Capital as soon as the quarantine is lifted.

I have seen quite a bit of country since I left Olivia but none of it looks as good to me as Minnesota and think I’ll be back there just as soon as the war is over which I hope will be soon.

Your Friend, Arnold Bergien, Co. B. 1^st Battery Edgewood Arsenal, Edgewood, Md.