Dear Folks,

      Well tho't I would drop you a few lines today. How did you spend Declaration Day? We didn't have to drill, had a good dinner stewed chicken & pie. Sure tasted great, then took in a ball game.

      Our General Suburt left yesterday for Washington D. C. We all had to stand attention & salute him, then I went down to Frisco.

      I sent you folks a present apiece.

      Well must go to dinner, will finish afterward.

      Just back. Had nice dinner green string beans, roast beef, coffee, potatoes & bread, gravy, so you see the reason for me being so fat.

      The present I sent you folks aren't much & maybe they are a little late in getting there but better late than ever.

      We had muster today. It is about the same as Sat. inspection but little closer inspection & the Major said we were up to the standards. But of course we were all dolled up in our new clothes, so you see that would make a difference.

      We have another inspection at 1:30 this afternoon which is for venereal disease, so you see we are kept clean.

      Like the place better every day. And getting used to the climate.

      I suppose everything looks good & green back there. How is the corn crop coming? Dad sure will make it good on the grain from last fall, he sure knows when to hold his grain. Do you remember when I tried to get him to sell at $1.13, I sure was a chump but when I get as old as he is, I'll know a enough to hold till the right time.

      What horses is Ernie using? Joe using? & who is using Doll? I told Sid he could use her but don't make any difference to me. What horses has Joe got, and what did Earl's use when his mare's had their colts?

      I suppose you are just loaded with grandchildren. Oh, say. I want you folks to know that these letters are for both of you. They might sound or be worded different but I mean them for both.