Letter, May 19, 1917

Quincy Ills.

% Armory Hall.

May 19- 1917

Dear father

Haven't heard from you in a long time. Wish you would write. Are things pretty hard on you at home? I imagine they would be. Well I guess I had it figured about right on the conscription being only a matter of a couple of months. And getting here early has given me quite an advantage; for I have nearly all my equipment, and getting acquainted with this kind of life and way of living, and will be much better able to look out for myself when the hard part does come. A fellow can make it pretty nice for him self if he is a mind to step right up with the rest of the boys and do your part. For they certainly have no use for a slacker around here. If they see a fellow trying to shirk, they just see what all they can make him do.

I am having this afternoon off. I have a slight touch of the mumps. Hurts my jaw when I try to play. So the doctor said I had better not play much until I feel better.

The rest of the fellows are out on drill this afternoon. It certainly is getting hot here now. No breeze and just naturally warm.

From the looks of the paper this morning it looks like some body was going to get a chance to go to France. I don't believe there is a one in the headquarters co. but what expresses their desire or willingness to go. I guess we are going some place soon. We can not find out where. The officers are not letting out any information at all just now.

I see Teddy don't get to go to France as he wanted to. I guess our regulars will be the first ones sent. I am certainly glad I am in the band. For our duties never will be as hard as the other departments have it, and the risk is far less. I couldn't be better satisfied than I am now - only I hate to think of the extra work it makes for you at home. For there is quite a bit I wanted to get done this summer.

I haven't received any pay yet. We don't know the cause of all the delay. My rail road money was used for paying up my scholar ship dues in my study and also my insurance - leaving me some for my own use.

I have two good (new) suits of clothes - two new pairs shoes and all my personal effects in the way of clothing & towels and toilet articles. Am pretty well fixed. I only wish I could know you were not having it any harder than I am.

Hoping to get a letter from you soon I remain your loving son -

Paul B. Hendrickson