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My dear Father and Mother: -
Was going to write to you yesterday but we were taken down to Augusta to
parade in the afternoon. Yesterday was their Memorial Day. We marched to
the cemetery and stood at present arms while the old boys in gray tottered
by. Surely was a grand sight. The parade was headed by an old white headed
veteran in his torn gray uniform and old musket. He was between two big
stout fellows in khaki. Then followed the other old warriors in their gray
and bright red carrying the stars and bars side by side with the stars and
stripes. Then an old woman dressed in gray on the arms of two more huskies
in khaki. It was inspiring to watch the old boys bring their hand up to a
feeble salute as they came abreast of us. As we marched into town the old
negroes, men and women were out enforce and in a camp meeting humor.
Running up and down the column waving their arms and shouting. One old fat
mammy was jumping up and down crying "Who wouldn't shout", "Show them to
me", "If they don't yell, boys, they's traitors!” Gee, it was funny. We
were supposed to be loafing because it was Liberty Day but this meant
about a twelve mile hike for us. The day was cool tho and everyone was in
a good humor. I'm glad dad's out of the shop and has something better in
sight. It won't be long now till we are nearer home and then if I can get
a furlough I'll write you. I got all your mail and packages. We haven't
been paid yet but that day is very irregular and may happen any day in the
army. Sometimes they are paid at the first and sometimes at the last of
the month. I am still taking it easy on my new job and am in with some
good fellows. They are all sargents and all married but me. They are more
clean of body and mouth that the rest of the gang. Did the boys all get
away in good shape this time? I don't think we'll be here much longer but
then we thot we'd be out before this. Love to all and tell Florence I'll
write to her soon. Don't need a thing.
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