Sidney D. Light's WWI Diary, Postcards & Letters, 329th Battery Book Accounts

Dear Alberta,

Well, I supposed you will think that I am awfully slow in writing but I have had charge of the shooting records on the range this week since Wednesday and certainly have had my hands full. I wish I had had time to call on you while I was in town Wednesday but I was afraid of missing the train. We were all just about played out for about 2 days after that trip from lack of sleep and excitement.

The trip was a success in every aspect and we have been complimented many times since for the way everything was handled. On the way back some of the boys got drunk and one of them was Sgt. Gustafson who was acting 1st Sargent. He was reduced to a private as a result and everyone here is very sorry that it had to happen as he was a dandy fellow.

I received a letter from dad today in which he said that he was taking my sister Florence to Ann Arbor for a special examination and treatment so she must be in a very serious condition. I have been worried about her condition for the past month and am afraid she’s too weak to ever get well again and because of the situation I won’t be coming to Detroit in the near future but will have to hold myself in readiness to go home when I receive the word. It certainly is a fright after all the poor kid has had to go through with mother’s death and the care of the children.

I am very sorry to have to disappoint you again but believe I am doing the wiser thing by staying here. If she improves you can expect me in a couple of weeks and will let you know when I can come. Our passes have been cut down again to- from Saturday noon to Monday reveille (6 a.m.) so I wouldn’t have much time there.

If I get a call to come home I will try to get a six day furlough and get some dental work done while I am there and I might possibly be able to come back by way of Detroit.

I must stop now and get on my fatigue clothes and go to the stables as the horses have to be put back in the barns. Heaps of love and best wishes to you and all.

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To read more about the Detroit parade, click here