If war is boredom punctuated by moments of terror, the weeks in Chicago definitely represented the boredom side of that notion. Interminable drilling and packing up, and on his mind every day thoughts of his girl Cecil. Mail call was the highlight, and the diary report often indicated whether EP had received a letter or two from her. Or nothing at all, which made the day a big disappointment. EP was luckier than many of the guys, because his mom and sisters in Ft Madison, Iowa could occasionally take the five-hour train ride to Chicago and visit. He received several promotions during this time, first from Private to Sergeant on June 14, and a month later to Master Engineer, Junior Grade.
By July 14, Bastille Day in France, the men were almost ready to go, and expected to entrain for New York and their ships at almost any time. It would be another week or two before all the 13th regiment would be under way, though. So until that time, drill, pack, drill, pack, drill, pack…
Monotony. Wrote to Cecil.
Friday, June 15, 1917
Usual routine. Coldern’ell this morning. Shivered like a dog. Routine. Bed early.
Saturday, June 16, 1917
Regimental inspection. Two letters from Cecil.
Sunday, June 17, 1917
Home all day. Dad’s birthday.
Monday, June 18, 1917
Back to barracks 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 19, 1917
Routine, etc.
Wednesday, June 20, 1917
Routine. Met Maloney on pier.
Thursday, June 21, 1917
Transferred to HQ staff as Master Engineer Junior.
Friday, June 22, 1917
Wrote letters to Cecil and mother. Loafed.
Saturday, June 23, 1917
Packing up.
Sunday, June 24, 1917
Still packing.
Monday, June 25, 1917
Routine. Waiting for clothes. Helen F called.
Tuesday, June 26, 1917
Cloudy today, cold.
Saturday, June 30, 1917
Mother, Frances, Ella all came up. Ate at a sure bum beanery. Signed muster RIP today.
Sunday, July 1, 1917
Routine.
Monday, July 2, 1917
Got uniform. Elmer came up. All went to his room. Chickens Lord never fell. Loafed all day. Bed early.
Tuesday, July 3, 1917
Wrote Cecil. Got three letters from her today.
Wednesday, July 4, 1917
Fourth of July. Think of last year today, met Cecil in park at barbecue. Just note by paper Pershing’s convoys sunk two subs. Cheers for the Navy.
Thursday, July 5, 1917
Regimental review. Three letters from Cecil today. Wrote her two.
Friday, July 6, 1917
Monotony. Wrote to Cecil.
Saturday, July 7, 1917
Wrote Cecil long letter. Getting ready to move this week.
Wednesday, July 11, 1917
7/7 – 7/11, nothing of interest. Getting ready to move again. Wrote Cecil every day.
