yesterday for points in Florida and one went to Ohio. A bunch leaves here every two weeks so the rest of us, fifteen in all, will leave on May 11, so that’s the way the dope runs now.
People are certainly wild over the war down here. There are 235 men stationed here in our quarters. Friday night a meeting was called to donate for the liberty loan. Talk about coming across. Our little bunch from Minnesota sat over in a corner and let the big boys do it who have the dough. Well they subscribed 140,000 in just twenty minutes. A bunch from University of California, Georgia and Missouri went in against the East – 5,000, 10,000 and even 20,000 bids were coming fast. One standard oil man made a proposition to the officer in charge that if he would let us all have an extra hour of sleep the next day he would buy a 10,000 dollar bond. The officer consented so we all got our sleep. Just think – 10,000 dollars for one hour’s sleep. Yesterday afternoon we went out to see Boston and Philadelphia play ball. Well I can’t say very much for big league baseball. Just as many fights as at a game at home.
Today is very fine out. A couple of us have been invited out for supper this evening. Dad’s letter was a dandy and it came at just the right time. I felt a little discouraged for a time but now I feel sure everything will be O. K. Am glad that Park writes often and is at Camp Upton. There may be a chance of my seeing him on my way south. The NEWS arrived here O. K. Hope the car is in good shape now. The gardens must be growing fine now. We are having regular spring weather here. Last Wednesday afternoon we had liberty so three of us took a little sight seeing trip and visited all the historical places around here. It was very interesting. Last Sunday Dave and myself went to church.
Well, lots of good luck. Write soon.
Love, Byrl.
Postcard
Cambridge, Mass., May 6, 1918
Dear Folks,
A little picture of the school here. Am on my way to Pensacola, Florida. Fine weather here.
Love, Byrl.
Mail letters directly to Pen. Fla.
Pensacola, Florida – San Carlos Hotel stationary
Sunday
Dear Folks,
Last week was a very busy one. So far I have 4 ½ hours of instruction in the air to my credit. About Wednesday or Thursday of this week I will make my "solo" flight or my first flight alone. Everything is coming fine. Am getting a little used to this climate and like it now. Am getting real brown from this hot Florida sun. One sheet is all the bed clothes we have over us at night. A number of us went out 25 miles on an auto trip this P. M. I certainly would not care to live here in this country at least.
That was a sad affair about Mr. Klockman. Edwin must be very busy now getting ready for graduation. I received the announcement. It was very neat, especially the motto – "over the top". I wonder if everyone in his class will stop to think just what that means. The Red Cross parade must have been a huge success. I would like to have been there. Am sorry too that will not be able to see young Ed graduate. He should consider himself as living during the happiest moments NOW. Dad must have the old fishing bug by this time. My what would I give to be able to go out fishing if only for once more. Do you realize that I am going on my second year in the military service?
Would like to have seen Paul before he goes over. It is a great opportunity for him. But all will come out O. K. in the end. Best of luck. I have confidence in my ability during my first flight. Alls’ well.

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