Promotion to Ambulance Orderly - 10/11/1916

El Paso, Tex.

Oct. 11, 1916

My Dear Mother: -

Rec. a letter from Aunt Mayme this morning also one from Leona. It was the best letter Leona has written so far.

I'm so stiff tonight that I can hardly walk. I am almost afraid to move for fear I may crack a joint. I rode in a regulation army saddle nearly all day yesterday and I feel tonight & have felt all day as though I would never be able to get my legs together again.

It rained like the dickens all night last night, first rain that amounted to anything since we came.

We had some regular manoeuvres that amounted to something today, we gathered up wounded with our amb. sat up a dressing station and did practical bandaging.

After that we had a medical lecture. It made the day very interesting, and showed what we had accomplished.

We were inspected several days ago by a Army officer and were given a grade of 40% proficient. 66 2/3% is the same as 100% in a school and we must acquire a grade of at least 60% before we can go home. Capt. McCormick said that we did much better than most others for the time we have been out. I think that by the next inspection in a week or so, that we will make the 60%.

I am an ambulance orderly now. Four mules on an ambulance, the driver cares for two & the orderly the other two. One of my mules had to have its jaw lanced yesterday, it was swelled up as large as two fists. It is much better now and I think I will be able to take it out in a day or so.

Tell Dad that I think I took my Storage Battery over to the shop before I left. If I did or did no it ought to be charged again to keep it from deteriorating.

I have the Q.D. Secretary's book at the house, I wish you would see that it gets to Harold Neff.

That book of European War photos is at Giffords, better have Marion get it.

I wrote to Gerald Claybaugh again, I don't think he got my 1st letter as it was one I threw off the train. You should have rec. the clothes by this time.

I am feeling better than ever and still getting fat.

Love to all
Howard

We are equipped with big 38 six shooter, revolvers, now, for guard duty. - They do a lot of good - no bullets.

1st Ambulance Company on the Mexico Border

 

I can't be sure if the above image was the Ohio National Guard's 1st Ambulance Company, but it paints a good picture of what Howard might have experienced managing both mules and the wounded.

 

This letter especially strikes me at how scattered Howard's attentions are at this time. His National Guard duties are so varied - medical, physical, training, and dealing with animals and people and equipment. All of that on top of performing guard duty without any bullets!

 

He also still has his head in the the world at home, making sure his belongings are squared away there. I'm still trying to figure out what "Q.D" means - my guess it that it was some sort of fraternal organization. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!