Sam Cockayne’s World War II Letters

July 24, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. & Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

& J. B.

     Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Dear Family,

It is now the day after my arrival at Fort Hayes. I have received my uniform and have had my shots for small pox and fever. Have had good food and have enjoyed it. It seems that relatives are not expected to write to men at this post as we may expect to be move to another location at any time. I will [expe] write often to you and as soon as I am located permanent will send you my mailing address. I hope every thing is going good at home and you are all well. Am mailing you some papers concerning my life insurance and you may keep them. Will want [th] to hear all about how you all are as soon as you can mail to me, that is as soon as l tell you l have located. Again I hope you are all well.

                                  Yours.

     Sam

July 25, 1942

Envelope:

P.V.T.  S. A. Cockayne, Jr.

C. B’ Rec. Br.

Ft. Hayes, Ohio

                                                S. A. Cockayne + Family

                                                Glendale, W. Va.

Letter:

                                              Fort Hayes

                                            July, 25, ____42

Dear – M.D.J.—

                At last l have time to drop you a line today at 7:30.  I got into the infamous society of ‘Kitchen Police’ today and just Know got off.  Wee had to get up at 4 o’clock this morning and never stopped till know.  I waited on Table at breakfast, husked sweet corn, washed potatoes, [and] scrubbed floors, waited on table at dinner, dumped garbage, sweeped mess hall, and waited on table for supper.  They don’t let you sit down and expect you to keep on the move.  Lots of grumbling but didn’t do anybody any good.  Feel better tonite than l have yet.  I get out of K. P. tomorrow but so[o]me don’t.  Don’t know but think might get moved out of this camp about Monday and will let you know.  I hope John is getting on good with the farm and you and dad are doing good in health.

Must [th] take a wash now

                                                                                 Sam

[Letter Included Life Insurance Application and Fort Hayes Section Army Emergency Relief memoranda]

July 27, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne, Jr.

Co. D. 33rd. Bn. 8th Regt.

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Barracks, 1359

                                    S. A. Cockayne & Family

                                    Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Dear Mom, Dad & John—

            I have arrived at Camp Crowder Missouri, today (July 27).  I asked to be placed in the Cavalry but was placed in the Signal Corps but I guess thats the way with the Army. The reason l was put in this Corps was on account of the Classification test we all took. I will be here for a while at least so you can write me a letter in detail all about what is going on at home, on the farm in the post office and any local news. We had a great ride out threw the states and I will write you all about it when I have more time. We are getting better feed in this camp but the water isn’t as good as that is fort Hayes. They are getting more strict with us as we go along and I am catching on good as can be expected. All you can do is do just as they say. It is sure hot down here and nothing like home. Write me and tell me everything and be sure and use the below address, I hope you are all well and everything is doing good. I will anticapate your letter with great pleasure. Yours truly

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne, Jr.

Co. D. 33rd Bn. 8th Regt.

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Barracks 1359

August 3, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne, Jr.

Co. D. 33rd. Bn. 8th Regt.

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Barracks, 1359.

                                   S. A. Cockayne & family

                                        Glen Dale, W.Va.

Back of Envelope:

Liked the Picture of the Belle of G.D.

Letter:

                                                                  Camp Crowder,                      Aug. 3, 1942

Dear Mom, Dad, John, Shep & the Belle of G.D.

            Have received your letters of the 31st. & 1st.  You have no idea how glad I was to get word from Glen Dale.  Was immensely pleased to here that Luce had a colt and that it is doing well.  Would greatly appreciate a picture of them and would like to get one of the whole family.

Glad to here that the crops and stock are doing well and that John is getting along well.  I feel sure he will be able to handle every thing as he isn’t afraid to work.  I hope Dad hasn’t too much work to do but I expect he has.  And after doing K.P. [for] at several different times I can appreciate more fully what Mom has to do.  In fact you never appreciate your family till after you have to do without them

Glad to hear you have had sweet corn.

As to your assurance as to my great success in the Signal Corps I don’t know but I will surely try.  I am just in basic training now.

Glad to here you are all well.  I am well but some of the boys are in a shape from varies shots and vaccinations.  I took a boy I know name Joe Church from Moundsville over to the hospital yesterday.  He had a fever & chills.

Glad to Hear Florence is settling down and that Shep is well.  Not allowed into town for 3 weeks but will get my picture taken when I can.  Tell Mrs Woods thanks for the hangers & will be glad to get the pipe.  Say hello to Stanley. 

I know it gets boresome to write often but write once a week any way.

Be sure to send the pictures even if you have too hire some one to take them.

                                                            Sam.

August 5, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A Cockayne, Jr.

Co. D. 33rd. Bn. 8th. Regt.

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Barracks 1359

                                 Mrs. S. A. Cockayne.

                                     Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:                                                                                                Aug. 5, 1942

                                                          [Fort] Camp Crowder

Dear Mom,

            Just received your letter of Aug. 3 this evening.  Glad to hear that you have had a rain and that the crops are doing good.

            Thank Mr. & Mrs. Wood For the hangers.  I greatly appreciated the package.  Every body had some candy and I had the pipe & tobacco.

            I especially appreciated the pictures of luce & the colt.  Will look at them often.  When you get a chance get a picture of the whole family.  Sorry I missed Lee Burgess at Hayes.

            Glad to learn that the corn is especially good.  Hope Ramsey gets the nomination & also the election

            Congratulate John for mowing out the fence and Dad for liming & manuring the alfalfa peice.  Dad always manages to get time for jobs like the machine house roof.  Glad to hear you had pickles to put up they will come in handy this winter.  There is nothing how ever small that wouldn’t interest me so don’t feel that there is no news.  Feel fine and I hope you all do.  Was at least a hundred °degres this afternoon.

                                                                        Yours

                                                                                    Sam.

P.S.  Liked yours & John picture and was sorry Dad wasn’t in there with pups.  Joe Church who was in the hospital is out again.  He had a temperature of 103. When you write again tell me if the mare has much milk & if she owns the colt well.

August 8, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:                                                                                                      Camp Crowder

                                                                            Aug. 8, 1942

Dear Mom,

                I was sorry to hear that Aunt Dora is ill with an infected ear.  Would like to hear from her

                Glad to hear the Doc Ealy lost the nomination and that Ramsey & Neely got theirs.  The Shaws are sending me the Echo ever day.  Glad to hear the mare and colt are doing well and that John is getting a lot of hay off the lower field.  Said before I enjoyed the pictures and thought yours and Johns were very good would like some more including Dads.  Got two more shots today. have to wait on tables Sunday morning but get the rest of the day off.  I am just like you and don’t get much time to write but I greatly enjoy getting letters.  I fact all the boys beam at mail call in the evening.  Nothing like word from home to raise the Morale,                                                                              Sam

August 9. 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne

Co. D. 33rd Bn., 8th Regt.

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Barracks 1359

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:                                                                                                                      Camp Crowder

                                                                             Aug 9. 1942

Dear Mom,

                Have received your box of cookies.  They appeared remarkably fresh and tasted very good indeed.  We get lots to eat here but it don’t run much too cookies.

You say you are pasturing the mare and colt on the point and it is a fine thing but as John has so much to do I would suggest you try putting her in the lease and she can get her oun water.

Have had four different inoculations and will get four more.  Had no ill effects from them although the arms are a bit stiff the next day.  Glad too hear that there will be a few soy beans as you will need all the feed you can get.

You say Mrs Blair took more pictures and I will await the arrival with great pleasure.  We can get tobacco and most any thing at the PX or the exchange store.

                When we left Fort Hayes we came across Ohio, Indiana, & Illoinos. and saw lots of farming land as we travel west.  In Indiana & Illoinos the land was practicly leavel [but] and it was for the most part productive but as we went to bed then I saw nothing all night but when we got up the land was poor and the land had lots of scruby brush and some kind of short spruce or pine scattered about.  In fact from what I have seen of Missouri I got the impression that it is mostly poor, hot, and not at all suited to farming.

We pasted through St. Louis while enroute.  I enjoyed the trip but most of the others did not as they took no interest in the landscape and as ive got very black and dirty from train smoke but you know dirt never bothered me – ha – We got started about 11 oclock on monday and got there about 7 the next morning.  Will send a picture when ever I can get one taken.

                As you have too take care of her I would not like to deprive the family of the honor of naming the colt but if you think of nothing else would suggest (Belle) as that seems to be the present one hope you are all well.

                                                                                                Sam

P.S. – (Has Gunto been around) Has Hudkins ever come around about the colt. (the charge was to be 10 dollars.

August 12, 1942

Envelope:

 Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:                                         Camp Crowder, Mo

                                                                                                                                               Aug. 12, 1942

Dear. Mom.

                Was immensely pleased with the pictures.  Will keep them and will look at them often.  Especially liked the one of you and dad by the sweet corn.  I see by the picture the the colt is doing very well indeed.  People are afraid every time they see me that I will show them that picture again.  Received a card from Dowdell and droped him one.  Write me the proper spelling of Uncle Charley’s name.  Liked the Gutman chat.  Wrote to Jake the other day.  Qualified for Rifle Marks man the other day but don’t tell any body unless they ask.  The fact is I am dis gusted a little that I didn’t make sharpshooter.  Shot 80 rounds.  Think I would have made SharpS. but wasn’t used to the rear peep sight.  We shot 200 yd. and the Bull’s eye was 10 in across.  These Army Rifles kick like a shot gun.  Been Doing a lot of drill with gas masks lately.  Have my own gas mask that I will have as long as I am in the army.  Have 4 suits, 2 fatigues or work suits and 2 tan uniforms for the evening.  In the winter we will wear a dark uniform with brass buttons.  There is a book in our recreation room names (Vanity Fair) Which has the name (Risley) and the letters (V.H.S.) in it.     Over;

Trust you are all well and things are going well.  Will try to get my picture taken soon.                                                                                                   Sam

[sketch of Signal Corps branch insignia: two signal flags crossed (left flag: white with center square colored in; right flag: colored in with white square in center.) Flag poles have arrows at top.  In the center between both flags is a flaming torch.]

August 17, 1942

Envelope:

Postmarked Camp Crowder, MO.  Aug 17 11:30 AM 1942, 6¢ airmail postage

Pvt. Samuel A Cockayne Jr.

Co D. 33rd B., 8th Regt

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Barracks 1359

S. A. Cockayne J Family

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationery]

Dear Family, -

                This is Sunday morning so I have some time to write as I am one of the more luck individuals that don’t have K.P this Sunday.  The way they work it is this.  If you are a little slow in the morning to get out or don’t make Retreat in the evening or get caught in a minor offence you get on the Corporal’s shit list and they’ll sock the work to you every chan[g]ce they get.  Just got done washing out some towels and underwear by the old wash board method.  Some of the boys that came in with me are being shipped out to private shools today.  They haven’t even finished basic yet.  They may ship you out in a wk. or keep you indeffinately.  Also they send some to schools hear in camp.  Would rather stay here than live in a hotel but one never can tell.

                Received your box.  Obliged for the cookies and appreciated the tobbacco.  Got about 2 of the cookies and then got discovered.  Went through the gas chamber yesterday.  This is a building where thy put you for drill.  you go in with the eyes shut and holding your breath and put on your mask.  They use tear gas.  You then remove your mask and walk out.  This is done to appr make you appreciate the mask.  When the gas hits you – you do.  Had another shot yesterday.  Am getting use to them sticking me every wk. or so.  Got about about 8 hr. sleep last night.  Most nights get 5 or 6.  Get Go up to the P.X. most nights and sit and talk and drink orange pop.  When I go to school will have to spend the evening studing.  Signed the payroll Fri. have good deal of money yet.  But if I don’t get payed 1st of the mo will hit you up.  When I get payed will have a wad of back pay coming.  Got a card from Shep.  Hope you are all well and everything is allwright.

Sam

August 20, 1942

Envelope:

Postmarked Camp Crowder, MO.  Aug 20 11:30 AM 1942, 6¢ postage via air mail

No return address

Mr. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, Marshall Co.

W. Va.

Letter:

Hello Dad, -

                Glad to hear from you.  Know you haven’t much time to write.  Finished basic training today.  Took a test in the last hr.  Made 92 out of a possible 100. – There were 8 boys out of 45 that made about 90 which is the passing grade.  Can’t say I enjoy Army life but have learned to tolerate it.  Awful lot of difference.  They say there are 3 ways of doing a thing.  The right way, the wrong way and the Army way.  Will go to school sooner or later to learn to be a radio operater, but then I don’t even know wether I will be in that long.  See lots of fellows who have been put in this and after a wk.

[sketch of wheat, a horse-plow-man and the letters GEE/D-You]

or so put in something else until they have changed 3 or 4 times.  Glad to hear you have the alfalpa sowed.  Am awfully well pleased to hear the mare & colt are doing so well.  Got a letter from Jake today.  Sent a letter to Wallace.  Next time somebody writes tell me what Mrs. Blair is doing when she puts me on the church roster or what ever it is.  Glad to hear that you and John got so much hay off the lower feild.  Jake says haying hasn’t been so good lately.

Sam

[sketch of rooster over sword]

P.S.  Don’t try to do too much

August 21, 1942

Envelope:       

Postmarked Camp Crowder, MO.  Aug 21 11:30 AM 1942, 6¢ postage via air mail

No return address

Mr. John Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Hello John.

            Was glad to hear from you.  I got a letter from Jake the other day and he tells me you are working very hard.  You say you can handle the colt some.  That is good for the colt and speaks well for your horse ability.

            Sorry to hear the Jim’s and the boy’s clothes were looted.

            Glad to here you got the old sled in working condition.  Thought the old drag would fall apart long ago.  Congrats on getting the oats cut out, that was a big job

            Tell dad I hope you continue to have no “cat’s-ass-trophes”

            Give my regards to “old Sammy” on his 114th birday”.

            Got started on the Morse Code today.  From what I gather from a quick glimse I enterain some doubt as to my capacity to encompass this mode of communication.  How ever I am going to try.  Hope all your stock is doing well and that the dogs bother you not.

            Got a letter from Stanley the other day.  He say he was going to enter a school (Military) hoping to emerge as a technical Sgt.  Hope he succeeds and give him my regards.

            Give my regards to Wood’s and am glad he made you some sled knees.  Hope his cucumbers did better than they promised too.

            Hoping you are all well  I will know bid you adou Sam

August 24, 1942

Envelope:

Camp Crowder, MO  1942 - Aug 24 11:30 AM U.S. Postage  (two) 3 cents stamps  "air mail"

                           Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

                              Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

                                                                                                                                Sunday

Dear Mom –

                Glad too hear the whole family including the animals are in a favorable condition.

                Pleased to hear the alfalfa came up good.  Guess the weather is favorable.  Hope the weather drys off long enough for John to get his stack up.  Received the Hereford Journal but haven't had much time to persue the text.

                Received the money which I duely appreciate and am much obliged.  As too when we get payed seems rather vague and hazy but should get a nice lump when it arrives.

                Have been remarkable lucky evading K.P. but doubtlessly my time will come.

                Have practicaly learned the dits & daws for the Code but that is a long way from being able to receive them rapidly over the wire.  In fact doing things rapidly never was my strong suit as you very well know.

                Say hello to Wood's and would be glad to receive a letter from him.

                Got a pass to go into town last night but the buses were so full I gave up going in.  Intended to get my picture taken.  Next time I get a chance to go I will take a taxi.  Hope Stanley gets to go to school as he wishes but agree with you as to weather he gets to or not. Glad to hear you are getting sweet corn.

                Next time you write give me an account of Florence.  Does she still prance around and is she in good physical condition.                                                                                       Sam

August 26, 1942

Envelope:

Camp Crowder, MO 1942 – Aug 26 11:30 AM U.S. Postage Air Mail 6 cents circular stamp

                                                                Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

                                                                Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

                                                                                                                                Camp Crowder

Dear Mom –

                Received your package and partook freely of the contense.  the cookeis were very good as was the candy.  It was devoured by Salvador Mattos Joe Ventua, Joe Church & especially me.

                Was in to Neosho last night with Joe Church and got my picture taken.  Will get it about Sept. 1.  Most notable thing I saw in Neosho was a man that didn't have a uniform on.

                May have K.P. Sunday as Cpl. caught me & Ventua engaged in the sport of trying to remove one another from the respective beds but he didn't say anything.

                Don't know whether ever told you about it but each evening after school we spend one hr. on the drill feild doing forward march, about face, to the rear march, left face, right face, halt, column right & so on to accompany ment of gas masks, very enchanting. [smear]  Tell me anything of interest in detail back home.  Well its getting late so will close.

                Hope you are all well.

                                                                                                                                Sam

P.S.  Pardon the shoe polish on the paper.

August 28, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Aug 28, 1942

Dear Mom –

            Was glad to receive your letter. It is good that the weather is better and John can haul some oats. Don’t know if it is possible but would thing it would be worth it to get a Streight to help a little.

            Glad too hear Florence is doing better and hope she quiets down, have doubts about her and if you think all think it wise at any time to sell her let me know and I may suggest a way to dispose of her. However I hope for the best.

            Was amused about Charlie but at the same time feel sorry about the way he was treated.

            Glad to hear you are getting up some jelly and you know you won’t need as much since I’m not there.

            As too my cwt. I weigh about 166 lbs but lots of that is shoes

            Am getting along fairly well in my Code but don’t like it on account of the confinement. If it was possible I would get transferred into something like pole climbing or truck driving.

            With good wishes for the family & Luce & Belle I will close and remember I am not there so nothing is too small to be of interest

Sam

            Don’t work too hard and get as much sleep as possible.

Envelope:

Camp Crowder, MO.  1942 – Aug 29 11:30 AM   U.S. Postage Air Mail 6 cents circular stamp

                                                                Mr. S. A. Cockayne

                                                                Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

                                                                                                                                Aug. 28, 1942

Dear Dad –

                Glad to hear from you.  Was pleased to hear that the sweet clover is taking hold.  It is great stuff and you can't get to much of it.  Wouldn't plow it up if it gets a good stand as you know the land will get better and better.

                Glad the horse and cattle are doing good.  Take it the weather is good for grass and bad for hay and oats.

                Appreciate the Gutman Add.

                Received the last money and agree about that being a fine way to send it.  Wouldn't send any more unless I write you as I have better than 30 dollars and expect to get payed Monday.

                Hope you haven't too much too do at the P.O. so you get time too walk out.  Trust Poops still knows not to go up in the mornings.

                Next time any body writes tell me more of the corn. did it ear well and did it fall down as usual.

                                                                                                                                Sam

Glad to get the Tuxedo. Can get lots of tobacco but though I haven't tried I haven't seen any Tux yet.  Have about 6 boxes on hand now.

August 31, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne, Jr.

35386935 U. S. Army

Co. D 33rd Bn 8th Regt

Camp Crowder Missouri

Barracks 1359.

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationary]

Sunday

Dear Mom

            Just now got time to write. Spent the day in the kitchen. Ate so much during the day I must be 10 lbs. heiver. KP isn’t what you would call hard work, but you just move about steady. It is good for one thing though. If you lay around all day Sunday you get to worrying about people and things back home. During the week we don’t have time to do any thing like that. Most of the boy’s divide their thoughtful moments between wishing for a furlough and doubting the liklyhood of getting one. I understand you are entitled to a furlough after 4mo. in the Service but you stand little chance of getting one except in case of emergency. There is a fellow in our barracks named Anderson from Benwood who spends the evening struming the guitar and singing the songs of the W.W.Va. Jamboree. I enjoy it greatly but there are lots of long faces pulled when it starts.

            I am now working on the Code at the rate of 5 words a minute. The trouble I have is that although I know all the simbles of the Code when it comes over the wire I have difficulty remembering them fast enough.

            Just now heard the whiste for lights out. Lights out at 9:00, bed check at 11:00 and you had better be there. One thing that will amuse you is in the morning we must make are beds up well and mope under them. The beds are made with dog ear or pleated corners. These are pulled back to tighten the blanket so it will be smooth, have become adept about this as you get giged if you have a messy bed.

            Hope you and the rest of the family are well. Don’t tell people too many of the things I tell you as it isn’t in vogue to tell to much about the less fancyful side of the Army. Will send this letter free for a chang. Sure enjoy getting a letter as does every body else—Use same address. One on envelope when Free

September 2, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[*CAMP CROWDER

THE LAND OF CHILLS AND EARLY CHOW*]

Dear Mom

            Received your letter of the 21st. Appreciate your writing me a letter after washing and canning. As you have opened up the grate the weather must be like it is here. I am going to put on my heavy underwear to night. You must have all worked awful hard this fall. 214 shocks is a good deal of corn tied up. Cutting it that wide is more trouble but will leave less rows through the wheat. There must have been a great deal more soybeans than expected if there will be a large stack. Hope that Shep is holding up under all that corn cutting. Am studing procedure in radio now. Studied at night up till tonight. Reason for that is if you don’t make up to a certain mark you have to go to night school. The last test I made 92. As there is no more night school till next Tue. I will recline peacefully. Spent the evening with a large cigar exchanging rather colored stories of the days of ease back home. Some times I get a little extra exercise by wresthling with Ken Waters who weighs 210 lbs. The last time we turned over 3 beds and rumpled up about 5. Feel sure we would be bodily removed if every body didn’t think any body wasn’t a little dangerous not to mention a little crazy who came from W. Va. Have got some outside opinion or dope on the Woods from a fellow named Gilbert who worked at the Stamping works. Strictly confidential of cource. ha. Will relay (ZIRC) to you when time alows. Glad to receive the box got raided again. Glad to hear the colt is well. Would sure like to lay an eye on it. With regards to Mom, Dad, John & Pups I remain

[13 code characters]

Sam

September 3, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va

Letter:

Tue.

Dear Mom,

            Was glad to receive your letter of the 30th. Didn’t get a chance to write last night as I did guard duty. Each barracks has guard about once in two wks. You have to be through basic and know your general orders to stand guard. Most of the men are just new here so us old turds that are here for a while have to do it.

            Was pleased to hear that Stanley is in the Corps. He will get to be an officer I expect. They sure work the NonComms around here.

            Greatly interested in Luce and Belle. Gad to hear she is doing so good. The cool weather is good for her Glad to hear Chris is doing good You all are to be congratulated for handling him so well. Received the box and was greatly pleased with the contense. You certainly must have a lot of sweet corn and grapes which is very nice.

            Received a metal for quialifing as a marksman. Lots of the boys have them but not many have metals for sharpshooting. Will send it home some day. Got payed Monday. After deduction for laundry & insurance I got $56.Was pleased to learn that Luce is working again. Hope you are all well I will write soon.

Sam

September 5, 1942

Envelope:

No return address

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

                                                                                                    Friday

Dear Mom--

            Glad to receive your letter. I was pleased to hear that Dad says Florence will have a colt. He was sure right the last time. It should slow her down some. Glad John got the oats in. The point will look better after Dad gets it mowed off. Glad Lawrence was able to be of assistance to John & Foxy, give him My regards. Hope you have success as usual with your canning. Was pleased that the corn is extra good. Will close now as I have to be barracks orderly tomorrow. This will get me out of feild inspection tomorrow. Hope everybody is well

                                                 Sam

September 7, 1942

Envelope:

No return address

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery]

                                                                                                                        Sunday

Dear Mom.

            Received your letter of the 3rd. Have both my pipes and have some tobbacco left. Am glad to get the tobacco as can't get any of that kind here. Was pleased at the colt and shep. It shows that the colt is not a donsey dead head. Am pleased with the way John is progressing. to get all the oats in and put up a stack in this weather is doing well. Dont see where Dad gets time to mow on the point but it surely will make it look nice  Hope you are feeling good. Hope Dad don't get any more to do than he has. Wrote to the Shaws the other day and said much obliged for the paper. Got a letter from Uncle Wallace and will write him soon. Five new guys moved in today. Helped carry down there beds, We always help the green ones make up there bed. Have nothing to do to day. Get up an hour later. Was in town last wk. and bought a meal. High price poor stuff. Not going any place but the P.X. today, The difference is that back home they fell all over you to wait on you and here you have to knock a few out of the road to get waited on. Fellow moved out yesterday that will be a releif Ha. He weighed 250 and couldn't march so we were always getting bawled out for having a man out of step. Feel fine and trust I will remain a damned

                                                 Sam

P.S. The cookies were sure good.

Envelope:

Air Mail

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

On back:    Sunday

Letter:

Dear John.

            Must congratulate you on getting the stack up.  Putting up a stack if you have lots of help isn’t such hard work but requires considerable jugdement. You seem to keep pretty busy as mowing hay in the morning and putting up a stack in the afternoon is right smart of a project.  Glad to hear such good reports of the corn.  Although being the best in Marshall Co. may be some what overrated it no doubt is as good as any. When coming across the states I saw quite a bit of farm land. I saw lots of corn in Ill. Ind. and Ohio although not as much as I expected and the feilds as a whole were not as large as I had been led to believe. I saw good corn, bad corn, and indifferent but I saw none better that on the creek side and most was not as good. Was pleased to learn that the side next the road improved above expectation. I saw wheat land that had been cut over with a combine and I saw some that had been left uncut to fall every which way. I saw lots of oats in shock. Some feilds in shock were practicaly all down and I never saw one feild that was shocked reasonably well. I saw a few good teams of horses in Ohio but as I came west I notice that most of the horses are sorry looking plugs worse than old Kit. Most of the farming is done by tractor. I saw lots of soy beans. Very little had sudan grass sowed in it. I looked to me as though it had been sowed much later than ours. Glad to hear the alfalfa is coming good. Saw little alfalfa on the way, mostly the old mine system of farming Alfalfa & sweet clover are faluable in more than one way. Your Pete Fryer is probably another Pete Welsch or George McCarryc[?]. Sympathize with Jean. Got today to loaf but it’s a wonder. Yesterday was barracks orderly or charge of Quarter. Had to stay up till 11 o’clock to keep the shit house loafers quite after lights out. About 11, couple of us quitely placed all the winter blankets on some of the sleeping beaties. About 3 o’clock they woke up wet as a fish and some what revengeful in temper. I see you still entertain some distaste for the O’Flanerty’s. Hope you are all well I will remain seated

                                                                                            Sam

P.S. Our company has a good reputation for being one of the nicest companies to be in as far as discpline is concerned but I will move out some day. so many of the guys have gone out I am one of the oldest longest stay men in the barracks. As far as I can learn I am the youngest one hear. Several are over 40 and better than half are married. Some of them have passed the state where drilling is comfortable. Had my pictures sent home.

September 10, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Dear Mom –

            Was very glad to hear about the farm and stock. See you managed to get some peachs up in spite of the shortage. I see where I never appreciated the family. Since I have had to do it my self I see where I could have helped you out more often. Glad to hear that Mrs Pig is larger.

            Passed a test at 7 words a minute today. Am now working on 10 words.

            Attend night school when I can. Am farther along than most but some are better at it than I am. I have to work on it but it seems to come natcheral to a few of them. John would do well in this. Sent my picture home and it should have got there. Will write Dad & John when I can. Feel well and hope you all are.

                                                                                       Sam

Suppose the corn is getting ripe. Do very well on sending with the key, better than receiving.

September 14, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Sunday.

Dear Mom –

            In reply to you letter of the 9th. Am glad you received the pictures and that you were pleased with them. You can give them to who ever you wish.

            Glad you were able to give Dora some tomatos:

            Was glad to get the last box and last box. Will watch for the one John mentioned but don’t expect to get them that often as it is rather expensive and lots of bother.

            From what you said I gather you must have an abundance of both grapes and tomatos.

            Amused to here of L.S.’s pilgramages and trust they will come to the usual conclusion.

            Would think it a bit damp for Jake to remove his spuds. Don’t doubt but what the potatoes will be troubled with grubs and rot.

            Every thing is about the same here.

            Saw the picture ‘Custer’s Last Stand’ last night. Enjoyed it and was delighted with the display of Cavalry. Made me wish I was in the horse brigade however I would doubtlessly asembled on the side of the Gray.

            Will close with best wishs for the continued health of the whole family

                                                                                      Sam.

P.S. The sox propaganda was a bust. Can get all I want.

Tell Dad that half of the cow money was suppose to go to him and I will have to fix it up when I can.

Envelope:

                                                          Mr. S.A. Cockayne

                                                          Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery]

Dear Dad. -----

Was glad to receive your letter of the 8th. Appreciate the money but you don’t need to do that unless I should go broke which isn’t likely.

Was glad you all liked the pictures. Have saved all the pictures I have received. Especially like the picture of you and Mom by the sweet corn.

Think your idea of sowing the creek side to wheat is an excelent one. John can cut the corn on the bank alright but when it comes to the whole feild I would suggest it an all around saving to get Charley Streight, Bill or any body available to help him considerably.

Wood’s writes me that the corn eared out exceptionly well. As the cattle are reduced I doubt if you will need it all but would save it for a less plentiful season such as the last.

Was pleased to hear that pups is gaining in circumfurence. Was worried about his continued good health as he looked a bit peeked in the Summer.

Try to avoid over doing your self.

Glad to hear from you when you have two or three days with nothing to do – haha-

Would sure like to get a hold of a pair of [lines] for a while. Think I’ll go in to Neosho and hire out to the livery stable.

                                                                   Sam, or what

is known as Cavalry, Hereford cattle and Percheron Horses Incorporated.

Had a nice 7 mile hike yesterday. All had our feet inspected by the [Lorry] afterwards. 

Envelope:

                                                          Mr. John B. Cockayne

                                                          Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery]

Dear John

          Was pleased receive a letter from you of the 11th.

          Am sorry you are having so much rain on the soybeans. However at the worst time of the year for pasture it will certainly thrive. If it don’t get too cold the late pasture should save a lot on feed.

          Am immensely interested in the wel-fare of Luce and Belle. Generaly late summer colts do poorly on account of the heat and dry weather. However this season was made to order. You say it eats a little grass and no doubts would consume a very little horse feed in a month or so. But take it from me and don’t allow it much at first.

          See those damned bunks are acting up as usual at this time of year. You are wise to put them on the point and they will do good if allowed lots of water. Old John should last another year but if I were you I would feed them all good and let the whole bunch in as only about half of the ewes had lambs last year.

          Glad Chris is progressing nicely and hope he isn’t to much bother.

          Write me soon and let me know if the cattle on the hill are staying in. Don’t let anybody run any horses with yours or come in contact. If the horses coats appear rough at any time inspect for lice. Streights horses were infested with them this summer. If they get lousy I will tell you what to apply.

          Barracks Orderly consists of general sweeping, moping, and cleaning paper cans, [butt] can and the good old latrines.

          How does the the Election look.

                                                                   Same damned

                                                                             Sam

September 16, 1942

Envelope:

                                                          Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

                                                          Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:                                                                           

[Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery]  

Tue.

Dear Mom ---

          Went to the show with Joe Church to night who has returned from a leave to see his mother who is not well. Went to the show last week with Ken Waters and Anderson.

          Chipped in last Sunday to buy a guitar for Anderson to reserect the Jamboree with. Haven’t been to town for some time as you get back to late for a good nights rest. Have got out of detail work a good deal lately but have orderly to morrow. Glad to get it as I get tired of listening 8 hr a day to, dity daw dit. Would rather drill than listen to that accursed clatter. Consider my self quite accomplised at drilling altho there is lots of room for improvement. There has been a number of men awol lately which is a bad thing for every body as they are inclined to clamp down on all of us to stop it. Amusing thing happened to day at noon. A supply truck turned in sharply to the mess hall to deliver eatables. They had several cases of eggs in the rear. The abruptness of the enterance removed a couple of cases and -----. Received the box. Glad to get the candy. Most of the men in the barracks are married and after sampling the cookies they understand why I am not. Tell Dad obliged for the [Tucedo]. Sure enjoy the old scrap.

          Hope John is getting along as well as he has been recently. He don’t know it now but some of the less desirable jobs which he performs now, he would enjoy after being away for a while.

          Trust the canning is well along now as they grapes must be about done. Hope the family, pups and the rest are in the best of health.                                                                                                                                                                                Sam

September 18, 1942

Envelope:

S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

Mo. The home of the

Rickin Mule

Dear Dad,

Received your letter today. Was surprised to hear that you all had 85 shocks cut. It is well that some one has persuaded Foxey to cut.

            In regards to the creek side maybe your second plan to sow grass and clover is the better as wheat requires more time and labor and the sod is what we need.

Glad the high ground is looking better. Hope that John will not be drafted as soon as you think. You descide about the creek side. Give my reguards to Mom and the rest of the family. Not getting as much time on the radio this week as K.P. and B.O. are receiving lots of my time which I am dully thankful. With reguards for the Va. Plantation I remain for some time I hope

                                                                                    Sam

Theres been a stray cow running around camp lately. No body can catch her. Reward of 5 dollars out. Never saw her myself.

September 21, 1942

Envelope:

John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Dear John

            Received your letter of the 18th. Glad you are making such good progress with the corn cutting. Hope the colt got one end out of the rain anyway. Are you cutting your shocks 10 by 10 or 8 by 10.

            Went to Neosho today but it was a right smart of a frost. Last night we amused are selves by varies manipulation of beds of those who stay out late. Am good at concocting these depredations. After lights out you take a bunk which all have folding legs incidentally and slant the legs under so that the unsuspecting one slides in and ------. Also salt between the sheets is good. Short sheeting is also practiced. Have been dishing it out a lot and will probably get it tonight.

            Liked the drunk jokes. Can’t say I anticipate with great inchantment the arival of a package from Mrs. Knopp.

                                                With best regards

                                                            Sam

September 22, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Monday

Dear Mom-

Received your letter tonight. Was supprised to hear that you had 22 qts of grapes. There must have been more than I expected. You had better keep the life magazines as I don’t have time to read them and we have plenty but [the] tell Mr. Rudolph I am much obliged for them. Received a package from the Knapps and Dad can tell them much obliged. Tell Dad that if the Texudo is getting scarce to keep all he can get as I can easily change but he has been use to it for years. Sorry to hear the Shep has been so indiscret as to invade the parlor. Have passed 10 words a minute on the telegraph and am now on procedure. They are trying to stuff a course that use to take 2 yr. into us in 10 wk. Afraid it won’t work on me anyway as I don’t raise a sweat very easy as all of you know. Have to go and study now so will terminate this letter which was done in the comfortable seat in the barracks back house. Hoping you are all well I remain pokey

Sam

September 23, 1942

Envelope:

S.A.Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va

Letter:

Tue.

Dear Dad-

Glad to receive your letter of the 20th. Am tremendously pleased with the way the corn turned out and think you are all doing remarkable well with the cutting. Hope it don’t ghost. We had it extremely hot up till now but the last few days it has been disagreeable cold and raw. Some times it rains is speels. We are on a kind of plateau and near the prarie. I am told it gets about 25° below and a bit windy. We have lots of cloths however. Some of the boys are from a hot place so it is hard on them. Though for that matter we will probably all got to a place that is damned hot [???] fore many years. Come near getting [???] out of the barracks tonight as usual. Got a hold of a mouth organ and played a few measures of Home Sweet Home and look out-ho[?]. Hope you all remain well including the Hosses and the rest of the citizens of the old plantation. Would sure like to see it once more before I go accross.

Sam

September 27, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri Stationery]

27/1000/42

Dear John-

Glad to receive your letter of the 24th. Wish to congratulate all of you on the progress of the corn cutting. Saw that the corn on the creek side was going to be large. Only wonder that Foxxy is able to cut any as he is rather short of stature. Gather from the story of friend Charlie’s escapades and final confinement that help from him is impossible. There is certainly more feed on the bean feild than I thought possible. If there will be a large stack I hope that you get more help than Foxxy as he would be a bit troubled to keep up. Glad you found time to rake some weeks for Charley Bohren. Am sorry to hear of his poor condition. Give him my regards. Was pleased to hear of your success in holding Chris. I never did so good at confining him to the barracks. Always glad to hear of [??]ce & the colt. Supprised to hear that you will have any punkins at all as friend Foxxy’s seed didn’t do so good. Better give him one as he will get one anyway. Everything is about the same here. Spent the last wk studying the procedure [??]form of radio message’s. Had a test on Sat. which I made 96 in. They tell me that all that is necessary to be an operator is a brain disorder. I guess that if I wasn’t already afflicted that lack would speedily be remedied. Go on guard duty at 0500 o’clock to nite and work in two hr shifts till tomorrow morning. Had full field inspection yesterday. You get some steel wool and use a little elbow grease on your mess kit. Have nothing to do today (Sun.). Hoping to hear from you soon I will close

Sam

September 28, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationary]

Sun.

Dear Mom –

                Glad to see that poops is up at the crack of dawn to cut corn Feel very sure that Vernie’s children will be of inestimable value to John Trust that no mishap will befall them like falling into the creek, contact with John Hill or a sudden acquiantance with a skunk. Feel sure that my appreciation of poetry is about on a par with yours. Thought the jokes were very good. We had a heivy frost this morning When to see the strawBerry Blond with Joe Church. Was very good spirit of the 90’s. Have two sets of heivy underwear. The old shirt & drawer type. Haven’t much news. Hope you are all well and sure glad to receive a letter will close as I have to go on guard.

Sam

September 30, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationary]

Grave Creek, Va.

Colonel S. A. Cockayne

Dear Dad,

                I am greatly pleased to receive a letter from you and am aware of how little time you have to write letters. Felt sure that John would do well on the farm and for once it seems that I was right. Hope the rain will hold off so you can sow some wheat. Will bet that lots of people never saw corn cut in that manner. Can hardly believe that there was as much [s]feed on the beans. As to the horse business a person would have to consider a little. You say Florence is doing better. If considering her from a purely unpredjudiced angle. If she was doing enough better to be of no great trouble most of the time I would sell Kit at the auction Barn for what ever you can get. However if she is not I wouldn’t sell Kit. [Will] Isn’t much news around here so I will close hoping to hear from you again when you have time.

Sincerely

Sam

P.S. Next time you all send a box I would appreciate a bottle of Pepper mint tablets and a little bottle of absorbine Jr. Give Poops an extra pat for me.

October 2, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationary]

Dear Mom

                Received your Package. Silver tips very popular. Too popular. Hid the cookies and eat some at regular intervals. Sorry to hear that Dad has more work. Dont see how he can do muce more. Got payed today. now have about 8 dollars. Sorry to hear that Foster’s have an addition. Don’t need to excuse any paper Glad to get a letter on any Kind. It has got warm again here and as usual with the right way and the Army way we don our woolen suit to day. See lots of people from every state but think more of those from W. Va. Heard a good joke on me Gilbert from Mdsv. Hells me quote I am the biggest nut among the nuts [ainquote](?). With that I will depart to the wash tub. Hope you are all well and that the work will let up all around before long. solong.

Pvt. Samuel Andrew Jackson Cockayne, Jr.

October 5, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. J.B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationery]

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Lee Hurst Farm Va.

                Am Pleased to learn that you now have 319 shocks cut. Know its a long drag but It will look good from the house when finished. Am always interested in the welfare of “Hen[?]y”. Received a letter from Aunt Dora and she said that rheumatism was troubling her lately. Glad to hear that Foxey(?) and Laurence will help you dig the potatoes. We now wear our winter uniforms which is wool shirt & pants and are very uncomfortable since it gets hot in the afternoon. attended the show last night and enjoyed it a lot. Am glad the stock are staying home as you can use a lot of time and work running after them. After you get in the army you will appreciate the application of the word time. Hoping you get the potatoes out with out too much trouble. I remain as ever the same damned sam. chipped in a little to buy beer the other night and didn’t get back in time from chow to get my mail so got it just now.

Envelope:

Mr. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

[Postmarked October 5, 1942]

(image of two crossed flags in front of torch)

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Hello Dad –

Haven’t had an opportunity to write much lately but as today is Sunday I have some time. Don’t know wether I ever wrote about it or not but every Saturday afternoon we have Inspection. If it is a good day we go out in the feild with a full pack and pitch pup tents. Then display our equipment before it. As it rained yesterday we had to put it on the bed in the barracks. All metal utensils have to be polished with steel wool. Everything is layed out in a set and uniform manner. Clothes must be neat and a strict G.I. hair cut is in order. Have never been giged yet. Some of the boys got it for long locks and others for books on gas mask shelves and lack of elbow grease on the old mess kit. Have been attending school in radio nets this week. 3 or 4 boys are hooked up so they can send to one another. You are supposed to send messages in groups and letters of no meaning. However we took up a little time in relaying our respective opinions of  one another in no flattering terms. Heard a good joke the other day which will hardly bear the light of day. It is quote, Women women God bless em they can __ without undressen while us poor old sons of bitches have to strip or shit our britches. Glad to hear that the horses and other stock are doing so good. Have a very good supply of tobacco on hand through your thoughtful donation. Tell the boys that the only thing I won’t give them a cut out of is that tobacco. Peers like you all have the work pretty well under hand but was sorry to hear that you had more work put on you. With best regards to Grave Creek Va. I remain

                                                                                                                        Sam

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

[Postmarked October 5, 1942]

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri stationery]

Dear Mom

Received your letter of the 1st today Was indeed sorry to hear that there will be a coffee shortage. We get coffee a lot here but also get a lot of ice tea. Don’t doubt that there will be a meat shortage but trust you all will have enough when you butcher. Will be glad to receive the pepper mint and absorbine however I have had very little stomach trouble but you never can tell. Received a package from Charles Bohren today. Received a package the other day but I can’t tell who sent it. It came from Wheeling and had 44 & 168 on it. Suppose you have to much to do as usual but do like us soldiers and care out only what you have to.

Hoping you are feeling well I remain Sam

October 6, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

[Postmarked October 6, 1942]

Letter:

(image of crossed flags in front of torch)

Camp Crowder, Missouri

Dear John

Just received your letter of the 3rd. Note with pleasure the attainment of the 331st. The kitchen will be warmer when you get the new window in. Can appreciate the feeling of our friend Jean and suppose it would be nice to drown the puss and you might put Jean in the bag. Trust that Uncle Wallass will run his course in poetry. Suppose that Vernies offspring will give you faithful attendance. Suppose that if given free access to the plentiful supply of walnuts that various asundry stains and bowel trouble will assail them. Would be one to congratulate Marion on his substainance from the bottle. Good to lack the society of the Honorable Streight tails of degenerates but would suggest a little deplomacy upon the approach of the flailing.

Am surprised to hear of the abundance of the squirrel species. Think I saw about two last year. With the best of wishes to West Virginia hills and especial MaZena Hollars I remain another one of those dwindling

Cocane’s

October 9, 1942

Envelope:                                           

                                                            Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

                                                            Glen Dale. W.Va

[Postmark 10.9.1942]

Letter:

Grave Creek, Va.

Dear Mom—

Have not had a chance to write to you for a couple of days as K. P. and various details have intervened.  Have received a letter from you and one from John and Dad.  Am glad that the corn is all cut and pleased to hear that there is some wheat in.  Did you all sow grass in it or are you going to do that in Feb?  Was pleasantly surprised one day to receive a package.  Was glad to get the mints and absorbine.

Devoured the cookies with great relish.  Haven’t seen a marsh stogy since I left home.  Was glad to get them and the Tux.  Dad tells me that Belle got a some what soiled rear quarters

Often take out the picture of Luce & Belle on the point but look at the one of you and Dad by the sweet corn oftener.  Will write John and Dad soon.  Have guard duty again Saturday night.  Don’t mind that as I can rest up on Sunday but it is a bit troublesome to the gay lads that like to cut lose on Saturday night.  Won’t be hear so much longer unless somebody changes there mind.  Have been out in the feild working radio telegraph sets.  We have had several sending tests.  Have worked up on the machine to sending 10 words a minute.  On this machine you send on a tape with the telegraph key and then reverse the tape and take back what you sent.  It is bit different from receiving code on the standard machine tape.  A few of the boys, some of whom have been ham operators before can do better than I but there are quite a few who can’t do as well.  Next week we go out in commandcars with sets.  I would like to see John get in this if they get him as with his natural aptness for this sort of thing and his mastery of the type writer he would probably make a fixed station operater. Fixed station a man has to do 25 words a minute and type write it at the same time.  Us field operators seldom send more than 5 or 6 words in the feild with very inferior sets to the fixed station.  However the fixed station gets very monotonous at times while the field station we generally find a little excitement now & then.  With regards to the best State, the best County, the best 275 acres, and the ---town in the Country. I will close as bedtime draws near.

                                                                              Sam

October 11, 1942

Envelope:

                             Mr. John B. Cockayne

                                 Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

October 11, 1942  

Camp Crowder, Mo.                                                              

Dear John

       With apologies for my delay in replying I will now think congratulations on completion of the small grain is in order.  With due regrets I note the married condition of our mutual friend Chilly Billy, also bear with you in the fact of your seeing said lad.  Glad the tradition of the W.Va. fueds is upheld by Foxxy & the Crookeds.  Glad you got the threshing machine in as that is quite a job.  Sorry to hear of the Borgess mishap and will drop him a card.  Glad to hear that no serious disorder resulted from consumption of a goodly supply of cider.  Glad the stock are doing well.  Hold some aprehension of the old ball team coming out so well this season.  Have heard Winchell once so far but haven’t got to hear sob sisters incorporated. 

Appreciated the “En Bon Espoir” and always glad to get a letter.  Will write Dad next time.  Did guard last night.  Had to challenge 4 drunks and 17 jack rabbits along towards morning.  With regards to Dad & Mom I remain lazy
                                                                              Sam

October 14, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. S. A. Cockayne Jr.

Co D 33rd Bn. 8th Regt

35386935 U.S. Army

Barracks 1359

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

Oct. 14, 1942

Dear Mom

            Was glad to hear that you and Belle get along well but you want to be careful of the other end. Was glad to learn that the potatoes turned out good. Didnt think they would come to much. In fact from what I gather every thing back there is in pretty good shape. Was suprised that you found out who the Wheeling box came from. Will drop Julia a card of appreciation  Was very glad to get the cookies which were very good indeed. Been feed to well and been riding around in Command Cars so much that the wt. has gone up to 175  Received a letter from John to which I will make an early repley. Sorry to hear that Anthony Welsch is being taken and was glad to learn that the Ramsey fellow got out. With much appreciation for all the letters I have been getting I remain as ever

Samule

October 17, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:

Camp Crowder

October, 17, 1942

Dear Mom -

            Enclosed find a picture of a bunch of privates. From left to right. Ayres who is a retired member of the National Guard now in the Signal Corps. Sisson a retired shoe maker now in the same branch. Cockayne a retired loafer. Anderson from Benwood who worked in the Mill. Gilbert from Moundsville a retired member of Nosey’s factory. And last but not lest Einstein a man of parts some what distended, a man who always knows every thing also he is a brother of Park Your Carcass who was on Eddie Cantor’s program. My uniform is some what mussed as I got out of bed on Sunday to stand before the Camera. Trust you are all well and that every thing is doing well  I remain in the Army

                                                                              Sam

P.S Also Enclosed is a picture of a rather Jolly fellow named Strebe.

Envelope:

Pvt. Sam Cockayne

Co D 33rd bn 8th Regt

Camp Crowder, MS.

Barracks 1359

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

October 17 

Dear John -

            Was glad to get your letter of the 15th. See you put out the anual signs. Regret to say fear you will have the usual result. Also saw Tombstone here about a week ago. Trust Bill will make a good sailer if he can learn to walk. Foxy should now feel well paid for the punkin seeds  Glad that the creek came down as it will help you a lot with Cris. See you are having those blackouts yet. Pleased to learn that everything back there is going so well. Congratulations on the remarkable drawing of Leehurst. will write more as soon as I can

                                                                                                Sam                 (over)

P.S. Get Dad to tell Mrs. Blair much obliged for the fudge. Forgot what the first name is.

October 22, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

                                                                               Camp Crowder

                                                                        October 22

Dear Mom--

            In reply to your letters am sorry could not reply sooner.  Have had K.P. and Early Chow several times lately.  Received your box and greatly appreciated it.  You could not buy cookies like yours and wouldn’t like them half as much as yours anyway.  A command car is an army car which is open on all sides and reminds one some what of the modern tractors with rubber tires.  They have radio sets mounted in them on the same order as those put in tanks.  You ride along over ruff roads in them and every time you hit a bump a character gets an extra dit or duw in it.

Was glad to hear that John got so many potatoes and hope he can sell a few bushels.  See you are cleaning house and would sure give it a lick and a promise.  Glad Mrs Blair thought to give you a cake and sorry about the lack of digestable contents.  As to a birthday present would be glad to get any kind and you know I am not at all particular.  As to the matter of a furlough I may get one when I get to the next post but can never tell.  With best regards I will close for this time

                                                                                    Sam

October 23, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:

Dear John,

            Was pleased to receive your letter of the 21st.  Was glad to hear that you have the potatoes all dug.  See you have made a start on the corn.  Sympathize with the orange & black and hope they will win a few games.   Trust that Lewis is still ‘trusty’ and glad to see you didn’t get nicked on the lot plowing like I did.  Pleased that the grass and stock are getting together.

Was very sorry to hear that the draft age was lowered.  Hope it wont take effect for some time.

If not presuming too much if you have have to go will give you a few elementory hints on things to avoid that I didn’t.  You have certainly done remarkable well with every thing back home and regret that they will get you.  Well have only 2 more days in my course left-have had several tests lately made 86, 92, 100 and 96 last week.  Hope Belle does good this winter.  Take an immense interest in her.  Does she run with the other horses all right.  Hoping to hear frorn you soon will leave.

                                                                                    Sam

Incidentally they call me ‘English’ at radio school.  The dutch men look at me and say ‘there will always be an England’  ha ha

Envelope:

Mr. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:                                                                                                            Camp Crowder

Dear Dad,

            Regret that I have not been able to write sooner.  Glad you got to go to the Chapter and wish to congratulate you on the fine showing of the Post Office.  Wish to thank you for the contribution to the box.  Appreciate these very much but as it is an awfull lot of bother to send one so often would assure you I would appreciate them just as much if you all would send one only once in a while.  Was awful sorry to hear of the new draft law.  Think it a great mistake.  Don’t know but expect we will have to pretty much clean out when John is taken.  It sure is a big improvement to get a road arround the ridge again   With best regards for you poops and the Qeeny as Foxxy would say   I remain the same

                                                                                                Sam

Some would recommend that John enlist to get the branch of service he desires.  However after talking to many fellows who have enlisted I haven’t seen one yet that got what he asked for but then I could be wrong. 

October 25, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo.

October 25, 42

Dear Mom,

            Had a hike this afternoon in which about 3000 troops participated. I happened to be the last man in the last platoon. Attend a show this evening with Sisson a student of aircraft warning. Finished up my schooling today. Got notice today that I am shipping out at 8 o’clock on Monday morning. Don’t know where I am going but may go over to the Midwestern School about 3 miles from here. Will drop you a card as soon as I get to the next place. Saw a funny thing today. The Luiy has a she bulldog and a bull pup that he ties outside of the messhall with a good dinner. One of the camp mutts came up and disposed of a good portion of it. We go on these hikes with a full pack. Loaded up one fellows pack with a few pebbles. Wondered why the thing felt so heavy. been out in the feild on a small set which is run by a hand generator. Got a little exercise on the cranks. Continued on Sunday morning. Just finished a large washing in preperation for my removal. To do a washing on Sunday you go through the following process. Eat your breakfast rapidly. out run every body else back to the barracks. Grab the tub and listen to wailing complaints about things from W.Va. till you get done. Kind of hate to move out of this barracks because been here so long and know how to get by with the lest trouble. Every camp is different and you have to get on to the way they want everything done all over again. Trust that everything is going well back home. Have a faint Idea now why you think so much of your washing machine and hope it still runs well. Glad that they got the fence at Buds put up. Didn’t think there would be enough pailings. After talking to many people here, I find that with some exceptions there are quite a few intelligent people in the Signal Corps but lots of them are rather excentric. Hope everybody is well and that the stock are all doing as well as usual. Got a letter from Mr. Wood today. Told me his brother in Law was very ill.

                                                                                            Sam

October 27, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne

804 Signal Service Reg. Co. G.

Camp Crowder Mo.

Barracks 3406

Mrs. S.A Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Dear Mom.

Was transferred to another part of Camp today or what is known as the New Erea. We moved into a new barracks which had never been used. Don’t know yet what I am going to do here but today I spent on the business end of a wheel barrow. As this is a new part of camp I see there will be plenty of detail work. We have more privileges here but they are tighter in requirements. Won’t get any mail for a while now. Hope everything is going good at home and every body is well.

over.

The address is

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne

804 Signal Service Reg. Co. G

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Barracks 3406

October 28, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Samuel A. Cockayne

804 Signal Service Reg. Co S.

Camp Crowder Mo.

Barracks 3406

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glendale W. Va.

Letter:

                                                                        October 28, 42

                              Camp Crowder, Mo.

Dear Mom.

                Just a line to let you know am still here.  Have been working as a shovel bender the last couple days.  Will know more about what they are going to do with me tomorrow in the way of schooling  A lot of the boys in radio school came over with me.  We will go to school from 4 to 12 o’clock at night and get up at 8:30 in the morning.  It gets quite cool here in the morning now.  It is rather damp here so it feels cooler.  Hope everything is good back home

October 31, 1942

Envelope:

Pvt. Sam Cockayne

804 Signal Service Reg. Co S.

Camp Crowder Mo.

Barracks 3406.

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glendale W. Va. 

Letter:

Dear Mom,

                Have started to Radio school to day.  I qualified as a feild operator at the other place and thought I would be shipped out.  Was sent over hear and am being sent to High speed radio school.  In this school you have to type your code at a high rate of speed.  Am not adapted to doing things at great rate of speed and told them I didn’t know how to type.  This place is new and rather mixed up.  We do detail work in the day and go to school at night.  Got pretty well disgusted with the whole works.  Told them to stick the radio up their —   Had a big rain last night.  When it rains here in Mo. it certainly comes down fast.  Went out to drill yesterday.  Some of the leading gentlemen don’t know their left foot from the other.  Get good food here.  Hope everything is going well.  Will be glad to hear from you all

                                                           Sam

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

October 31

Dear Mom.

Received your box of candy cookies and tobacco today. Gave the corporal some which puts me in good favor with him. Did an hours K.P. while some boy’s went for shots and the top kick fixed me up with a pass. Could go to town and stay till Monday. If somebody had fixed me up with a special plane I could fly home, however the War Department didn’t get around to it, ha ha. The cookies were the best I ever saw and tell Dad much obliged for the cigars. Am now endeavoring to learn to type. Started to write a letter on it last night. Got as far as dear Mom and then decided I need some more practice. Have no hopes that I will ever make a high speed radio operator. But I at lest will make a better feild operator. Think I will stay at home over Sunday and catch up on my washing. We go to school from 4 till Midnight and if you don’t watch out they grab you in the day time for the old rock pile. Haven’t got a letter since I’ve been here but will be glad when I do.

Sam

P.V.T. S.A. Cockayne

804 S S.R. Co. G.

Camp Crowder, Mo

November 2, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S.A.Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Dear Dad,

            Have sometime to write as this is Sunday. Have been in the Army for three months now and am still in Camp Crowder. Realy don’t like this busines of going to school. Am not cut out for this sort of thing. Would be better satisfied in the Infantry or where there was more action. However will have to do the best I can as you can not be transferred into any branch of the service lower than your own. The airforce is the only branch rated above the Signal C. Would like to get into the busines over the pond and get it over with and most of the other boys feel the same way.  Will suppose that it is getting along towards winter back there now. This climate is very eccentric here. The wind blows continualy. It seldom gets below zero but the air is damp which makes you feel it more. When it rains the water lays in the low places for days. Always heard that Mo. had good land but here it is very poor and I never saw so many rocks. Been around for about 30 miles and saw very little cultivated land. Quite a lot of scrubyoak. Saw a bunch of pigs in a grove eating acorns. . Have learned lots of different things in the Army which will help if I ever get out, for one thing I’ve learned how to scrub floors with a scrub brush. Also you don’t throw your clothes on the floor. I will certainly know how to make a bed. Have been enlisted in the art of cleaning windows and washing dishes. Have seen all kinds of people and find as a whole they aren’t so bad, to my idea the trouble with most of them is their selfishness and over estimation of their own importance. Find that although Leiutenants like to be saluated, corporals take offense quicker at a fancied slight. Have got in trouble oftener from talking out of turn than anything else. If John gets in he wants to remember that officers are always right even if they are wrong. Also petty officers are dangerous in another way. You know them so well you joke them a bit and if they get the worst of it there is always the little matter of the shit house to be cleaned. Find that when chosing officers they take those with previous service. See that corporals have their troubles also. Was put in charge temporarily for a bunch on the rock pile one day. Was responsible for how much work was done so there are troubles to every thing. Hope everything back in the P.O. and the farm is coming along good as usual.

Pvt. Sam Cockayne

Co.G.804S.S.R

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Barracks 3406

November 4, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va. 

Camp Crowder

Nov. 4, 1942 

Dear Mom,

            Have received all your letters from the old company and those sent to the new address. Received both your boxes. Am much obliged for the candy, cookies and tobacco. Now have a great supply of candy on hand, have about 20 boxes of Tux and lots of cigars also. Get more letters and packages than anybody else. You don’t need to send me a box this week but when you get time would be glad to get another box of absorbine Jr. Have half of the other bottle left. Use it on feet to prevent any foot trouble.  About the clothes washing I don’t have to wash them but do it so I can have them back when I want also to be sure I get mine back. Have a good supply of money on hand. Was very glad to get your letters. Lots of guys over here from the old company.  Glad that Belle is doing so good and that the wheat is covering the ground. Hope Dad’s mail carrier gets on the job soon as he no doubt has to much to do to fool with that. Was glad to hear that everybody is well.

Best regards

                                                                                     Sam

November 6, 1942

Envelope:                                                           

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale W. Va.

Letter:                                                            

Camp Crowder, MO                                                           Nov 6, 1942                                           

Dear Mom,

           After this you don't need too put my barracks number on my letters. Have been moved to another one in the same company. We just got the other one scrubed out and they moved us to another new one that needed cleaning. Hope you have succeded  in getting rid of the young relatives. With due regard to Vernie I can't think of a greater nuisense than that brood. Hope that you all will be able to get enough help thresh but it no doubt is awful hard to get any. Would sure like to give you a hand but doubt if I can make it. Glad that Dad found the post digger. It would seem that it has been a remarkable good year for grass. Get John to tell me what he's doing with his sheep breeding this fall. Gather that you have a good supply of stuff up for winter. With regards remain the same

                                                       Sam.

P.S. Hope all of Vernon's family are well. Suppose you don't see him often.

November 8, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

Nov. 8, 1942

Dear John,

       This is Sunday again so I have time to write a letter or so. Glad to hear that you have a start on the corn husking.  If I remember right you were pretty good at husking. Ill bet that it is awful good corn and as you got it out before frost the fodder must be good. Received a letter from 'your' cousin Charles. Most of it was his assurance that I was very fortunate to be in the Army. Said he got a letter from you in which he said I was getting very good grades and was due for promotion. Better watch it. If I don't improve immensely on the typewriter it might be im bear assing. Lot of boys from Ga & Kentucky in this bunch. Do a lot of dice rolling. Saw one lose 50 in a week. Missed my breakfast this morning. as I got up at 9:00. Fellow got up with me and we risked a little change. Now have an extra 75 cents. So I will now go to the P.X. and get me a little dirty bite. When you have to go you want to do your  best on the I.Q. test at reception center and when the time comes apply for Officers Training. With your store of knowledge and natural ability in studies you could make it. They have a school in which you come out a leiutenant in 90 days or a fuopaw[?] in 30. I could have applied but I doubt they would have taken me and wouldn't care to have been in the 30 day bunch. Every day we march to school with a band. Sure enjoy that. Some good marchers but some don't have any sense of timing. Have the great honor of doing K.P tomorrow so with that pleasant thought I will leave,

                               Very Very Sincerely

                                             Sam

P.S Glad to hear that Shep now rides in the wagon. When you butcher he will no doubt get a good appearance and a better outlook on things in particular

November 11, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder, MO

Nov. 12, 1942

Colonel S.A. Cockayne

Lee Hurst Plantation

Grave Creek, Va

     Was indeed glad to receive your letter of the 8. Was suprised to hear that you had got so much done on the threshing. Everybody must have worked hard. The wheat turned out good. If you got a good job on the stack it will keep a lot better. Did you buy the wheat to seed the corn with.

     Would sure like to have been to the lease when poops and Belle got together. You know more about colts than I would but suggest starting Belle on a little bought horse feed.

     Would sure be glad to get rid of Chris if Ramsey wants him but you do what ever you want with him

     Have moved to another Barracks again in the same company.

                                  Sam

 November 17, 1942

Envelope:       

Miss Dora Cockayne

Moundsville, W. Va.

Box 82 

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri letterhead]

Dear Aunt Dora. –

            Wish to thank you for the Birthday present.  Certainly appreciate it and can use it to good advantage.  Learn from mom that Sam Shaw was inducted into the Army.  Am sorry to hear this on account of how bad they need him at the Echo.  How ever with his many accomplishments he will probably get in a good field.  Hope you are feeling well and that the weather is good in W. Va.  Always glad to hear from you and hope you can get up to the house soon.  Yours

Sincerely

Pvt Sam Cockayne

Co. G. 8045 S.R.

Camp Crowder, Mo.

November 20, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

Dear Mom,

     Glad to hear they are done threshing.  Hope Dad is not injured from all the dust.  Think you have managed to discourage the young off spring which is a very good thing indeed.  Am still attending radio school. Passed ten words a minute on the type writter.    Have now been put to reading lights or blinkers and taking 12 words a minute in message form with a different procedure than feild radio.  Have had no success with either.  Also have to learn to send on a contraption called a bug.  I is possible to send more rapidly with this than a key.  This kind of stuff gives an individual the sour – belly ache.  Been wrestling with a short individual who use to do it in the ring.  Look a bit silley at times but am improving.  Got the absorbine.  Hope the stock and everything is doing well and the rationing isn’t to strong.

Sam

November 22, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo.

November 22, 1942

Dear Dad,

     Was sorry to hear that you got threshed up.  Hope you got over it in a hurry.  Glad there is so much corn in crib.  knew the crib is in bad shape.  Maybe you could use some of the tin roof in the shed on the stable.  Have passed Blinkers at school but have made little progress with the new procedure on 12.W. Everybody is glad that progress is being made in the War.  Enclosed find the picture of three of the less reliable members of the Company.  The individual in the uniform sleeps next to me.  Again hoping the effects of the threshing are gone.  I remain unfortunately in the Signal Corps.

Sam

Notice in the picture the tar paper shingles blowing up 

The clothes are the ones worn on the details.  Incidentily the ones worn most of the time.

November 24, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Dear John,

   Was indeed glad to receive your letters.  Was greatly pleased to hear of Moundsville’s great success with the enemy.  Seldom thought much of football but would like to have seen that game.

   Heard very good reports of your farming operations. Don’t doubt but that the hog is rounding out nicely.  Would like to see Luce and the colt.  If the colt does good this winter it should make a larger horse than Luce.  Would judge that the stock are in the best shape for many a day and with the very good supply of feed should have a good out look for winter.  Nothing is so satisfying as lots of feed.  Don’t make the mistake I have at times and get the stock and especially the horses out as much as possible when its not raining.  Hoping every body is well.

With best regards

Sam

November 25, 1942

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va 

Letter:

Dear Mom,

     Received your package yesterday.  Was a very nice box.  Must congratulate you on the exceptionly good cookies.  Obliged to Dad for the stogies and Tux.  Will save the tied package’s till the 29th.  Played a little foot ball today.  Have a lively time at times Hear.  Last night shaved a fellow and nicked him a little, He then shaved me and nicked me a little  Lot of fellows left camp to go to an other school.  With best regards I will write more as soon as possible, Sam

December 6, 1942

Envelope: 

Mr. John B Cockayne

Glen Dale, WV 

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo. 

Dear John,

            Regret that was a bit late in answering your much appreciated letters. Have been quite a few cases of awol lately as they have tightened up on the discipline. Have tried several times for a furlough and got turned down. Got a bit disgusted and blew off a bit more than necessary. Kind of lost interest lately in the classes. Will be a lot of em around Christmas but I don’t think I will be among them. The ones that came back are busy digging frozen ground with a mattock. Trust that the draft board won’t get you for a while yet. Glad Stanley is doing so well in his radio work. Do you know if he is a repair man, operator or, interceptor. Much obliged for the said. We have some Marines in the barracks now. Glad to hear you flood the stable in Florence and kits stalls you have the corn pretty well in hand. With best regards remain,

                                                                                                            Sam

December 13, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[on Camp Crowder, Missouri, Medical stationery]

Dear Dad,

            Was very glad to hear from you.  Glad to hear you have so much done on the crib.  If you don’t butcher the cow you might clean out the steer calf.  The hog will make a nice peice.  Shure miss the meat.  Take it from me been all around.  Never saw anything that could compare with the old Va. meat also never saw any as well fixed up as what mom does.  Hope you have a good stamp sale and plenty of help.  Shure would like to see the W. Va. hills.  Nothing can compare with them in the fall.  If John sees the Streights say obliged for the shave outfit.  Some fine guys in this barracks.  Also few show up bad when there is some scrubbing to do.  Thought Our climate was bad but what every body says about Mo is some.  Its high here but the air is damp.  Hard to get rid of a cold.  Hoping to hear from you again

Remain as usual

Sam

Saw Sam Shaw Sunday.  Looked good and shure will do well in the signal corps.

Envelope:

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder Missouri Stationary]

Dear Mom,

     Was glad to receive your letter.  As to the furlough its not the Officers that won’t give them it’s the school.  They say no furloughs and their will be no furloughs.  Received your Christmas package with great pleasure and stowed it away till the day.  Have been attending school again after some time on various details.  Have taken 18 words a minute with a pencil but can’t do so good with a type writter.  Have tried to get transferred to another job but had the same success as with the furloughs.  The mark above the Camp Crowder is for the Medical Corps.  Got the paper from a fellow at the hospital.  Got some candy from ‘the people of Glendale ’ still say damn the people of Glendale.  Got some cigars from the Shaws.  Got a card from the Madden Family which I don’t appreciate.  Will be glad when I can see you again.  Glad to hear the colt is so strong.  Take an immense interest in the black rascal.  Best regards to every body.

Same dam Sam

Will write John tomorrow.  Write to me if he gets called for examination.

December 17, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. John B. Cockayne

            Glen Dale, W. Va.  

Letter:

{Camp Crowder Missouri Stationary}  

Dear John

     Was glad to get your letter.  Glad to hear that the new corn shells well.  The other corn we had not only shelled poorly but wasn’t good in other ways.  It is well that Laurence saw fit to divide some of his worldly goods in the form of tenderloine.  Suppose the hog will be quite large by now.  Find thing to get the bull out with the other cattle and it would be better if Ramsey was feeding him.

     Sent a few packages home yesterday.  Trust that they will arrive shortly.  There isn’t a very good choice in {reosho} ?? but they will have to do.  Got a letter from Stanley and will write him soon.  Hoping everybody is well will sign off.  Does the colt eat any food yet.  With best regards

Sam

December 19, 1942

Envelope:

SAMUEL A. J. COCKAYNE 

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:  

[Signal Corps Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery] 

Dear Mom,

This is in the evening about nine oclock.  Just got done scrubing for inspection.  Also shave a fellow.  Dont get much shaving to do as I had a bit of bad luck on the first one a spell back.  However their coming around to it.  Also do back masauges. ha.  Haven’t seen Sam Shaw since the first time.  Will try to see him Sunday.  Been attending school in the day time.  Got a letter from Joe Church knew in the old area.  He is now in Kansas City, Mo. going to a radio school.  He lives in a hotel with breakfast in bed.  Still think I would rather be in the camp.  Am trying to get 15 words a minute on the typewriter.  The trouble with the speeds is that the tape on 12W. is about 15 words and 15W. goes about 18 words.  Passed 12 on tape and with the bug.  On the front of the paper is a picture of a radio squad with one of the more expensive sets.  Most of the ones I used were run by a hand generator, that is you turn a pair of cranks.  Was shure glad to get the Christmas box.  Will open on the great day.  glad to hear that things are all good at Grave Creek.  Best regards

Sam

December 24, 1942

Envelope:

SAMUEL A. J. COCKAYNE

Mrs. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va. 

Letter:

[Stationery with military insignia letterhead] 

Dear Mom,

Received your last package with great pleasure.  Not much news around.  Got a nice package from Julia.  The Morningstar girl’s sent me a picture of the stable and mound.  Tell Dad to say much obliged if their in a good humor.  John can thank the Shaws for the cigars they sent me.  Still attending school.  Passed 15 words a minute on the bug.  Hope all the stock are doing well.  trust that every body is well.  Glad they had a good stamp sales.  Dora said she was up for Thanksgiving

Best Regards

Sam

December 25, 1942

Envelope:

Mr. S. A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W. Va.

Letter:

[Camp Crowder, Missouri stationery]

Dear Dad.

This is Christmas night so thinking of your birthday I now take measures to put congratulations in order.  Opened the presents.  The sweater is very nice as are the pipe and other things.  Saw Sam Shaw today. Looked well and seems to be getting along fine.  Took a walk today in the woods.  First time could look any place and not see any body.  After a day of rest will now work again tomorrow.  Suppose you are glad the Christmas rush is about over.  Glad the colt is doing so well.  Bet it will make a fine horse.  Hear that despite the sever weather you have worked on the corn crib.  Well hoping everybody remains well and that poops enjoys his privelege of nights under the stove will close with best regards

Sam

January 5, 1943

Letter:

Dear Mom,

Was very glad to receive your last letter. Was sorry to hear that Patty is ill but trust she is better now. Hope Stanley does real well in Crowder. He has the ability and stick to it quality and the desire to improve him self so he should do well in a technical feild. Was immensly pleased to see by Johns letter that old John Jefferson is doing so well. Wish him a lot of luck and he will sure need it. Glad John has so much corn husked. Tell John to be in no hurry to get in the Army and personally I think it would be a fine thing if he never got in.

Am walking guard tonight. Got payed yesterday. Have been going out in laundry boats lately. We climb down a rope ladder into the boat, go down the shore a few miles the boats run into shore, they let the front end down. We run ashore with our equipment and set up communications. Hope you are all well. I remain as usual

Sam

January 5, 1943

Envelope:

Lamb money

Postmarked January 5, 1943, Camp Crowder, MO

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Dear Mom

Regret that haven’t written sooner but you know how I always put it off. Its lots pleasanter to receive letters than to write when you have nothing to say. Shure sorry about the big flood but am glad that you all have nothing in the bottom.

Quite an honor to have the plane grab the mail off the plantation. Hope Dad hadn’t any more trouble than could be expected with the quarterly.

Awful sorry to hear of Johns pending examination. Sound rather sinister as I remember

Be sure and write any new developments and Ill throw in my two bits worth.

Passed 15 words on the tape and am now working on 20

find enclosed a 10 that received pay day. Note that it is made out to the Kansas City Bank.

Hope every body and everything is well.

Best Regards

Sam

January 9, 1943

Envelope:

Postmarked January 9, 1943, Camp Crowder, MO

Mr. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder

Dear Dad

Received the Box and enjoyed the contense although I had only my share. Shure appreciate the sweater when standing retreat. The trouble about such things is you generally have to hurry up so you can wait. Just got my shoes back from repair. This is the sixth time had them resoled. Have double deck beds installed here as in Fort Hayes, am going to take out another five thousand of insurance. They about bull dog you into it anyway and by using a little discretion you can avoid such matters as Sunday K.P. Lately when on this undesirable detail Ive washed all the Pots and pans. The cooks like the way I wash them and so I go in at regular intervals and lift a few delacies from the storeroom. Suppose your back to normal at the P.O. now and have a little time to step out and see the hill. Shure am sorry that they are going to get John. When they send for him write me about what you are going to do about things. No doubt there will have to be a large scale reduction in the stock. But one of us is shure to get back sometime. Hoping everybody including pups and Belle are enjoying good health.

Best regards

Sam

January 19, 1943

Envelope:

Postmarked January 19, 1943, Camp Crowder MO

Mrs. S.A. Cockayne

Glen Dale, W.Va.

Letter:

Camp Crowder, Mo.

Dear Mom

So quite cold here the last few days. Am now going to attend night school from now on till I ship out supposedly about the first of the month. Shure pleased to learn that the hog was so nice. Think that 40 lbs of lard is a lot out of one pig. Suppose you have good butchering weather but doubt if it is very comfortable. Asked one of the others hicks in the barracks this morning if he ever expected to see a log burning in an open fire again and he said not to mention it. As to the double deck beds Ive got a lower bunk. As the upper one’s legs set inside of the ends of mine it is a bit difficult to make a tight bed with a cramped mattress. Hope you have no trouble getting coal. Think the the hay in the barn held out remarkable well. Received your box. Think that’s the best candy I every ate. Obliged for the tobacco as it is difficult to get tell dad to use all the tuxedo he can get as I now have some ahead

Hoping that everybody is well. You all shure don’t [crossed out “know”] want to work to much as to much is to much

Sam