Camp Wheeler
GeorgiaMarch 25, 1941
Dear Friend:
You wanted to know how I made out in the draft when I went too [sic] Hartford. Well after the examination they told me I was underweight but they said the[y] would put the weight on me so now I am in the army. We are located at the camp mentioned above. This is a new camp and the barracks are pretty nice but we have a lot of work to keep it clean be-cause when it rains it is very muddy outside and they track it in all day long.
It is kind of cold down here in the morning but it warms up during the day. I imagine it is going to be very hot down here in the summer. We may only stay here about thirteen weeks and then we will be transferred some-where else I hope it is nearer home so that I can get home once in awhile.
The drilling isnt [sic] so bad but when it comes to handling a gun it is pretty tough because I am so light that when I handle the gun my arms get tired. I hope that what we are learning will never have to be used because it isn't very pleasant.
They turn the lights out at nine oclock, and get us up at 5-45 AM. We can take the bus into Macon every night if we want too [sic] but we have to be back before mid-night.
There isn't much to do in Macon on Sundays be-cause most every-thing is closed. I don't think they have bingos down here and I certainly miss them be-cause when I was home I went too [sic] bingo about three times a week. I guess it is a good thing that they don't have bingos be cause we only get twenty-one dollars a month and after you pay to have your laundry and your clothes sent too [sic] the cleaners you probably won't have very much left.
Well it is getting near 9.o'clock and they will be putting the lights out and I won't be able to see too [sic] write any-more to-night. Glad too [sic] here [sic] that you are enjoying your-self at college.
Your Friend
Earl [Walker]