WWI Letters- Bowar, Chas

From Charley Bowar
                                  Co. 10, 16^th Regi.
               Camp Luce, Great Lakes, Ill.
                                       Sept. 9^th, 1918
Friend George,
    I received some ballots from the county auditor today so I can vote the same as if I were there yet. I’ll sure vote for Reliance for county seat.

I am now in an out-going detention camp and will likely be going to sea most any of these days.

The navy is a wonderful organization. They will have over 700,000 men in uniform by Jan. 1. They have over half a million now. Before this was is over there will be no doubt about which is the greatest navy in the whole world.

The speed in which Uncle Sam has shown in developing the army and navy has no parallel through all history. The Huns will never win another victory on the western front. The Huns will feel the tremendous power of the U.S. before another year has passed. The submarine is fast becoming harmless through the co-operation of the English and American navies.

The longer I’m here the more remarkable it seems the way everything is managed. The navy is about the cleanest and most sanitary institution in the world.

I don’t think I can write anything more of interest until I get to sea.

Your friend, Chas. T. Bowar

From Charley Bowar
                                            Great Lakes
                                          July 21, 1918
Dear Father:
   Arrived in camp okay. Was examined again. The last examination was only of the heart and lungs, Several were called out. We were vaccinated and shot in the arm with some other dope. I didn’t notice it anymore than a mosquito bite. We will be in detention camp three weeks or so. They are sure a fine bunch here. Whenever a new bunch comes in, every guy in uniform yells, “where from?”. When we say “Omaha” they say, “You look it; you’ll like it here.” We have plenty of good substantial food.   My address is
                                      Charley Bowar
                           592 N. Camp Farrigut
                                     Great Lakes, Ill.