December 28, 1918

Dec 30 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave.,

Manitowoc

Wisc.

U-S-S-New Jersey.

Dec-28-1918

Dearest Rose,-

Just a few lines to let you know I got the box of candy G-k. And sure was glad to get it. it sure was fine. That is one thing they don’t have on our ship any more, so you know I was glad to get it. And I thank you very much. It is more than I expected from you because you have had such a hard time of of lately. out of work, sick and everything to make one feel lonesome.

I so hope things briten up for you. And that it isn’t so lonesome as it was.

I didn’t have such a good times Christmas. All I had was a good dinner. We had turkey, Oranges, Apples, Ice cream, Chicken soup, mashed potatoes, good gravy, and a lot of the good things.

Well I suppose this will be the last letter you will get from me until I get back. As we leave Tuesday the 31^st. don’t expect I will get a chance to write a gain. as they keep me buisy now. I am messenger when I get off from that job they got some thing else for me to do. This after noon I was helping make up hammocks for the soldiers to use comming back. I don’t get the chance to write letters as I did a few day’s ago.

I got a package from mother but havn’t had time to open it yet.

I know you will be disappointed when you get this letter because I don’t think of anything much to write. if I can’t come home when I get back I will try and write more and bigger letters.

We left York Town this morning. We are now in Norfolk. it is a big city the place we just left was just a small town.

I hope you are feeling better now as I know how it is to be sick.

This is about all the time I have so will have to chop off. I have to write a letter home yet. And it is nearly bed time. you know I have to go to bed earlier and get up earlier here than I do when I am at home. We have to be in bed at nine-o-clock and get up at five-thirty in the morning.

I think I had better close and swing in my hammock.

So Good-Bye with best love.

As ever your Friend-

Dan.

4^th Div.

(On back of envelope: “From- D. Martin. 4^th Div. U-S-S. New Jersey. c/o Post Master New York, N.Y.”)

December 25, 1918

Dec 26 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc

Wisc.

U-S.S. New Jersey.

Dec. 25, 1918

Dearest Friend Rose.-

I received both your letters a few days ago. And sure was glad to hear that you were well again. I know how you must of felt.

This sure is some Christmas for me. I had to get out and work befoure breakfast. we are ancored out in the water about a mile from shore. The weather sure is fine down here. it doesn’t seem like Christmas at all. it is just like summer here. I was just outside and the sun was real warm. I sure can feel the heat on the back of my neck. This morning we got up a six, I went up on the upper deck. The moon was shining bright, There was a warm breeze blowing from the south. Just like is is up home in the summer time.

You talking about being lonesome I sure was rotten lonesome last night. There wasn’t a thing to do nearly every one had gone home for Christmas. There is only a few men aboard ship now. I didn’t know anything else to do so I just scrubed up some clean clothes to pass the time away and forgit where I was.

I havnt gotten hardly any mail sence I got back. Only four letters two from you, and two from mother, she promised to send me a package and so did my Aunt in Chicago.

My mother and the hole famley were sick with the Flue. But now I guess they are all well but mother. And hope she is better by this time.

I hope the girls are there yet and that they go out with you real often so you wont get so lonesome.

We got a band here but they are to lazy to play so we might as well not have any. we got a player piano, and a graphaphone but the peaces get old, I would just as soon not hear any thing.

I havn’t done any real hard work for so long a time I wouldn’t know how to go at it. I have a snap of a job now. I am supposed to be on the job now but am writing instead.

I am going to write as long a letter as I can now and another one just befoure I leave. Next Tuesday we leave for France. And will be a month befour we get back.

We leave Norfolk Tuesday the 31^st of Dec. we arrive in France on the 11^th of Janurary. eleven days on the way over there than we will be there three day’s. We will bring fifteen hundred nigger soldiers back. We won’t be back on this side until the 29^th of Jan.

Well Rose some of the fellows on this ship are lucky. They are getting a fine Christmas. some got discharged yesterday, than there will be another bunch discharged on the 29^th of Dec. just befour we leave.

That sure was a fine present for those fellows. I expect to get mine when I get back. about the last of Janurary.

I hope this will be the last xmas I will ever spend on a battle ship. it wouldn’t be so bad but there isn’t a person I know.

I don’t suppose you have heard from Ida lately? she has a big baby boy now.

Well Rose you said in your last letter that you was going to stay home after June 1919. if that is the case I will do the same. I think I will stay on the farm all the time after I get out of the Navy.

This is about all the trash I can think of. Will write just befour I leave. I do hope you will have three or four letters waiting for me when I get back.

And I do hope you will still be there when I get back. as I want to see you again. I will always remember the day when I met you. And hope that you will never forget me. you don’t know how I feel when I know that I am so far from you and can not get to see you when I want to. I will close for this time. Am well and felling fine, hope this letter finds you the same.

Good-Bye Answer when you can. will close with best love.

Your Friend

Dan

December 22, 1918

Dec 23 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave.,

Manitowoc,

Wisconsin.

U-S-S. New Jersey.

Dec.-22, 1918

Dearest Friend,-

I have a few minutes to spair now so will write you a few lines.

I am still well and getting along fine. hope you are the same.

Our shop left Boston last Sunday and took us five days to get here in Virginia. We were lost at sea two day’s. Than lost our ancor. we sure had a big time on the way down here. There was a bad storm. lots of the boy’s were sea sick. some thought we would never see land again. we finaly got here ok. we will be her a short time. we will take supplies and coal aboard. Than the first of Janurary we will be on our way to France. But will not be gone very long. we are comming back with 12.000 soldiers.

There is only a few of us on this ship now. They sent over eight hundred men home. I expect I will be sent home to stay when we get back from over there.

I sure have a fine job here now. all I have done for three days is sit around. and eat and sleep. I don’t suppose it will last very long.

Well I hope you will have a better time Christmas than me. I will be on this ship until I get back from over there. I don’t suppose you expect to have such a big time either?

Have you heard from Ida lately? I havn’t gotten any letters sence. I got back. I hope someone will hurry and write befour I leave. As it is nearly dinner time and I can’t think of any more to write will close for this time. This makes my third letter I wrote to you sence I got back. and hope you are getting all of them.

I am sending you a little present. not very much but that is the best I could do. I can’t buy hardly anything aboard ship. and havn’t ben ashore for over a week.

Answer as soon as you can. And write all you can because. I wont get any more letters from you until I get back.

Good-Bye

With Best Love,-

Your Friend

Dan.

4^th Div U.S.S. New Jersey,

c/o Po. Master-

Fortress Monroe,

Va.

December 11, 1918-Mary Stodob

Dec 12 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

Stangelivlle

Wis

R 2 Box 70.

Manitowoc Wisc.

Dec 11 1918

My Dear Rose:-

Will take the pleasure and drop you a few lines to let you know that I have received your most Welcome letter last week but didn’t the time to ans it as I was so busy all the time, As I was telling about that first Company we have here were 22 of them all of us was 28 so you know what kind job was that + last Monday we have one again there were only 14 of them all of us were 18 the couple were Mr + Mrs Ohde Mr + Mrs Rankin Mr + Mrs Short Mr + Mrs Negouht Mr + Mrs Findland Mr + Mrs Plumb all the swell ones

And this week we are baking cookies we bake today 7 gal of cookies + we going bake some white yet so you know that I haven’t much time to write.

Must say that Emily Andrela was sick to with cold She had the doctor we were there Tuesday evening Well what happen to you that you got sick

The Sickness around here is terrible lets hope it will be over soon + I wish this letter reach you in good heart.

You was asking me if Anton was here for Thanksgiving no he wasn’t here he was home + I was in branch for Thanksgiving we enjoy it fine it was bad weather to

Must say that I got another letter back the one I sent to Jun Andrela that the second one already that make me mad and another thing that Emily brother is in New York from France Rose here isn’t very much news that what I know I am comming home for Christmas if you be home than I see you hope you will be all right before Christmas so you can enjoy it. I think I will have to draw to end. Well ring of with Best + kindest Love to you My Dear I want to remain your Best Friend

Mary Stodob

841717 St

December 7, 1918

Dec 9 1918

Miss Rose Kranik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc,

Wisc.

Dec. 7-1918

Dearest Rose.-

Just a line this time to let you know my new address.

They have sent me back to the same ship. I didn’t stay very long at the hospital. I left there today noon.

There are sending a lot of men off the ship. There is a big bunch leaving Saturday. but I do not go with them. They are going to some training camp and will be discharged from there. the ship is going to Brooklyn. Saturday_15. we will be there a month or two weeks and if I am not discharged by then, I will be going to France.

I don’t know just how long I will be on ship and wont know if I will like it or not. because my work is going to be altogether different. I hope they don’t keep me very long. because it is to cold and I would just as soon be home.

Well Rose as I just mailed you a letter from the hospital this morning, I will not write very much this time. But will write again in a few days.

will close with best love.

Your Friend, Dan-

U.S.S New Jersey

2^nd div.

c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y.

(On back of envelope: “D.D. Martin. 2^nd Div. U.S.S. New Jersey. c/o Po. Master N.Y.”)

December 6, 1918

Dec 7 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave.,

Manitowoc

Wisc.

Dec 6 1918

Dearest Rose

I am just going to write you a few lines to let you know that I got through alright. nearly got snow in last night. it sure snowed hard all the way from albany New York too Boston. There is about four or five inches here now. The train was a little late this morning I was supposed to report at nine-and I didn’t get here until nearly eleven.

I don’t think they are going to send me on the same ship. They are going to keep me here a while and send me on another one.

Well Rose I don’t suppose you are going out much now? Are you going to work at Rankins? or are you going to stay on the farm? I do hope you will be there next summer anyway because I expect to be back than and maybe be four. I never will go to Manitowoc any more if you are not there. I will stay on the farm. But if you work in Manitowoc I will be with you-

It sure seems nice to travel in uniform. The Red Cross give us candy. Apples. Sandwitches. When we got off the train in Buffalo they took care of our baggage. And gave us supper. They sure are good to us. There was a fellow came with me. he is sailor too. he only lives twenty miles from my home. he sure is a nice fellow and was fine company. We left Chicago eleven-o-clock Wednesday night. and got here Friday morning eleven.

Did you ever get that letter I wrote you from home? if you did you can answer the two when you write.

I am little tired from traveling didn’t have enough sleep to amount to any thing sence last Monday night.

I just wrote a letter to my mother. And must write a card to my aunt. so as news is scarce I will close for this time. will write again as soon as I get on another ship. I don’t think I will go back on the same one. And don’t know how soon they will send me to another. But I am in no hurry.

Well Rose this will be all for now. So Good-Bye

With Best Love.

Answer Soon.

Dan.

Ward 3 Group 7.

Chelsea Naval Hospital

Chelsea

Mass.

November 29, 1918

Nov 30 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik.

1336 Mich.-Ave.,

Manitowoc,

Wisc.

Nov.-29. 1918

Beaver, Wisc.

Dearest Friend,-

Just a few lines to let you know that I got home alright.

It is just eleven-o-clock me and my sister just got back from our neighbors. It is late, but it is never to late to write too you. last night I was down and stayed too Ida’s place. her and John were up for dinner. They brought their car. it snowed all day I went back with them The snow was so deep we couldn’t hardly get there. There isn’t much snow. about four or five inches.

I suppose you got home alright? Ida wanted to know why you didn’t come back with me. I hope some day you will get so you will think more of me. I am always dreaming of you I sure will be lonesome when I get back on the ship. I hope there will be a day when we can be to gether more. still I don’t suppose you care much.

This sure is a lone some place around here. I sure will be glad when I get my discharge so I can go back to Manitowoc and stay. I don’t expect too stay long now, as they are letting lots of sailors and soldiers go all the time so they may let me go soon. And I do hope you will still be in Manitowoc when I get back.

I am buisy all the time washing my clothes and sewing buttons on. I want every thing cleen when I get back.

I will leave here Tuesday night. stay in Chicago one day. I have to be back Friday morning. They may send me too the ship right away. or they may keep me at the hospital for awhile. I will write and let you know all about it just as soon as I get back.

I have one brother in France now, he was merried just befour he left. I suppose he is ancious to get back. I have another brother down in Alabama. I think they are going to let him come home. I would like to go over for about two weeks. but not any longer.

Well it is nearly twelve-o-clock. time for all good good little boys like me to be in bed. I don’t know what I will do when I get back I will have to get up six every morning.

Well Rose I hope I will find you in Manitowoc when I get back.

I will close for this time hoping this letter reaches you. And that it finds you well and feeling fine.

Good-Bye will write as soon as I get down there.

Best Love-don’t forget too write once in a while.

Yours forever-

Dan.

November 11, 1918

Nov 18 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich; Ave;

Manitowoc,

Wisc.

Postmark: “Beaver Wis.”

Beaver, Wisc.

Nov.-11. 1918

Dearest Friend,-

I am just going to write you a few lines, to let you know that I got home alright, and sure was glad to have a letter waiting for me.

I got home this morning at nine-o-clock. left Chicago last night at eight thirty. Didn’t get any sleep. I sure was tired when I got home. But am feeling fine now.

I don’t want you to think that it is too much bother for me to come down to see you. I just want to tell you it would be a pleasure, and would do me good to see you again.

I have not seen Ida yet. May see her to-morrow. I am going to make this letter short. as I expect to see you soon. I may be down there Monday or Tuesday the 18^th or 19^th-And may be there befoure that. Hope so any way.

This will be all for this time as I can tell you more when I come.

Good-Bye

with best love.

Your Friend-

Dan-

(P.S. Answer as soon as you can-)

(On back of envelope: “From- D.D. Martin, Beaver, R. 1, Box 57. Wisonsin”)

November 4, 1918

Nov 4 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich., Ave.,

Manitowoc.

Wis.

Postmark: “Chelsea Mass.”

Nov-4, 1918

Dearest Friend,-

I am just going to write a few lines to let you know that I have got over my sickness alright. I have ben up since last Wednesday.

I write to you nearly two weeks ago and hope you got the letter alright.

Now I am just going to tell you that I am not going to write very much this time because I am going to leave here Wednesday the 6^th for home.

If you are still waiting to see me write a letter too my home. Beaver, Wis. I would be very glad to see you and may be in Manitowoc a few days after I get home.

Please do not forget to write and send your telephone number. As I have forgotten it.

Well Good-Bye

Will Close with best love.

Your Friend.

Dan M.

(On back of envelope: “D.D. Martin. Beaver Wisc.”)

October 26, 1918

Oct 28 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc,

Wisconsin

Postmark “Chelsea, Mass.”

Oct.-26, 1918

Dear Rose,-

I suppose you thought I had forgotten you? But I did not, and will not. I havn’t ben on my feet for over a week, and was unable to write befour. But will try now.

There isn’t anything to do here but lie in bed and wish I was up.

They don’t give me much to eat. But I get lots of milk to drink and ice cream every afternoon.

They may give me a furlough when I get well. I sure would like one so I could go home and go too see you.

I sure was glad when our ship left Virginia, but it is much nicer down there the trees are nice and green. The weather is nice and warm yet. We left a week ago Friday night The waves were high it shook the ship. And made lots of the men sea sick it didn’t bother me any Just made me laugh to see the rest get sea sick. I was sick with the Spanish Influenzia so when our ship got to Boston The doctor sent me to the hospital. I was a little sick for a while but now I am feeling fine.

The nurse here took my name and sent my mother a telegram told her I was sick now she is on her way some place. she is coming to see me I expect her here to-morrow. she sure is coming a long way to see me but I sure will be glad to see her. As it has ben a long time sence I have ben home.

I got all three of your letters when I was on the ship sure was glad to hear from you. I wrote you one. I suppose you got it long time ago. I got a letter from Ida over a month ago and havn’t answered it yet I suppose she thinks I am dead.

Well, my mother was just here. We had a good visit she left. she did not know where she was going to stay for the night. she is coming back to-morrow again.

Well Rose this is about all I can think of this time so will close for now.

Hope that you are well and that you get this letter alright.

Hope to hear from you soon. Will close with very best love.

Your Friend,

Dan

U.S. Navial Hospital

Ward 2, Group 1.

Chalsea,

Massachusetts

(On back of envelope: “D.D. Martin. U.S. Navial Hospital, Ward 1, Group 2. Chelsea. Mass.”)

October 13, 1918

Oct 16 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich., Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisc.

“Passed By Censor”

Oct. 13, 1918.

Dear Rose,-

I suppose you have ben home and back again? I am sorry but I just could not write befour. I suppose you think I am lazzy, but it is not so this time because I have ben in the hospital for a week. And was unable to write. will try and write a few lines now, but don’t expect I can write so very much because am still in bed. expect to get up to-morrow.

I got a letter from Ida two or three weeks ago, And havn’t answered it yet. I suppose you write too her once in a while.

You said you would send me some thing nice if you thought it wouldn’t get lost. The reason I didn’t get all you letters was be cause I was moving around so much. now I am going to stay on this ship all the time. If you should send any thing it would be wise to have it insured. Than it would come back to you.

I got a box of soap from one of my sisters. I sure was glad to get the soap.

You just bet I remember when the leaves feel off last year. I never will forget the time when I met you. those were the happy day’s. The leaves are not falling off down here yet. And the weather sure is nice and warm.

I am out in the water and havn’t ben ashore but once for four hours. in a month. This sure is different than Great Lakes. Where we could go every week. one good thing here we get lots to eat, lots of sleep, movies, and lots of work. I think I can stand it as long as the Kaiser can. When he’s gone there wont be any more war.

I got both you letters this time. I guess the first time one of them wasn’t lost.

Are any of the girls there? I suppose Marry is anyway? It won’t be quite so lonesome for you if she is. As you can get out oftener than if you were alone.

This is about all I can think of this time. Will try and write again soon. Answer as soon as you can.

Will close, hoping you are having a good time.

With Best Love,

From-

Dan.

5^th Div. U.S.S. New Jersey.

c/o Post Master Fortress Monroe,

Va.

(On side of envelope: “D.D. Martin. 5^th Div.”)

September 22, 1918

Sep 24 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich. Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisc.

“Passed by Censor”

Sept. 22-18

Dear Rose,-

Just a line or to let you know that I am well and getting along fine. Hope that you are the same and are having a fine time. I suppose you go to the show once in a while? They have picture shows here nearly every night. But I did not see them yet. I hope you get a chance to go to a dance once in a while. I know you didn’t take in very many dances while I was there.

I stood guard four hours last night. And thought I would freeze. it sure was cold here for a few day’s. But it sure is fine in the sun.

I havn’t got much mail lately. on account of moving so much. some of your letters I did not get at all. hope that you will write oftener. because I can get mail everyday here. I hope that you can find more to write than I can. I am out in the water and there isn’t much to write about but the weather.

Have you saw any thing of Adolph lately or any of the Robinson bunch? I sure would like to go back there for awhile. But don’t expect I can for some time.

Will close now hoping to hear from you soon. I will try an write more next time.

Good-Bye

With best Love for ever.

Dan

5^th. Div. U.S.S. New Jersey,

c/0 Post Master Fortress Monroe

Va.

(On side of envelope: “D.D. Martin. 5^th Div. c/o P.M. U.S.S New Jersey, Fortress Monroe, Va.”)

September 16, 1918

Sep 18 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

“Passed by Censor”

Sept-16-1918

Dearest Rose.

I am now on board the Battle ship New Jersey. This sure is a fine boat, everything is clean and white. I like it here better than any of the training camps. I do not have to work. All I have to do is stand guard four hours. than off sixteen. I get all I want to eat. Everything is just fine.

When I got ready to leave hampton Roads I sure was discouraged I thought I wasn’t going to get a from you. But Sunday afternoon they gave us our mail because we were going to move. Believe me I sure was glad when I got that letter from you.

You asked me why I didn’t come up befour I left. Rose I would have ben to glad to come if I could. I am in the navy now and can not come when I like. I do not want you to worry I am comming back someday. The war is not going to last very long. I did not get those letters you wrote me at the Lakes because I moved. When I left Camp Dewey. I went to the 16^th Reg. And only stayed there one day we moved from there to Camp Luce. And was only there a week. That was not long enough to get any mail. But now I am board ship so may be I can get mail more regular. I don’t want you to worry About not getting any mail from me because I am not going to forget you. because you are the only girl I care to write too. And I will not forget your address. will always send it to the same place unless you move.

Well I havn’t got much time just now. As I have to wash some clothes. And get ready to go on guard in the morning.

Did you get that card I sent you from Hampton Roads? Wish you will have a good time while I am gone and hope you will answer soon. And write more than I did. But I will try and do better next time.

Will close now with best love.

Good Bye

From Dan.

5^th Div.

U.S.S. New Jersey,

c/o Post Master,

Fortress Monroe, Va.

(On side of envelope: “D.D. Martin. 5^th Div. c/o P.M. U.S.S New Jersey, Fortress Monroe, Va.”)

September 8, 1918

Sep 9 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave

Manitowoc, Wisc.

Sept.-8. 1918

Dear Rose,-

I am ashamed of myself for not writing more the other day. But I did not have any more paper and I know you wanted to hear from me. I will try and write more this time.

When I left the Great Lakes I thought I was going to a warmer Country but it was to cold here this morning. Ad it had ben raining nearly all the time sence I got here. I am now on messinger duty. for the western union. it Rained so hard here this morning I had a rain coat on and got wet. I only have to work in the morning I don’t have to work very hard. only walking.

This is a fine camp. the best place I ever struck yet. Don’t have to work, get all I want to eat, But don’t get enough sleep. We have to get up at five-o-clock every morning Sunday’s and all.

We sure had a fine ride com-ming down here. two day’s and two night’s we passed through six states, Illinois, Indiania, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. comming through the mountains we passed through twenty one tunnels, one of them was one mile and a half long. I rode in the engine nearly all night. They went almost 60 miles and hour. After we got to NewPort news we got off the train and went the rest of the way on a boat. we are on an Island eight miles out in the ocean. waiting to go on a ship. I do not know just when we will leave. But do not expect to be here very long.

Friday night I was to a show in the Y-M-C-A. it sure was good. There was only one man in it he was a sailor and he sure was good. all he done was tricks. I suppose you see lots of shows up there. I would like to be with you but maybe you are having a better time without me. I will be one fine day for me when I come back. But don’t expect I can come home until I make two trips acrost. than I can get thirty day’s furlow.

Well Rose I am running short of news again and can not think of any more. so will have to make this do for this time. If you answer all those letters I wrote you it will be a big letter.

will close for this time hoping you are having a fine time. And that you are going to more dances than you did when i was with you.

This is all for now. Answer soon as you can.-

with best love and hoping to remain your best friend for ever.

Dan Martin

Co. 159. Unit B.,

US Navy Base,

Hampton Roads,

Virginia

September 6, 1918

Sep 6 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin,

Sept-6 1918

Dearest Friend,

I am a long way from home. But I did not for git you and am not going to.

I will write a few lines but havn’t much time. we sure had a fine trip coming down here, it took us two day’s and two night’s. some times we went 60 miles per hour. It sure was great comming through the mountains. we passed through twenty one tunnels.

I do not believe I ever saw a prettier place than west Virginia. we passed through six states. I sure enjoyed my trip. And expect another one soon. I may go acrost to France but if I do I will come back. as soon as I get there will go on a fraight boat or transport. And I may not leave the coast. But do not expect to leave this camp for a week. And would like very much to get a letter from you befoure I leave here.

This sure is a fine Camp. I like it here much better than Great Lakes. we get all we want to eat And is a pretty place. we are on an Island eight miles out in the ocean. had a ride on a boat yesterday. well Rose I havn’t got any more paper. and havn’t much time so. can not write any more. I will write again soon.

Good-Bye

with best love.

From Dan M.

Co- 159. Unit B.,

Hampton Roads,

Navy Base.

Virginia

September 4, 1918

Sep 4 1918

Envelope from Rose Kraynik addressed to Camp Luce but stamped with “Return to Writer”. Address is crossed out and stamped with blue “NAVAL BASE Norfolk, Va.” marking.

August 30, 1918

Aug 30 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Michigan Ave.

Manitowoc, Wisc

“(c/o Art Rankin)”

Aug-30, 1918

Co. 11-17 Reg.,

Camp Luce,

Great Lakes, Ill

Dearest Friend,-

I am going to write you a line or two. I have moved again. I am now in The 17^th regiment camp Luce. G.L. Ill. I do not know how long I will be here. I do not think we will be here very long. I think they are going to move us west.

I do wish I could see you again before I leave. I dream of you nearly every night. nevermind Rose I am comming back some day. and I expect that you will still waiting for one.

This sure is a nice camp side the one I just left. Over there we had to wash our clothes every night. And shine our shoes before breakfast. About two weeks ago one of the sailors did not have a clean suit on the Commander maid him stand up on a high post he was sun struck fell of and died. another one was peralised from hips down.

I sure was glad when they moved us. we were there only twenty four hours. we had plenty of work over there. did not get time to think. here it sure is like home we do not have to work very hard. get plenty to eat and do not have to wash only when we want to. But one think we can not get off on Sunday any more.

how I wish I could get a letter from you. will you write a big one and send it as soon as you can. I never will feel good until I hear from you. I havn’t got a letter for such a long time I wouldn’t know how to read it any more.

Well Rose I havn’t ben to breakfest yet. we scrub the floor Just as soon as we get up. we get up at 5-o-clock and don’t get any thing to eat until seven.

Well Rose I havn’t heard from Ida for nearly a month.

It makes me feel lonesome when I don’t get any letters for so long a time. But I will trust that you are not going to forget me.

Something tells me that you do not care fore me be cause I do not belong to your church. But I would be to willing to join if that would have any-thing to do with it. That would break my heart if you would not write any more ad go with someone else. life would not be worth living with out you.

Well Rose I know you are getting tired of reading this trash.

I was in Chicago last Sunday. But did not have a good thing I stayed with my Aunt all day. After supper we went to a show. But I can not enjoy my self. as I think you have to be there.

will close for this time. with oceans of love & kisses. do not forget to write soon.

Good-Bye-

Yours until Death,

Dan-

17 Reg-Co., 11.

Camp Luce, Great Lakes, Ill.

(On back of envelope: “D.D. Martin, Co,11, 17-Reg., Camp Luce, Great Lakes, Ill.”)

August 27, 1918

Aug 27 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Michigan Ave.

Manitowoc, Wisc

Aug-27-1918

Dearest Rose,-

Just a line or two to let you know I have moved to a new camp so you will not send my mail to Camp Dewey any more.

My new address is

Co 23-16 Reg-.

New Isolation camp.

Great Lakes, Ill.

I think I am going to stay here for some time. Maybe for two months.

Now I havn’t got time to write very much so will close for this time.

hoping to hear from you soon. I know you will be discouraged that I did not write more. but I will write again as soon as I get straightened around.

Good-Bye with best love. Answer as soon as you can.

Dan Martin.

(on back of envelope: “D.D. Martin. Co.-23, 17 Reg. New Isolation Camp, Great Lakes, Ill.)

August 23, 1918

Aug 24 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Michigan Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisc

“(c/o Art Rankin)”

Aug-23-1918

Dearest Rose,-

I just got your letter this after noon and sure was glad to hear from you so soon. And was going to write to you last night but I had so much washing to do I did not get done befoure bed time I had some washing to night but I wasn’t long.

We sure had some work to do to-day. we washed windows, scrubed the floor on our hands and knees. I and another fellow pulled the hammocks up believe our hands sure sore. All pulled on one side The other time I had a half dozen blisters on them.

They always get me to work because they know I will not run away from it.

I do not know when I am going to come up to see you because I can not get over twelve hours at a time. so you know I can not go up that far. I will wait until I am here three months and they will give me twelve days.

Yesterday we were up to north Chicago working on the rail road track.

They have a ball game here nearly everyday. Some times they let us go. last night There was a boxing match it lasted for nearly two hours. They give us plenty to do so we wont get lonesome. The time sure goes fast. if I am not careful the Kaiser will be dead befoure I get over there.

Have you seen or heard any thing of that Vera Garrigan? She wrote to me but she is waiting for an answer and will wait longer than that. There is only three girls I write to and they are my two sisters, and you. I am always going to write you as long as I get letters from you.

You said in you letter that there was a fellow in Denmark that thought a lot about you. Now it is up to you which one you like best. I don’t want you to waist your time with me if you think more of him. But you know how I would feel. It would break my heart if you would leave me for someone else. I often told you that I would not have any thing else to do with any other girl. because there is no other that would please me like you do.

I do not mean for you to stay at home and not have a good time. because if I get a chance I have the best time I can. And I want you to do the same so if you get a chance to go to a dance go and have as good a time as you can.

I am glad that Mary came back. you can go out with her and have a good time. I suppose you see a show more than I do? I see one every week.

I do wish I could get thirty-six hours off I sure would come up to see you.

I wrote a few letters to you and addressed them to 1836 Mich. I don’t suppose you got them?

Those you sent to me I got alright but were over a week late they came here and went back to Camp Farragut. When I got them it was nearly two weeks. I know I am going to address this one write because I want you to get it.

Will you send me your telephone no. I forgot it. And if I come up I will call you up.

I think I will bring this to a close as it is nearly time to go to bed.

I will write again in a few days and will keep on writing. Because you may not get time to write and if you don’t it will be all the same. But I would like very much to here from you as often as you can.

I would write everyday but I can’t always find something to write. But will write often enough to let you know I am not dead.

I think this will be all for this time. So good-bye.

With Love and best wishes

Yours forever,

Dan.

Co. D.

Sec. Reg.

Camp Dewey,

Great Lakes, Ill.

(on back of envelope, “D. D. Martin, Camp Dewey, Co. D. Great Lakes, Ill.”)

August 18, 1918

Aug 19 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Mich-Ave.,

Manitowoc, Wisc.

Aug-18-1918

Dearest Rose-

There isn’t much to write about. But as I have a little time, I always enjoy my self when I can write to you.

I was in Chicago yesterday. I tried to have a good time but it is to big a place. And I have not ben there very much. I was there twice befoure. I have an Aunt and cousin there but I did not go to see them this time.

I was in the Sailors and soldiers club. There was a man and woman there they invited me and two of my friends to their place. They took us home in the car. They were swell people. They have a big Victrola and a piano. We ate supper believe me I sure did eat. people are good to us sailors.

I was supposed to get back at twelve-o-clock. But did not get back until after two.

I am now in the Y-W-C-A Hostess House. They give us this paper. And a good place to write.

To-day is visitors day and there is a lot of visitors here now. They have a nice park back of this building a fine place for visitors and sailors. I only wish you could come down here but I know it is to to far for you. I would like to come up there but I don’t think I can get over twelve hours off. I surly come if I can. There was six of our company got thirty six hours but I was not lucky enough.

This week I do not have to work very much. They always mark our names on a slip if we are supposed to work. My name is not down this week. But I suppose I will have to drill so much more. about another week we will be the best drilled company in camp Dewey. I do not think we are going to sea at all. I think they are going to keep us here for drilling, and use us for Guards.

I wish they do keep me here. After I am here three months I get twelve day’s off. I can go home or any place I want too. you maybe shore I am comming to see you first. That won’t be quite two months. I am comming befoure that if I can.

I do wish you would be there in Manitowoc yet.

Don’t you ever think I am going to forget you. because I know a nice girl when I see one. I can never get my mind off you. I am always thinking of you. I thought once that you wasn’t going to write any more but I know better now. I know you like the uniform better than common clothes.

Well Rose this is about all I can think of now. Will close for this time. Write as often as you can.

Good-Bye with best love and best wishes.

Your only Friend,-

Daniel

Co.D. Camp Dewey,

Sec. Reg.

Great Lakes, Ill.

(on side of envelope, “D. D. Martin, Camp Dewey, Co. D. Great Lakes, Ill.”)

August 15, 1918

Aug 16 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik,

1336 Mich Ave.,

Manitowoc Wisc

Camp Dewey

2^nd Reg.-Co-D

Great Lakes, Ill.

Aug-15-1918

Dearest Rose.-

Just a line or two to let you know I just got those letters you sent me a long time ago.

I was not supprised why I did not get them befoure. They were addressed alright but you forgot to put the –Second Regiment- on it Just put -2^nd Reg.- and it will be alright.

One of them was mailed on July the 23^rd and the other on the third of Aug. the both of them went back to Camp Farragut. That was alright but it maid me think you wasn’t going to write any more. But now I feel good again. I felt pretty tough for a few day’s. I do not know why you did not get my other letters.

You asked me if I herd from Ida. Well I have not herd from her since I came down here. I don’t suppose you have either? Well I will not wait long to write to you because if you feel like I do when I don’t here from you I would write every day to keep you from getting lonesome.

I do hope the day will come that either one of wont get lonesome for each other. I would like to be with you all the time, how it is hard for me to get off. But I will try and come up some Sunday a few weeks from now. So if you are still in Manitowoc I will let you know when I am comming.

Now those pictures were not worth while sending you. And if I can not send you good ones I will not send you Any. I may go to Chicago some Sunday and if I do I will get some good ones taken.

I am glad that mary came back. and hope she will stay. that you will not be lonesome. And hope she will go out with you so you can have a good time. how Rose I must say Good-Bye for there isn’t any news to write.

Write as often as you can because I am always glad to here from you. You are the only girl that I care for any you are the only one ever cared for me so am always glad to here frome some one like you.

I am not going on a boat as I know of. They are going to keep me here to work. So don’t you worry I am going to come to see you some time as soon as I can.

Good-Bye with best love and yours until death. hope you think the same of me.

Your Best

Dan Martin.

Co. D-Sec Reg.

Camp Dewey-Great Lakes, Ill.

(on back of envelope, “D. D. Martin, Camp Dewey, Co. D. Great Lakes, Ill.”)

August 14, 1918

Aug 15 1918

Miss Rose Kraynik

1336 Michigan Ave

Manitowoc, Wisc

Camp Dewey,

Aug-14-1918

Dearest Friend Rose,-

I just received you most kind and welcome letter this noon. And sure was glad to here from you. I have ben waiting for a letter for a long time. I thought sure you for got me but I know better now. I know you are going to keep your word. And you can trust me because you are the only girl I ever want.

you seem to think I don’t care for you but I sure do. I just wish I could see you soon. but you know I am not working in the ship yards now. I can not come when I want to. I think I will be able to come in about two months. I do wish you would be in Manitowoc then.

I get off twelve hours each week and that is not enough to go so far.

Last night I had two pencils and lost them both. when I tried to borrow one no body had one. There is one hundred sixteen men in our company and I know they all got pencils. But they did not want me to use theres.

I just made up my mind I was going to write to you. So I keep going until I got one.

Say did you ever get those postal card views I sent you of the navy station down here? I sent them about three weeks ago.

Well Rose I do wish I had more time to write but I just have to wash my suit to-night. After chow I have to go on guard until ten o-clock. in the morning I have to get up at four-o-clock to wash my hammock There isn’t much chance to get dirty here we are washing all the time. we have to get up early in the morning to wash and in the day time we either have to work or drill. so you see I don’t have much time to get lonesome. But I always have time to think of you.

When I came through Milwaukee the time I came down here I saw Florence the girl that worked at Robinsons so long. she knew me but was with some other girls and didn’t stop

I havn’t any more time so will have to close. will write again in a few days. Answer as soon as you can.

Good-Bye with the Best love, Am yours forever,-

Douglas Martin.

(on back of envelope, “D. D. Martin, Camp Dewey, Co. D. Great Lakes, Ill.”)