"Today, a year ago, I was in Texas. Today I am in France." November 1917-January, 1918.

by Captain William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

When the U. S. S. Agamemnon sailed out of Hoboken it carried not only the 570 officers and men of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion but the hopes and prayers of thousands of family members back home who would wait, pray, and scan the newspapers for casualty reports. News would come days late, if at all through letters back home, heavily censored by company officers to remove referenced to specific locations, times and casualties. 

The voyage of the Agamemnon was largely uneventful for the crammed Soldiers who passed the time smoking, playing cards and listening to music on a handful of gramophones. The only event of note took place on the evening of November 9 when the transport Von Steuben collided with the Agamemnon burying her bow in the Agamemnon’s port side. Fortunately, the hole caused by the collision was above the water line and repairs were swiftly made. The majority of the men likely had no idea at the time what incident had befallen their ship and would only learn of the events through the second-hand gossip.

U.S. Navy troop transports at sea, November 10, 1917. These ships, steaming in convoy from New York City to Brest, France, are (from left to right): USS Mount Vernon (ID 4508), Agamemnon and USS Von Steuben (ID 3017). Note the damage to Von Steuben's bow, the result of a collision with Agamemnon on the previous day. U.S. Navy Photo NH 57750

Three days later, November 12, 1917, land was sighted, and the Agamemnon and other ships of her convoy sailed into Brest Harbor. Due to the shortage of resources to unload the ships and lack of transportation and lodging, the Soldiers remained aboard the Agamemnon an additional five agonizing days.

Finally, on November 17, 1917, the men disembarked and crowded forty at a time into railroad cars. Issued three days rations, the men remained in the cars until the 22nd of November when they detrained at Vaucouleurs. Without issue of rations, the battalion was split up and elements marched in a pouring rain, Company C going to Vaux la Petite while Company A, B and Headquarters marched to Uruffe.

Having arrived at their initial training stations, the companies of the 151st MGB conducted nearly a month of training before beginning a 110-kilometer foot march to their new station in the Rolamport sector. Marching in heavy snow on December 14, the entire Battalion assembled at Manois where it remained through Christmas, 1917.

Nov 21-Dec 26, 1917: The 151st MGB arrived by train in Vaucouleurs Nov. 21, 1917. Detraining on Nov. 22, the Bn. split with Co. C taking station in Vaux La Petite while HQ, A, and B moved to Uruffe. The companies remained in place until Dec. 12, when they began a 150 kilometer march to the Rolamport Area. Company C marched from Vaux la Petite to Bure while HQ, A and B marched from Uruffe to Verseignes (location estimated. On Dec. 13, HQ, A and B advanced to Domremy while Co. C marched to Germisay. On Dec. 14, during a heavy snow storm, the battalion assembled in Manois.
Battalion movements shown in yellow.  White indicates Co. C while Green shows the movements of HQ, A and B.
Source:  “Vaucouleurs.” 48 00’15.49”N 6 16’01.44”E. Google Earth. Landsat/Copernicus. Dec. 31, 2017.

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Burton’s correspondence is uncharacteristically spotty from the time the 151st MGB boarded the Agamemnon to Christmas with only three letters making their way home to Monroe. The first letter was a post card informing his family that he was shipping and would write soon. The second letter would not come until Company A had completed its march to Uruffe. Writing thus on November 28, Gober noted that he was well and asked for his family to send soap and tobacco.

When next he had a chance to write, Gober was in Manois.

Somewhere in France

December 18, 1917

My dearest mama,

Well, I have another chance to write. I am getting along fine. Sleep warm at night and get to stay around a stove when we are not at work in the daytime.

I have received about three or four letters from you since I have been over here. I have written to you three times since we sailed. I suppose you have gotten all those by now and I hope that you have started me a box for Xmas. Please send me plenty of tobacco.

Write a check on me and buy a Ingersol Junior watch and send it to me. I have broken the crystal on mine and haven’t got a chance to get one.

Mildred wrote me that she was coming up in Ga. Xmas and that she might come by Monroe. I hope that she does because I want you to know her.

Don’t worry for a minute about me for I am getting along just as fine as can be. Uncle Sam is taking care of me.

Will write to you every chance I get. Write every week.

Your devoted son,

Gober

The day after Christmas the 151st MGB was again on the march. For these Georgian soldiers, the constant snow storms and freezing temperatures added a particular layer of misery to an otherwise tedious affair of endless marching with heavy packs and blanket rolls. 

Dec 26 1917-Jan 4, 1918: HQ, A, and B marched to Treix Dec. 26, 1917 while Co. C moved to Blancheville. The next day, Co. C advanced to Crenay by way of Chaumont. On Dec. 28, 1917, HQ, and Co. A marched to Vieux Moulins while Co. C and B congregated at Leffonds. On January 14, the battalion was reunited at Villers-sur Suize where they received an additional company from the Penn. National Guard, Company B, 149th MGB.  This company became Co. D, 151st MGB.
Battalion movements shown in yellow.  White indicates Co. C while Green shows the movements of HQ, A and B.
Source:  “Vaucouleurs.” 48 00’15.49”N 6 16’01.44”E. Google Earth. Landsat/Copernicus. Dec. 31, 2017.

By January 1, 1918, Burton was able to write home.

Corporal Burton's letter home Jan 1, 1918. Georgia Guard archives.

Somewhere in France (Vieux Moulin)

January 1, 1918

My dearest mama,

Well! Today a year ago I was in Texas. Today I am in France. I am getting along just as fine as possible. The Xmas boxes haven’t been given out yet, but we will get them before long.

How is everything at home? Write to me as often as you can, and I will do the same, but my chances are not so good as yours.

I had a nice letter from Mildred on Xmas day. Also, two or three from you. One from Rache (Burton’s brother) saying that he was sending me some cigarettes.

I wrote you telling you to send me some toilet articles and tobacco. Here is what I want. Don’t send them too often. Don’t forget the Ever Ready safety razor blades. That is the only thing I am short on now. When you send me tobacco send Prince Albert smoking tobacco. Cigarettes are too hard to carry about and Prince Albert don’t get damp so quickly as cigarettes. That doesn’t mean to say not to send any cigarettes. Mix them up.

Don’t you worry about me for I shall be OK.

Wish that I could have been at home during Xmas. Did Mildred come by Monroe during Xmas? She wrote me that she was coming up into Ga. Xmas and that if possible she was coming by Monroe.

I am sitting in the middle of the floor writing this by candlelight. The place is warm, and I am comfortable. You know how I used to write …. On the floor at home.

Write me soon.

Your devoted son,

Gober

On January 4, 1918, the 151st Machine Gun Battalion assembled at Viller sur Suize with the addition of a company from the 149th Machine Gun Battalion. This company of Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers formed Company D of the 151st MGB. That same day, the 151st lost its first Soldier, Private Edgar Coots. While the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Coots death was due to gunshot wounds, it is far more likely that Coots was killed in an accident as reported by the battalion in the post-war account The 151st Machine Gun Battalion, Rainbow (42D) Division.  

Viller sur Suize would prove to be a more or less permanent training station until the battalion was called to move into the trenches. Here the battalion received their Hotchkiss machine guns, helmets, gas masks and final equipage. The men also received overdue Christmas packages from home as Burton related in his letters back home.

Corporal Burton's letter home Jan. 6, 1918.

Somewhere in France (Viller sur Suize)

January 6, 1917 (1918)

My dearest mama,

Well, I received the Xmas boxes last night. All of them came together. They were surely appreciated. From what you and Auntie sent you had not received the letter that I wrote you on the boat. I wanted some razor blades, but you can send them later.

I am getting along just as nicely as possible. Haven’t been sick yet.

Two letters came last night from Mildred. She said that she had had a nice letter from you. I like to hear about that.

I haven’t cut the first cake yet, but I can tell by the smell that it is fine. I gave a lot of the boys some of the candy and they seemed to enjoy it very much and I know that I did.

I don’t know how much truth there is to it, but we have been hearing peace rumors over here. Here’s hoping that it is so.

I received a box of cigarettes from Rache a day or so ago. Please when you write to him, thank him for me.

Mildred’s letter said that she was sending me a package. I can’t imagine what it is.

I think that it won’t be long before we come back to the States. Don’t you for a moment worry about me.

Write me as often as once a week anyway,

As ever,

Your devoted son,

Gober

Burton paints a cheery picture for his family at home. At no point does he relate the misery of the train ride to Vaucoulers or the extended road marches, first in freezing rain and then in deep snow, clad in only wool uniforms and a great coat. The next few weeks would pass in relative safety 70 miles from the front, but the 151st would presently enter the front lines, and suffer their first casualty.

Next Chapter:  Training For the Trenches 

“If I ever have a son and he says I want to join the Army I am going to beat him nearly to death.” Camp Mills, September-October, 1917

Robert Burton's Letter, Sept. 17, 1917

by Captain William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Camp Albert Mills, N.Y.

September 1, 1917

Dear mama,

Arrived all OK this afternoon. Was, or has been raining since we left Ga. Saw Rache (Gober’s Brother) at Athens the night we came thru.

I will write a letter as soon as things are straightened out.

Had a nice trip north. Enjoyed it very much.

Co. F 151st MGB Camp Albert Mills Branch PO 12

Hempstead, N.Y.

Gober

Camp Mills, located near Hempstead, New York, was named after Maj. Gen. Albert L. Mills who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Spanish American War. Established in September 1917, Camp Mills soon became the largest training center for troops bound for France from the nearby port of Hoboken, N.J. It was here that the 151st Machine Gun Battalion would become part of the 42nd Division.

The 151st Machine Gun Battalion was formed from Companies B, C and F of the 2nd Georgia Infantry Regiment. In addition, the MGB absorbed non-commissioned officers such as Burton from other companies. The transfer was accomplished August 13, 1917. With the addition of Soldiers from the 1st Georgia regiment, the battalion reached a strength of 591 officers and enlisted men before embarking for Camp Mills.

Burton’s original assignment in Company F, 2nd Georgia was changed to Company A 151st Machine Gun Battalion while companies B and C of the 2nd Georgia were assigned as Company B and C of the new battalion. It seems that the new arrangement took some time to be accomplished according to Burton’s letter of September 1 and 3, 1917.

Robert Burton's return address, Sept. 3, 1917

Camp Mills, Sept 3, 1917

My dearest mama,

Well! I am actually on Long Island New York. What do you think about that?

The funniest thing up here is the way the people talk. You can hardly understand what these Yankees say. Another thing that is queer to the southern boys is that Coca Cola is hardly known at all. But the people treat us fine. Will do anything that they can for you and especially for the southern soldier. They seem to like them very much.

When we unloaded it was raining but I think that before long the weather will clear up and we will like the place OK.

We had a nice trip up the river yesterday morning. Had a good view of New York City.

My address is

Co. F, 151st MGB

Camp Albert Mills

Hempstead, N.Y.

Branch PO

Your devoted son,

Gober

Within two weeks of his arrival, the well-traveled Gober wrote of his latest exploits.

Robert Burton's Letter of Sept. 17, 1917

Camp Mills, Monday Night (September 17, 1917)

My dear mama,

Well! I have taken in New York and Coney Island. New York is some big town believe me. I like big crowds and a city, but this suits me most too well. I have ridden on a subway, the elevated and the surface cars. I have seen Broadway by night. I have seen 5th Ave. in the late afternoon. I have seen Chinatown and the Bowery. Also, have seen Central Park, Madison Square Garden, the Flat Iron Building, the Woolworth Building and all the famous parts of N.Y.

I have been to Coney Island during Mardi Gras week and have seen all the wonders there. But greater than that would I rather see my little old mother and father way down in Ga.

Your devoted son,

Gober

In his letter of September 27, 1917, Burton responded to his family’s concern for his well-being and uncertain future.

Camp Mills

Thursday night, September 27, 1917

My dearest mama,

Tho I haven’t heard from you in a day or so, will write you tonight as it is likely that I will not get to write to you again in some time. I heard today that this was the last night that we would be allowed to write. After this, all of our mail will be censored. It looks now like we will sail before long. From where, I don’t know, or I don’t when, but I played safety first and wrote tonight so that if it was so, I would have written.

Now mama, please don’t you worry about me. I am not looking on the dark side of this so please don’t. Ed had a letter from Wheeler (Will) Mears the other day. He is getting along fine. By the way, perhaps by the time that you get this Ed will be ‘cross. He left the other morning for Norfolk, Va.

I know that it worries you but please don’t break down about it. Mrs. Mears stood it, can’t you? I look on it just about as the Mexican war was. We will stay behind the lines at least six months before we even see a German.

I am going to be OK and I will take good care of myself so when I do come home, we will have all the bigger reception. It won’t be long.

I am going to try and drop all of the children a card tonight. Just keep on writing to me at the same address till you get a card saying that I have reached the other side safely. Then my address will be:

Co A, 151st Machine Gun Bn., American Expeditionary Forces.

We have been working pretty hard for the last week, so I am pretty tired tonight. I don’t know if I will have time to write to Auntie tonight or not but if I can’t please tell her for me that I appreciate all that she has done for me, more than I can tell. I may not be able to put it in words but deep down in my heart, I appreciate it.

Don’t you worry about me. I think that it is my duty to go. The Flag is calling for men who haven’t got a yellow streak. For men who don’t have to be made to go. I want no greater honor than to think that when the need came I was ready. That I am among those selected to go first.

Over the next few weeks the men of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion trained to build up the physical stamina necessary for combat operations. Gober wrote home requesting custom sweaters for the men of his squad and corresponded with “his girl in Jaxville.” For the first time in his letters home he hinted at the prospect of marriage. He informed his parents that Mildred would be writing to them soon.

As the training continued. the ever-present approach of overseas deployment was foremost in the minds of the Soldiers and families. Burton hinted at that notion in correspondence home.

Robert Burton's letter of Oct. 9, 1917

Camp Mills

October 9, 1917

My dearest mama,

It is raining this afternoon so will write you a letter. It started to raining this morning and has been raining all day. We have been sleeping all day.

It won’t be so very long now till we do go across. We are packing up now all the kitchen outfit has been packed that is always the last thing to be packed.

This is just a note to let you know that I am OK.

This will be the address

Co A 151st Machine Gun Battalion

84th Brigade

Paris, France

Via New York, NY

This is the address they gave us today and I suppose that is OK. I will get it the other way I suppose.

I am going to write to papa this afternoon also so will close.

Your devoted son,

Gober.

One week passed, and preparations for departure continued.

Camp Mills

Wednesday night, October 17, 1917

My dear mama,

Well before long I suppose you can hang one of those signs on the door that says, “a member of this family in France.” For I think that before another week is over we will have sailed. But mama dear, don’t you worry about me. I have been about enough to know how to take care of myself I won’t do anything rash or take any unnecessary risks. But I shall do my duty. Doing your duty does not mean getting killed.

Yesterday I took out $5,000 worth of government insurance paying $2.40 a month on it. For a year it will cost me $29.00. Pretty cheap I think. I made you the first beneficiary and papa the second. If I should happen to be knocked out, it will leave you in pretty good circumstances. Again, if I should become disabled, I would receive about $20.00 per month from it for 20 years. It is an endowment policy, it takes the place of a pension. I am not worth any more than $5,000. Please tell Frank this when you write him as he urged me to take out some.

I feel lots better than I ever felt in my life. But if I ever have a son and he says I want to join the Army I am going to beat him nearly to death.

Your devoted son,

Gober

Burton continued to correspond with friends and family in Monroe. He learned that his girl Mildred had indeed corresponded with his family and received letters from his brothers Frank and Rache.

Burton’s letter of October 27, 1917 is filled with the melancholy and foreboding of a Soldier who has received news he cannot relay.

Camp Mills

Saturday afternoon, October 27, 1917

My dearest mama,

I received a letter from you most every day but haven’t had time to write. So, if you don’t hear from me so often as before just take it that I haven’t the time to write.

I am going to do the best I can. Will try and write you at least once a week.

I am well and getting along fine. Feeling good as can be.

From now on, my letters will be kinder short I expect.

I will just tell you how I am. Can’t tell you where we are or anything else.

I am glad to know that you are fixing me up a scrapbook. It will be good reading when I come back.

I don’t know of a thing interesting to write.

Your devoted son,

Gober

Four days later, Cpl. Robert Gober Burton along with 569 members of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion embarked from Hoboken. N.J. Aboard the U. S. S. Agamemnon bound for France.

The U.S.S  Agamemnon at sea.  U.S. Navy Photo NH 77162

Next Chapter:  Arrival in France.

“All Things in The Army Have to Be in The Right Form.” July-August 1917

by Captain William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Company H, 2nd Georgia Infantry Regiment returned to Camp Harris, Macon, Ga. June 30, 1917 from their duty in Jacksonville, Fla. and began a rigorous schedule of training as recounted by Sgt. Robert Burton.

July 8, 1917 letter written by Sgt. Robert G. Burton

Camp Harris, Macon, Ga.

July 8, 1917

My dear mama,

My application for discharge was sent back for proper military form. You know, You know, all things in the Army have to be in the right form 
or they are sent back. I think that when it does go thru these headquarters it will go all right and I will get my discharge.

We are working nearly all day these days. Our day starts at 0530 and lasts til six in the afternoon, so I haven’t much time to get into any trouble. At night I am too tired to go to town and spend any money much. I am spending only what I have to have. Don’t you know it looks funny to see me get up at 5:00 o’clock and eat breakfast at 6:10.

Had a letter from my Jaxville girl this morning. I think that after I come home I will go to see her. She asked me when I was coming back to see her.

Write to me real soon and let me know what you think about my coming home.

As ever, your devoted son,

Gober

Burton’s discharge and hopes for leave were soon dashed.

Camp Harris

Saturday Morning (July 14, 1917)

My dear mama,

I can’t come this weekend. Lt. Dickinson took one of his crazy notions yesterday afternoon and would not let me come. He told me yesterday morning that I could come, and I had a grip packed ready to get in the car and he told me that I could not come.

He let Jack Felker go and he went home while we were in Fla. He let (Sgt) Tom Hensler go and he was absent without leave while we were in Fla. I have never been absent without leave.

I think that perhaps I can come next Friday and if I can I will stay over till about Wednesday. I hate the very air that Lt. Dickinson breathes. I am going to run him to the dogs when I get there.

I surely did want to come home and be with all the children.

I am getting along just as fine as can be.

There is no news today. Will write to you again this week.

Hoping to see you by this time next week. I am.

Your devoted son,

Gober

Burton did get leave the following Friday and spent a joyous weekend at home in Monroe. It was the last time Burton would be home before sailing for France.

Sgt. Robert G. Burton (Right) at home on leave in July, 1917.

Big changes awaited the regiment in the coming weeks as related by Burton.

Hotel Lanier, Macon Ga.

Wednesday Night (August 8, 1917)

My dear mama,

The regiment is being reorganized under the new law and so we have been pretty busy since the 5th of August. A machine gun battalion has been made out of one battalion of the Second. All of the best non-commissioned officers of the regiment have been transferred to it. Out of our company, Ed Williamson, Tom Hensler, C. J. Mears and myself have been transferred as privates so after tomorrow just address my letters as Mr. R. G. Burton. It is expected that we will be sent to Mass or somewhere near New York City. The general opinion is now that we will leave about Tuesday.

I suppose that by the papers you have seen about the Macon companies being reorganized into machine gun companies.

Capt. (Sidney L.) Conner of B Co has been assigned to Co H since the discharge of Capt. Aycock. We all like him fine so far.

I am getting along just as fine as possible I suppose. If I can’t come home will let you know by mail.

Your devoted son,

Gober

Sgt. Robert Burton wrote home from the Hotel Lanier August 8, 1917

The machine gun battalion Burton referenced was the 151st Machine Gun Battalion which was destined to serve in the 42nd Infantry Division. But for now, that information was unknown to Burton or his comrades.

Days later, Burton sent the following telegraph informing his parents of his impending reassignment.

Western Union Telegram Camp Harris, Macon, Ga. 1045 AM August 28, 1917

P.F. BURTON, MONROE, GA.

WE LEAVE TONIGHT OR IN THE MORNING WILL WRITE

GOBER

Next Chapter:  Camp Mills, New York

“250 Degrees In The Shade.” March-June 1917

by Captain William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Within days of their return from the Mexican Border, the Georgia Guardsmen of the 2nd Georgia Infantry were on the move. Across the nation, cities were taking precautions to protect water supplies from poisoning by German agents. On March 31, 1917, At the request of the Macon Water Commission, the Albany Guards of the 2nd Georgia were dispatched to guard a waterworks plant north of Macon. Additional Soldiers were detailed to a reservoir south of Macon. Other units were on the move to secure vital infrastructure sites and Burton wrote to his family of his expectation that they would soon be detailed to South Georgia.

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked a special joint session of Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. Congress voted to approve the declaration April 6, 1917. Following the declaration, Company H, 2nd Georgia Infantry was dispatched to Jacksonville, Fla. where it would guard the railroad bridge spanning the Saint Johns River. Company H went into camp on the south bank near the present location of the Baptist Medical Center while a detail of ten Soldiers led by 2nd Lt. Dennie Launius were sent to Homestead, Fla. near Miami.

Burton, writing home to his mother April 8, 1917 recalls the movement to 

Jacksonville. 

Jacksonville, Fla.

Sunday Afternoon (April 8th, 1917)

My dear mama,

We arrived here last night or this morning as you know by the cards I have written you.

We did not know when we got on the train exactly where we were going but as I wired you, we came to Jacksonville. We are down here guarding the Florida East Coast RR bridge. I like this place all OK. We crossed the St. Johns River and are now in South Jacksonville. The people here are mighty nice to us so far. We are on the river nearly and get the sea breeze all of the time. I think that fishing will be good. That is about all we will have to do. I hope that we will stay here for some time. I had rather be here than in Macon so far. Of course, we happen to be farther away from home but this is a nice place.

I think that this is about all the news that I know at this time. My address is Co. H. 2nd Ga. Inf., South Jacksonville, Fla.

Write to me soon.

As ever, your devoted son,

Gober

Robert Burton photo of the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge

According to Burton’s recollections, the citizens of Jacksonville were very welcoming towards the Monroe Soldiers. Burton expressed relief to have been sent to Jacksonville, far away from Camp Harris and the discipline and rigor of camp life.

Nearly three weeks later Burton wrote of his recreational exploits.

So. Jax Fla. April 27, 1917

My dear mama,

Well! I have seen the ocean!! I think that it is the most wonderful thing I most ever saw.

One of the superintendents of a Sunday school here came down and took four of the boys down to Atlantic Beach and Pablo Beach. We had one grand time surf bathing and fishing. We saw all kinds of sea life. (Sgt.) Tom Hensler and I caught a sack full of crabs. Then we caught a string of fish. It was a grand day for us.

I am going out to a six o’clock dinner tonight. (Sgt. Augustus S.) Clay, (Pfc. Emory J.) E. J. Moore and myself. A Miss White is giving it. She is from Ga. and she has been more than nice to us since we have been here. Some class to your son eh?

The people here continue to be so nice to us. The ladies of the Presbyterian Church gave a little party at one of the club houses for us the other night. We met the nicest girls and had a big time generally. I talked to a girl from Maryland most of the time.

If I don’t forget it I am sending a picture of the bridge that we are guarding. It is 5/8ths of a mile long and has a draw bridge that turns around nearly in the center of it.

Tell all the children my address and tell them to write me sometime. I would like very much to hear from all of them.

The weather is hot as the mischief, but we get a breeze from the sea most of the time, so it is not so bad. The mosquitoes are as big as automobiles down here. They don’t worry us too much as we have mosquito nets. I had lots rather be down here under Maj. Beck than under Col. Thomas.

Well Mama, write me another letter soon. I surely did appreciate the money that papa sent.

Your devoted son

Gober

-I have been to church every Sunday that we have been here. -G

Western Union Telegraph Dated April 17, 1917 from Cpl. Burton to his father

Presently, camp life gave way to routine. With little to do other than daily guard mounts, the Soldiers made the best of their surroundings by visiting the beach and organizing a baseball team. Burton wrote home requesting his old baseball glove and shoes. Orders were passed down that Soldiers were not to leave camp in civilian clothes, but the Soldiers simply took civilian clothes with them and changed once outside the camp boundaries.

In the weeks of idle time, Burton’s parent suggested that he request a discharge from the Guard and resume his studies at the University of Georgia. Burton’s response was adamant.

May 15, 1917

Hotel Flagler, Jacksonville, Fla. (on Hotel Flagler Stationery)

My dear mama,

Your letter came today. Was indeed glad to hear from you.

I think that I would drop that about getting me a discharge. There is no chance now. Would you have me desert the flag now when it is in the greatest danger when men are needed? Men who have had the experience? The flag is in danger. Do you think what the flag means to every American citizen?

Guard duty droned on. Rumors swept the camp that the Guardsmen would be sent to the Florida Keys. 1st Lt. Launius Dickinson, commanding Company H, was hopeful that the unit could be thus transferred but orders were not forthcoming.

In June Robert’s brother Frank visited the camp of Company H and found Gober Burton acting as company clerk, a duty he was not exceptionally pleased with.

Writing home June 2, 1917, Burton described the weather as “hot as blue blazes. It feels like 250 degrees in the shade.”

By June 8, Burton had been promoted to sergeant and his pay had been increased to $17.00 per month. His discharge papers had been approved and forwarded to 1st Lt. Dickinson for approval. 

The Soldiers of Company H visited Saint Augustine and surf bathed to pass the time. Local churches held socials for the visiting Georgia Soldiers and Burton began attending a local church. He kept his mother informed of his regular church attendance and advised her that he had been “out to see the preacher’s daughter several times.” In the months to come, Burton and the preacher’s daughter, Miss Mildred Richards, corresponded regularly. Burton reported to his mother after giving Mildred a picture of himself in uniform that Mildred exclaimed “Gober, I know you have a grand disposition. Your face tells me that.”  

At the end of June, Company H received orders recalling them to Camp Harris in Macon. Burton bade good bye to the Richards family and promised to write.

On June 30, 1917, Company H returned to Camp Harris carrying with them Burton’s budding romance and uncertain future in the Army. 

Next chapter: Reorganization