Sincerely, Joel C. Swisher

Dear Aunt Hattie,

This is the first time I have had a chance to write for any length of time. I was sent to Harrisburg 3d Day⁽¹⁾Tuesday, in Quaker “plain speech” night, was examined there on Wed and left Wed. noon. Another fellow and I were sent here to Fort Slocum. We got here Wed. night and were examined and sworn in, vaccinated, inoculated and given part of our clothes yesterday. This morning were divided up into squads and all this afternoon is free to do as we please. Tomorrow we get a short drill in the morning and in the afternoon we go to work in the kitchen and dining hall. We stay there one day, that being one of the duties of all recruits. Monday morning we start drilling proper.