(Page 1) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA Guard Company Old Detention Great Lakes, Ill Dear Mr Bray.- I have been rather negligent in not writing you sooner. I have intended to do so for many weeks, but intentions never bring results unless we carry them out in action. I like the life just fine. I passed the detention without the slightest hitch. We remained in detention for 21 days receiving during that time, three innoculations of anti-typhoid serum and anti-smallpox vaccination. While in detention we receive only HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 2) [no text] (Page 3) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA a small portion of military tactics. All detention men are called rookies but the fact is we all remain rookies until we begin to comprehend the real nature of Navy life. We were formerly company 52. [When I say (we) I mean the 150 or more who came here when I did.] As soon as our detention period was over, the company was split up. Most of them assigned to Seamen Guard Company. Those who did not go into Seamen Guard were kept on the station for about a week and sent east to a receiving ship. 200 men were selected from companies 47, 48, and HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 4) [no text] (Page 5) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA 52. for Seamen Guards. That happened April 16. We were assigned to the direction of Mr. D.C. Sawyer one of the best masters on the station. The intentions were and are to make the Guard Company in Old Detention the leading squad or rather company on the station in respect to Drill, Athletics, and general effeciency [sic]. From time to time men have been dropped who could not keep pace with the rest and better men found to take their place. Indeed if I do say it we have a remarkably well trained company now. Of course you have an idea from our name HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 6) [no text] (Page 7) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA what our duties are. We are the sentries for the three detention camps: Decatur, Farragut, and Old Detention or Camp Boone as it is sometimes called. We guard the camps from all possible dangers from without and within. Strangers cannot come into the camps without proper authority Suspicious looking individuals who try to sell candies and stuff to the sailors by throwing the goods and money over the fence - such persons have to be kept away. You see there are grave dangers in such practice. Not only such dangers from without but we watch closely all government property in the camps against fire or damage HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 8) [no text] (Page 9) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA from explosion. We are guardians of the conduct of the rookies. We rate 12 hours liberty of "Shore leave" each week. We usually go to Chicago where we can see or hear many things of interest. Many social activities are provided for the visiting Jockie. Well Mr Bray I've written much about my life and still I could write. But I must desist. Time will not permit. I meet many friends who have been East by way of the west and there are lots of them. I have not got in touch with the lodge at Waukeegan HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 10) [no text] (Page 11) ARMY AND NAVY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION "WITH THE COLORS" YMCA but I think I shall get a chance. There is a massive entertainment up there next Saturday night. If I can get liberty then, I shall endeavor to go. I must cease and slip into my cot and sleep, for we may drill long and strenuously tomorrow. Tell all my friends hello for me. I should like to see them all. Tell them I'm still optimistic just now even if the Boche is within 44 miles of Paris. I dont [sic] believe he will make it. I know he wont [sic] if the Yankees get in front of him. Sincerely your Friend and Brother In A.F. & H.M L.F. Reynolds HELP YOUR COUNTRY BY SAVING. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAPER. (Page 12) [no text]