Tues. Sept. 30, 1941
(In the woods near

I really have intended to write you leomg before this, but something has
popped up to take precedence. My family will feel like they should have
priority at this time when they hear I've written to you, and only sent

them a convenient one-cent post card. However, should they learn the content
eof this letter, 1 know they will te in harmony with the thought and spirit
of this epistle as they are not only ardent fans of all sports, but firm
believers in the advantages afforded by a training in our competitive sports.

Our Regiment is in Sivouss 1) miles west of Mensfield, la. , for the purpose .

of rest, personal and clothing cieaniiness, and to give the necessary attention

te some 200 vehicles before starting Byisave to our sssembly area for troop
movement back to Camp Robinson. As I sit at my. improvised desk and office here

in the m dst of some of Louisiana's pine trees completing .a few of my duties

as the Executive Officer, 1 can see a sight thet is good for my Kind of. sore.
eyes--I am sure you will appreciate the point aa I try te develepe it in these~- iN
hastily written lines.

 
  

About 200 yards across the fields to a clearing where our vehicles are properly
lined in « motor pool, and all drivers and assistant drivers are supposed to be
busily engaged in what we call Ist and 2nd Echelon of Maintenange, I see this
sight. There are sone 40 men in nonedescript uniforms, and of all things, playe
ing football. They have hastily organized sides, use a huddle, give some kind of
instructions, jump out of that huddle with a spirit, speed, and enthusiasm that
would do justice to a major eleven. The bell (yes, a football) is snapped and
a smash off tackle or an end rum wes never enjoyed more. The tackling is fair,
there is no flinching when the ball carrier rams the line, and the pile-up is one
effervescing enthusiasm and pleasure. Fumbles, bad passes from center, poor
peoenenee ete., are greatly in evidence. That dees not matter--it is the game,
and spirit of the contest that they are enjoying. They ere their own officials,
and the ball changes side with ver little other than a kidding dissent. I know,
. jusist on a return te duty, but I also kmow they are not in dondition
to stand the "gaff" and that in a very short time they will return to their duties
refreshed end in a better frame of mind. The field is rough, and the weeds are
waist high, and a poorer place to pley could hardly be found. Therefore if they
a without any serious injuries I'll be glad and feel the laxity in duty justi-
ed.

Now for the real reason this message ‘is written, I have before me an A-F. stor
quoting our good friend Phog Allen on the “~ ef Intercollegiate football, ll
at a football dinner at Wm. Jewell College. on GWEC of the fact some individuals
desire publicity, whether favorable or needlicbds as long as their name is kept
before the public. Sometimes in seeking this publicity some individuals really
do not believe what they say, and issue statements that will be challenged for

the above stated reasons. Therefore it would be good logic to let their stories
die a natural death and let the facts speak for themselves. However, I had an
uncontrollable desire to “come back" and feel as tho' I'm entitled to be a com
mentator on the game this year in as much as 1! ekmnat poartieigate a4 I love to

deo, in coaching the lai

The scene before : me of young mon ete, and Dr, Allen's challenge, Was too » much,
hence the following reflections.