John F. Zeller Papers
The trip down from New Cumberland was long and tiring. We were awaked at 4:30, had breakfast, were checked off, loaded, and finally pulled out at 7:00. We took all the back roads there were. I suppose troop trains are routed that way to simplify transportation problems - but it took us twice as long as it would by the regular route. We came through York, Baltimore, + Washington, and then out across to Richmond. From Richmond to Raleigh we really took the back way, for we saw absolutely nothing but scrub pine and small clearings with poor negro quarters.
We arrived here at 2:30 and finally got to bed about 4:00. The camp here is swell. I think I shall like it. The outfit is made up of a good class of fellows, intelligent, clean-cut, and willing. But as far as I know, I'm the only college man. I'm keeping it quiet.
The whole 4th Regiment is made up of specialists training groups. We are in telephone communications. Others include radio, cooking, office clerks, supply clerks, etc.
It is fairly certain that when we leave here, if we do at all well we'll have technicians rating. The other boys have evidently been sent into the regular artillery units, which means they'll be doing the actual firing - pulling guns- loading, etc. I think I was lucky.
I don't know a soul here, but I'm making friends and by the time our quaranteen is over will be as chummy as sardines in a can.
We started right in today and learned the elemental commands. The first few weeks will be devoted to drill, manual of arms, etc. Later we'll get into the real work, with problems to solve, lines to fix + lay corrections to make, etc.
I had my army haircut today. The barbers must think they're shearing sheep. They use the same methods.
I shan't write again til the week-end- when I'll have more time. By then I'll have more to tell you too.