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[Imprint, centered: University logo FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FORDHAM N.Y. ]
May 11, 1917.
Dear Edward: I received your letter sometime ago, and trust you will forgive, my negligence in not coming across with an answer ere this – but to be on the level with you, between the visit of the folks, military tactics and my "intellectual" exercises, I have been on the jump most
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of the time, and have had little chance to do any corresponding. This is my third start to drop you a line, my other two never were finished.
War dope, war stuff, and war data are all one hears about these parts. However, when Sherman was speaking of war, I think he meant the spring weather in New York. The war has crabbed all college athletics, and the weather has completely demolished the action of the professionals.
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Anyway, I've signed up in our Red Cross Ambulance Unit here at Fordham. We expect our physical examination any day now, and if I can get by, I doubt whether I'll see California this summer. France will be the first stop. I expect to encounter difficulty on account of my lamps, however.
The California Unit is in town at present – a large reception in their honor being held at the Ritz to-day. I intend to look them over (review them y' know) before they depart, to see if they have the stuff, and also to look for anyone I may know with them; Abird Kreese is in the herd I believe.
I looked Norman up in the U.S. Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, but just missed him a couple of days – too bad you didn't write a bit sooner.
Most of the colleges back here have adopted military drill – we go in for it six hours per week and two hours lecture – eight altogether.
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[Imprint, centered: University logo FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FORDHAM N.Y. ]
I understand from friend Mignou that they go in for it rather heavily at Stanford too.
I was reading an article recently, where England is removing all of her college men from the trenches, desiring to preserve them over the others if possible.
I don't know just what policy the U.S. is going to adopt
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but feel that it will be about twelve months before any troops will be sent to France. I received the information indirectly, but from the source, I'm sure its from the inside. However, I presume if it comes to case of U.S. men or a German victory, the Red White & Blue Boys will be hustled right over.
I guess things are pretty lonesome at 1325 Dayton, now that Marguerite & Bill have pulled out. Don't let this out, but Bill has kind of a weak stomach and he'll have to