First letter.

Letter from J. R. Barclift, dated May 4th, 1898. This letter was delivered to the addressee John A. Church, having been thrown from a moving troop train - Without Postage, during the Spanish American War. Barclift was enroute to Camp Dodge at Littlerock. He was a member of Company D, First Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in Fort Smith on May 2, 1898. ( The stationery has the Letterhead of ‘M. S. A. Club, Sixth F and Seventh Sts., Ft Smith, Ark.’)

Hand written on the Envelope: The finder will please Deliver this letter to: J. A. Church, Ozark, Ark. Many thanks to the party that exercises request. This letter was then thrown upon the station platform as the train passed through Ozark. It was indeed found and delivered.

Letter 1

May 4th, 1898.

Mr J. A. Church & Family, Relatives and Friends.

I inlisted as a voluntier in Club D.3. May the 2. John please Take bud to the sport field and trein him on the comands or get Jamis Yarbrough to look after him. I am on my way to Little Rock, may bee home in a few days but still I may never return. Tell all of relitaves, acquaintances and friends good by.

With love and best regards to all I remain as ever. J. R. Barclift.

P.S. Excuse bad wrighting as this was wrote on a speedie train.

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