rifle and gas instructions The skirmish formation is surely strenous work. Defying to a skirmish were fall prone, firing, then up and forward about twenty yards fall flat again and take up the fire. Bayonet practice which we are just beginning is fine for the muscles. It is mostly position work so far. We also have rifle instruction preparing us for the range. The gas masks are awful things to wear, hat and disagreeable. We only keep them for a few days, then turn them in. So far I can put mine on in six seconds;--qualified this morning. Had our pictures taken again this A M Herrick, Bramwell, McF, Paulsen and I first in our (13) 9-7-18 uniforms, then with gas masks on and rifles at right shoulder, and then at Present Arms. shorthand Has a letter from Lee yesterday from Camp Lewis. All the bunch have passed the exams and are settled in Camp. I wrote him last night as I know how welcome letters are to a fellow when first in camp. Monday Sept 9th 1918. Had a rather easy day today Turned in our gas masks (thank Heaven), and drilled in the Manual of arms in the Company street the rest of the afternoon, also Guard duty Parker and I went over to San Francisco Saturday afternoon. We were released from quarantine and Oh how