William Zassenhaus, Jr.

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Gone to be Soldiers

Colby Phonograph June 23, 1898

William Zassenhaus Jr., Charles Marquardt, of Green Grove, and Lewis Meyers, of this place, left on the limited, Monday night, for Neillsville, to enter the employ of Uncle Sam, as Cuban or Puerto Rican, invaders.  The war department issued an order that all companies should be recruited to a quota of 100 men and for that purpose a recruiting sergeant was chosen from each company and sent home for recruits, preference to be given former members of the guards.  Will Zassenhaus was once a member of Co. A. 3rd Regiment, at Neillsville, and will be again providing he passes the medical examination, also his two companions.  God speed them.

Exams

Colby Phonograph June 23, 1898

Word has been received here that Messrs. Zassenhaus, Marquardt and Meyers passed a successful examination and have been enrolled as members of Co. A, Third Wis. Vol., Infantry--the Neillsville Company.

A Letter from Chickamauga

Camp Thomas, Jun 28, 1898

Friend Joe:--Here I am.  I got here yesterday noon, borrowed a uniform and got to work at 3:30.  I don't know much about the ground, yet, but say, if you want to get roasted just come down here as a recruit, and they won't "do a thing" to you? oh no, just simply guy the life out of you, and come to size it up the bummiest regiment roasts them the hardest, but then, the Co. A boys hold them down pretty well.  The heat does not seem so great here as I expected, I nearly froze late last night.  There are only 25 regiments here, now, but they expect to go sometime before three weeks or not at all, just as the "main guy" (as one of the rough riders calls him) says.

We get up at 5:00 A. M., mess at 6:00, dress parade 6:00, lights out at 9:15, so you see our time is pretty well occupied trying to keep track of time.

I will try and give you a description of Camp George H. Thomas, if I ever write again, which is somewhat doubtful, as postage stamps are a rarity and money--well I had some when I got here, but for not more than an hour or so after.  Meyer and Marquardt are out getting pounded into shape.  W don't expect to get much duty for a week or two as they have just vaccinated us.

Respectfully yours,

Wm. Zassenhaus

Co. A, 3rd Regiment, Wis. Vol.