Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 17, 1918

Education--other | Education--studying | Health, illness and death | Military | Place--Hampton, VA | Place--Virginia, Other | Seasons and the weather | Segregation, racism and race politics | Work and employment

Roger Yancey tells his mother about events in Hampton. He mentions a talk he heard concerning the role African Americans played in World War I.

Army and Navy
Young Men's Christian Association
"With the Colors"
To the Writer: Save By Writing on BOTH Sides of this Paper.
To the Folks at Home: Save Food. Buy Liberty Bonds and War
Savings Stamps. Picture on letterhead: Triangle YMCA symbol, American flag

Dec. 17, 1918

My Dear Mother-,

I rec. your letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you. I am well and hope you May & Benny are the same. I rec. the money and was Very glad to get it. It's a heavy gale blowing with a cold rain for about 2 days and is still blowing I miss my rubbers very much but I think my bossman will get us all a pair of Boots, I also lost my gloves but I have my another pair now, and also I have change my work a little I use to feed calves every mornig and night in cold out doors but I am working inside

(page 2)

with at a hog, and let the agricultural boys do that But you must send the rubbers Just the same

If you havent sent the coat you need not for I have a uniform coat that was given me. I wrote Mr. Guirley some time ago but havent any answer yet also Rev. Green. The Students Army Training Corps or S.A.T.C. has disbanded and the boys are going home.

I had the privelege of hearing Colonel Gibson U.S.A. one of General Pershing Staff. Members speak in Ogden Hall Sunday night. He said the negro played his part well in this war The first Troops he saw was a Negro Regiment in the front line trenches He said he was twelve

(page 3)

days on sea and he heard the Chaplin say on the the ship I dont know what we will do with the colored man after the war, Colonel Gibson said he was struck, when he said that Col. Gibson said we have not treated the colored man right and with Justice he aught to have But the Peace conference will Bring it right. The "flu" is Breaking out again I think and I dont thing the boys will be able to go home xmas I would like to see you all very much.

My reports for 2 month were as follows

Arith. F. 75-80
E. F. 75-80

(page 4)

Spirit & Efforts very good so you see I passed

I am trying to [missing text] win my scholarship in Feb. which is $100 to Be Paid by some person up north and If up dont win it your parents will have it to pay [missing text] or you sent home. Hampton City is a large town with Streets Cars between Newport News and Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe

I rec. a letter from Bee the other day.

Merry xmas & a Happy New Year- I would like to be home xmas. give my love to all so good By

From your Son
Roger Yancey.

How are you getting on with wood and Bread. I often think of that I hope you are not worrying about me. I can make it.

Published by: Virginia Center for Digital History

Source copy consulted: Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family (MSS 11599), Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Text and images (c) copyright 2001, by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

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