The following letter/poem was found, folded up in an old book, by Tex and Sherry Evans. They are not related, nor do they know the people mentioned in this letter/poem. It was written in 1919 and appears to depict the bond that two Marines had during and after World War I. It is stated in it's entireity. The lady mentioned at the end, "Edith", must have been either a blood relative or R. Brock's wife or former wife.
To Pvt. Ralph H. Brock,
Co. "A" Second Provisional Brigade, U.S.
Marine Corps, Santo Domingo City
10 August 1919
Who, in the morning, feeling mean
Mixed up a mess, in my canteen
Of my bay rum and listerine
R. Brock
When taps had gone and every light
had been extinquished for the night
who dropped his shoes with all his might
R. Brock
Who found me there beside the trail
with a dead horse lying on my tail
picked me up and said "Boy you look pale"
R. Brock
Who carried me both day and night
that twenty miles,and I'm not light
'till the doctor said "He'll be alright"
R. Brock
Three long months on that hospital cot
who came each day at five o'clock
and said "Here's some mail I just got"
R. Brock
When the U.S. Kittery was at the dock
who carried me aboard
'cause I couldn't walk
R. Brock
10 July 1978
Now they say you've gone away
But I'll see you again someday
And when I do, I'm there to say
R. Brock
Vaya con dios my amigo!!!!!
Dear Edith:
I wrote most of this just after I got home from the service in 1919. I wanted to give it to you when you were here, but I just couldn't do it. Hope all the family is OK. We are all well at the same time and that's somethin'.
Love to all o' you.
Bud
