DIY History | Transcribe | World War I Diaries and Letters | Robert Morriss Browning correspondence to Karl S. Hoffman, 1920-1924 | 1921-05-28 Bob Browning to Karl Hoffman Page 3

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Robert Morriss Browning correspondence to Karl S. Hoffman, 1920-1924

1921-05-28 Bob Browning to Karl Hoffman Page 3

 I don't believe I've written you since I got my promotion.  I got the order nearly two months ago and conditions in the Old Army. Then lots of second lieuts were drawing one fogy and most first lieutenants were drawing two. Now there are hardly any any captains who have five years commissioned service.  I was lucky to get in the regular army when I did, though, and those who got in a year earlier are still luckier.  Promotions will be a long time getting down the files now and a few months service in the summer of 1917 will mean years of difference.
 I have no very good idea of when I'll be getting back to the States.  We have a surplus of captains in the regiment and are expecting some lieutenants as soon as the present course at the Infantry School is finished.  A few weeks ago we submitted reports as to whether we desired to go home or not.  Just at this time there was a circular received from a Chief of Infantry asking officers who wanted details at schools to submit applications, so I submitted an application and naturally in order to be consistent  I stated that I wanted to go home.   Then my application for the detail was disapproved by the Commanding General owing to insufficient foreign service, so it looks like I will go back as soon as my two years is up.  If it would be possible to get a month's leave before I go I'd like to be ordered home any day.  What I am afraid of is that I'll stay here until October when my two years are up and then miss out on a leave.  It's pretty hard to get a leave during the summer owing to the maneuvers. 
I hope your Mother is keeping well and that your business is prospering.  And if you find the Girl don't let the ravings of a confirmed bachelor make you hesitate.
Affectionately
BobBrowning

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I don't believe I've written you since I got my promotion. I got the order nearly two months ago and conditions in the Old Army. Then lots of second lieuts were drawing one fogy and most first lieutenants were drawing two. Now there are hardly any any captains who have five years commissioned service. I was lucky to get in the regular army when I did, though, and those who got in a year earlier are still luckier. Promotions will be a long time getting down the files now and a few months service in the summer of 1917 will mean years of difference. I have no very good idea of when I'll be getting back to the States. We have a surplus of captains in the regiment and are expecting some lieutenants as soon as the present course at the Infantry School is finished. A few weeks ago we submitted reports as to whether we desired to go home or not. Just at this time there was a circular received from a Chief of Infantry asking officers who wanted details at schools to submit applications, so I submitted an application and naturally in order to be consistent I stated that I wanted to go home. Then my application for the detail was disapproved by the Commanding General owing to insufficient foreign service, so it looks like I will go back as soon as my two years is up. If it would be possible to get a month's leave before I go I'd like to be ordered home any day. What I am afraid of is that I'll stay here until October when my two years are up and then miss out on a leave. It's pretty hard to get a leave during the summer owing to the maneuvers. I hope your Mother is keeping well and that your business is prospering. And if you find the Girl don't let the ravings of a confirmed bachelor make you hesitate. Affectionately BobBrowning