Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson

In reply to your note concerning the use of sweet potatoes in the army, I beg to submit the following in connection with the attached communication of July 23, 1917, from the Members of the Georgia Delegation in Congress, relative to placing sweet potatoes on the list of supplies authorized to be purchased by the Quartermaster Corps for use of the Army.
The Army ration was adopted after very full and careful consideration, consultation with scientific and medical experts, and as far as known is giving entire satisfaction. Heretofore there has been very little demand for sweet potatoes for issue to troops of the regular army, and this vegetable has been confined to cans and only intended for sales and not for issue to troops, so that there has not been any fresh, but only the canned variety of sweet potatoes authorized.
But under present conditions, it is realized that there will be a large number of troops from the South who like and prefer sweet potatoes to Irish potatoes. In view of this I have decided to authorize the purchase and issue, when practicable, of sweet potatoes to troops who prefer them. I shall also authorize the issue of bacon instead of fresh meat, and corn meal and hominy in the place of bread where troops prefer this change, which those from the South are likely to do.