Fitz William McMaster Woodrow to Woodrow Wilson

When you gave me the opportunity of attending this camp I determined that I would earn a captaincy. I wanted you to know that I was in earnest & also that I had the ability to make good. Camp ends Monday and I have failed to accomplish my purpose. Instead of obtaining a captaincy I only got a First Lieutenancy. I was sworn in about a half hour ago. There were 32 of us and I rank 5th. The Capts. & the 2nd Lieuts have not been announced.

I think having failed at the first camp hurt me & that I was also handicapped by me stammering. My officers seemed to jump at the conclusion that it would prevent me from giving commands. Week by week passed without my having a trial & I concluded that I would not get a chance to make good. At last however I had an opportunity to command & I "got away with it"I am glad the camp is over. It has been a tough pull but it has been good for me. I now know I can stand disappointment and every thing that goes with it and at the same time smile. So this camp has been good for me in more ways than one.

I am to report to Camp Jackson for duty Dec. 15th. My Commission becomes effective Nov. 27. When I get it, I am going to ask you to sign it for me. If you will I will value it more.

Please give my love to Cousin Edith & Cousin Helen. I hope all of you are well. I am going to Mars Hill for a few days & then all of us [Mama Sister & I] will go to Columbia where I expect to spend the rest of my furlough.

I wish I could help my Commander in Chief bear some of his many burdens. Since I can't I will have to content myself by doing my best to help train a battery that will help show the Kaiser that we will will fight until victory is ours