Letter from Robert Emmet Gribbin to his sister Mary, October 4, 1902

Letter from Robert Emmet Gribbin to his sister Mary, October 4, 1902

Robert E. Gribbin, 1887-1976, graduated from The Citadel in 1906. His collection in The Citadel Archives includes letters written to his mother and two sisters in Blackville, South Carolina during his first two years as a cadet. A selection of these letters have been digitized and transcribed for this website. The full collection can be viewed at The Citadel Archives in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Robert Emmet Gribbin Cadet Letters

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English

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https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/769

Charleston (S.C.)

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Charleston S.C.

Oct. 4, 1902

Dear Mary,

I received your letter yesterday which I was expecting. I have not had much of that dreaded disease - homesickness. I do not believe I left anything behind except my fountain pen filler and if you can get a chance send it. I met Mr. Fuller from Orangeburg who is a cousin to Cleveland Risher & Garty Zeigler also a Mr. Fishburne whose sister married Mr. Walsh. Henry & I went out last night. We went to the Battery and back up to Line St. (our limit). I bought brushes last

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night also a tie. Today I bought three collars. I went to Miss Mattie’s  today. The blanket cost $3. Mr. Burn’s foot is still hurt and Miss Mattie is going home for a visit Monday evening. I also went to see Miss Lawrence this afternoon and she was real nice to me.

Sunday Night

This morning we went to Westminster Presbetarian [sic] Church and Miss Lawrence sang in the choir. As to money matters which I guess you are thinking about you need not worry as I have $2.45 out of the $10 (ten dollars) you gave me. I had to get a tie ($.25) trunk (.25) collars etc., more than what I thought I would have to spend.

I am receiving very good treatment. Tonight they sent for all “Rats” to go to a certain room for

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to undergo the usual initiation ceremonies. They paddled every recruit on this gallery except Henry & I. They would have beat us but Roy & Bowman told them to leave us alone as we were good “Rats” and if a recruit came they would paddle him because he had the gaul to come for their “Rats”. Last night the same order came as I was going Mr Hammette told me to go to his room and stay they would not bother me so I come out alright. But I have went through all the ceremonies but rather light and Henry the same way. We will start in lessons tomorrow. I have joined the Y.M.C.A. as I found out that the boys generally get along better.

I will close now,

Your loving brother,

Emmet Gribbin