At Plattsburg

The Story

The narrative unfolds in the summer of 1916 at the Plattsburg training camp in New York, a military training ground for business and professional men preparing for possible American involvement in World War I. The story is told primarily through the letters and diary entries of Private Richard Godwin, a modest, somewhat self-conscious young man who has volunteered for the camp. His journey begins with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement as he dons his ill-fitting uniform and boards the train to Plattsburg, aware that his transformation from civilian to soldier will be both physical and psychological.

Upon arrival, Richard and his squad are immediately immersed in the rigors of military life. The early days are marked by the strict discipline of manual drills, rifle handling, and tent inspections. The men learn to move in cadence, to carry their rifles with precision, and to maintain their equipment meticulously. The physical demands are exhausting, leaving many sore and stiff, but the sense of purpose and camaraderie grows steadily. The camp is a microcosm of American society, bringing together men from diverse backgrounds, including the athletic Randall from Yale and the more reserved David Farnham, whose quiet strength and integrity earn him respect despite his effeminacy.

As the weeks progress, the men face increasingly demanding exercises. They endure long hikes, often in cold and rainy weather, and participate in simulated battles that test their endurance and teamwork. The story captures the tension and excitement of these maneuvers, including a skirmish near Sciota, New York, where the men experience the chaos and adrenaline of combat drills. The narrative does not shy away from the discomforts of camp life: the cold, the dirt, the blisters, and the constant struggle to maintain morale and discipline.

Throughout the training, the men also engage in moments of levity and human connection. They share songs, such as the “Buzzard Song,” which becomes a symbol of their unity and spirit. The camp followers, nicknamed “buzzards,” who scavenge spent brass cartridges, add a touch of humor and realism to the scene. The letters reveal the men’s efforts to balance the harshness of military routine with small pleasures—swimming in icy waters, sharing meals, and exchanging jokes.

The story also introduces several women connected to the camp, notably Vera and Frances, who represent contrasting attitudes toward the military life. Vera, a feminist and suffragist, disapproves of the war and the camp’s militarism, while Frances is more traditional and supportive. Their interactions with Richard and the other men add a layer of social commentary and personal tension, highlighting the complexities of patriotism, gender roles, and personal conviction during wartime.

As the training nears its end, the men prepare for the final tests of their skills and endurance. They face a grueling march, a final parade, and the emotional farewell to the camp and to each other. Richard’s letters convey a deep sense of loss and nostalgia as he reflects on the friendships formed and the transformation he has undergone. The story closes with Richard alone on the empty drill field, surrounded by the remnants of their shared experience, ready to return to civilian life but forever changed by the spirit of Plattsburg.

The People

• Private Richard Godwin: The central narrator, Richard is a modest, thoughtful young man who initially feels awkward in his new military role. His letters reveal his growing pride and commitment as he adapts to the demands of camp life. He is observant and empathetic, often reflecting on the personalities around him and the meaning of their shared experience. By the end, Richard has matured, embracing the discipline and camaraderie that define the camp.

• David Farnham: A younger member of the squad, David is described as effeminate but possesses a strong moral core and quiet determination. He is wary of Randall’s aggressive nature but earns respect through his kindness and steadfastness, notably caring for a sick comrade. David’s struggle with social acceptance and his loyalty to the group highlight themes of identity and belonging.

• Randall: A Yale man with a commanding physique but a suspicious and somewhat antagonistic personality. Randall’s inability to accept orders and his disruptive behavior create tension within the squad. His character embodies the challenges of discipline and the clash between individualism and military order.

• Captain Kirby: The commanding officer of the company, Kirby is strict and demanding, often provoking mixed feelings among the men. He is respected for his leadership and dedication, though his aggressive style sometimes alienates the soldiers. His presence anchors the camp’s military seriousness and the men’s efforts to meet high expectations.

• Knudsen: A complex figure with a rough exterior and a sharp wit, Knudsen is a self-described self-seeker but shows genuine care for his comrades, especially Lucy. His philosophical musings and humor provide relief from the camp’s hardships, revealing the multifaceted nature of the men in training.

• Vera and Frances: Two women connected to the camp, representing different perspectives on the war and military life. Vera is a feminist skeptic of the military, while Frances is more traditional and supportive. Their interactions with Richard and the men introduce social and emotional dimensions to the story, illustrating the broader societal debates of the time.

In Its Own Voice

The narrative voice is intimate and candid, capturing the daily realities and emotions of camp life with a blend of humor and seriousness:

“Though you kissed me good-by with affection, you know there was amusement in the little smile with which you watched me go. I, a modest citizen, accustomed to shrink from publicity, was exposed in broad day in a badly fitting uniform... What a guy I felt myself, and how every smile or laugh upon the street seemed to mean Me!” — Richard Godwin, on his departure for Plattsburg, capturing the awkward pride of transformation.

“The lieutenant had us out again in the afternoon, us and the guns. Consequently we were put through the manual of arms until the anticipated lameness is now a reality, not only of the arms but of the whole body... ‘Like a clock-work,’ muttered Pickle in despair.” — A vivid description of the physical demands and strict discipline of military drill.

“Our best speaker so far... was a youngish doctor, who gave us a plain talk concerning personal hygiene... Some of our lads, who come here with expenses paid by their employers, have a little to learn in this particular.” — Reflecting the practical lessons and social observations woven into camp life.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the transformation of ordinary men into soldiers, not through heroic battles but through the slow, often tedious process of training and discipline. It examines how individuals from diverse backgrounds confront the demands of military life, negotiate their identities, and forge bonds in the face of shared hardship. The story is less about war itself and more about preparation for war—the physical, mental, and emotional conditioning that shapes men for service.

The theme of camaraderie runs deeply throughout the narrative. The men’s interactions, from the friendly banter to the conflicts between personalities like Randall and David, reveal how community is built through cooperation, mutual support, and shared purpose. The “Buzzard Song” and the collective efforts to maintain discipline underscore the importance of group identity in a setting that strips away civilian distinctions.

Discipline and authority are central tensions. The officers and sergeants strive to impose order on a group of volunteers unused to military hierarchy. The resistance and compliance of the men illustrate the challenges of adapting to a system that demands obedience and sacrifice. Randall’s rebelliousness contrasts with David’s quiet acceptance, highlighting different responses to authority and the struggle to find one’s place.

The presence of women, particularly Vera and Frances, introduces a social critique of the military experience. Vera’s feminist skepticism and Frances’s traditionalism frame the camp within broader cultural debates about gender, patriotism, and the role of women during wartime. Their perspectives challenge the men’s assumptions and add complexity to the narrative, reminding readers that military life is embedded in a larger social context.

Finally, the book touches on the theme of personal growth and maturity. Richard’s letters trace his evolution from a self-conscious civilian to a committed soldier, reflecting the internal changes that accompany external training. The physical hardships, the discipline, and the friendships all contribute to a rite of passage that prepares these men for the uncertainties ahead.

Why Read It Today

This book offers a detailed, grounded portrayal of a unique moment in American history—the civilian military training camps before the United States entered World War I. Readers interested in military history, social history, or the personal dimensions of war preparation will find rich material here. The narrative’s epistolary style provides immediacy and intimacy, drawing readers into the daily rhythms and challenges of camp life.

The writing is warm and precise, avoiding romanticizing or sensationalizing the experience. Instead, it presents the mixture of discomfort, humor, pride, and camaraderie that defines the men’s time at Plattsburg. The detailed descriptions of drills, marches, and camp routines give a vivid sense of the physical and mental demands placed on these volunteers.

However, the book’s period language and social attitudes may present challenges to modern readers. Some characters embody early 20th-century stereotypes, and the narrative reflects contemporary views on class, gender, and race that require contextual understanding. The pace can be slow, focusing on routine and detail rather than dramatic action, which may not appeal to all.

Yet, for those willing to engage with its style and historical context, the book offers a compelling window into the spirit of a generation preparing for war. It captures the tension between civilian life and military duty, the forging of identity through discipline, and the enduring bonds formed in shared endeavor. The story lingers in the mind as a testament to the quiet courage and complexity of men who volunteered not for glory but for service.