I have dozens of letters that Dean wrote home to his parents, beginning with 13 September 1916, when he left home to attend Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and ending with one written on 8 August 1919 at Fort Russell, Wyoming, saying that he would be on his way home on about 31 August.

This letter is the one Dean wrote to his parents telling them that he had enlisted.

This letter is the bearer of tidings which may seem pretty bad on the first blush, but if you just stay with 'er until the first blush has subsided it will be alright. I am now a member of Company M, third Oregon infantry. Now just sit tight ---- its a vastly different proposition than joining the regular army. I have considered the matter very, very carefully and prayerfully, from every conceivable standpoint, and taking everything into consideration. I talked the matter over with Mr. Payne yesterday ---- Edwin has joined too.

Now I know just exactly what you are thinking: "Why, oh why didn't you wait a while and not bind yourself to anything until it becomes absolutely necessary? There are plenty of other men who are not in school, and upon whom the duty falls more heavily." But every other man that I have talked to or heard about is talking the same way. Every single one of them has an excuse which they consider just as legitimate. They all say that they will be right there when the call comes, but they do not stop to realize that they are failing in their duty right there. One of the biggest blows that can be dealt in the event of our going to war is a very heavy serious-minded enlistment at the very first. Two million men in training is something Germany would think about before pushing thru very much.

The chapel service this morning was given over to talks on the present situation, and an appeal to men to join the Guard. There was absolutely no emotionalism of any sort; not the slightest suggestion of glamour. We met the issue squarely, and soberly, and I am glad to say that I am one of the men who didn't shirk. The captain of Company M was one of the speakers this morning. College men were wanted especially, he said. "They are worth more to any regiment" was a statement he made; and further "we do not want war, we hate it, and will do everything in our power to prevent it, but there are some things that are worse than war. I do not expect that an American army will ever leave this country. The allies have all the men they can use, the cooperation they expect from us is money. Our army will be for defense only." The type of fellows who responded show pretty conclusively the spirit that is prevalent. Not a one of them had any other motive than duty. I'll name over a few of them and you get Carl to tell you what kind of men they are. Ray Attebery, Victor Collins, Victor Taylor, Ed Bolt, Foster Priddy, Maurice Lawson, Arnold Grallop (reenlisted), and a great many others. I was not influenced by this, however, I did my own thinking. W.U. has lost the president of the Y.M., the presidents of the Freshman and Sophomore classes, the editor of the Wallulah, and the manager of Forensics. At noon today seventeen W.U. men had joined, and there will probably be about thirty.

Now this does not mean that I am signed up for a certain amount of active service. During a period of three years I must take a certain amount of military drill, and must take the field whenever called, and will be dismissed immediately when there is no further need for staying in the field. Otherwise there are no restrictions. But the Guard was called out last night, and Company M will go to Clackamas, the mobilization point, as soon as it has recruited to 100. There are about 70 now. It will be police duty at present. Guarding bridges, etc.

I know exactly where this blow will fall heaviest, and God help me ---- what it cost to strike that blow! I decided this morning that I would write home right away and give you a chance to telegraph whether I should join or not, and I certainly would have done as you said, but I knew you would want me to do my duty, and it seemed like a cowardly trick to throw the issue entirely upon you two. Please don't think that I have been rash and hasty, for it has been a big battle, and please don't think that I regarded it as my duty simply because of what was said about college men ---- it goes a great deal deeper than that. Now mother, don't go and get sick or I will never forgive myself. It isn't so bad anyway. If there is any kind of a muss stirred up it would have had to come anyway, and I will be better prepared for it as it is. I have believed ever since I was a very small boy that my special talent was given me for a purpose. Thru seven or eight years that feeling has been very distinct, and it hasn't wavered for an instant. I have faith in it, although I do not believe in taking unnecessary risks on the strengh of it. If duty demands risks, I'll do it faithfully.

Well, I must close. I have to report at the armory in half an hour. It is now 5:25 P.M. I went thru the physical test with flying colors in everthing but weight. I'm a little too tall for my breadth.

P.S. Tell Uncle Hugh and Uncle Charlie that I will try and pay off my debt to them as soon as possible. The salary of a private is nothing to boast of, but I think I can manage it.

The only place I do not feel absolutely in the right is, am I justified in throwing this burden upon you. I will live in agony until I hear from you, and know just exactly how you feel about it. Lee Notson joined this morning. His father said "Go ahead. God be with you".

Read the 144th Psalm.

2 P.S. I'm staying with Edwin tonight. I got George Rordin to take my place at the O.P.H. Mr. Payne does not regard the situation as alarming. He hates to see us leave of course, but thinks there isn't a great deal of danger. Everyone is in fine spirits, but I know it will be harder for you because you are so far away. We were told tonight that we may not leave before the first of next week. The college is going to arrrange to give us credit for a full year's work, and a number of us are intending to take school books. Mrs. Payne can't see for the life of her why Edwin joined unless it was to get out of working in the garden this spring.

When everything is boiled down, here's the way I look at it. If it is anything serious I would have to go anyway and would be shoved in most anyplace. As it is, I'm with a bunch of fine Christian fellows, with a fine chance of advancement.