Royal D. M. Bauer's Diary - September 3, 1917 - October 23, 1919

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Property of Royal DM Bauer Lds Yeo, Barracks C Great Lakes, [Illinois]

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MONDAY, [September] 3, 1917. To work, as usual. Phone call from home at about 9:00 saying that Major's and my call had come, to report [Tuesday] morning at 9:00. 10:30 - Bide Streckfus steamboat Line farewell and after an hours vain search for a Bible, Revised Version, printed on India paper in a small pocket size, which mother wished to give me, I went home to get ready. Mother will send the Bible on. Getting ready consisted of packing my New Testament, razor, brush, tooth brush, note book, sewing kit < my wife! > an extra collar, soap and towel, and a couple of old shirts. Major's and my belongings half filled a suit case. Farewell party for the "bunch" and a few other friends in the evening. TUESDAY [September] 4. Recruiting station at 9:00. Recruits to dinner <Julier's> at 12:00. Drill 1 to 5. Supper at Julier's at 5:00. 5:30 - Home till 7:00. Entrained at 8:45. Our Company was No. 3 with 36 men, and occupied the last car. My job in charge of the 3rd Co. was not a heavy one; just to keep order and have the Co. fall in on the Dearborn St. station platform at Chicago on arrival there and again on arrival at the Training Station. WEDNESDAY [September 5] Chicago 7:00 am. Breakfast in C & N.W. Depot Restaurant 7:45. C & NW Train to Great Lakes Training station at 8:15. 9:00 arrived as it started to rain. Soon cleared off. Most of day spent sitting around & taking in the passing sights. Blankets, mattress, and towel issued to each and tent assigned in afternoon. Y.M.C.A. meeting after supper. Church songs, short snappy address, moving pictures and some popular songs. Tattoo sounds at 9:00 and taps at 9:05 which mean every body in his tent except guards or sentinels. THURSDAY [September 6] Reveille at 5:00. shower bath first then we take our cots out of the tents < 3 in a tent > and mop up the floor, then tilt it up with a prop so the ground beneath may dry. We are finding the meals very much to our liking. Had to fall in at about 8:30 and after

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a quick shower bath, undergo another medical examination, then a shot in the arm <first of three> then vaccination. The "shot" scared some fellows before they got it. It consists simply of injecting about ten drops of serum just under the skin near the shoulder on the arm the immediate after effect is to make some men a little bit dizzy. Several in almost every Company faint after taking it the first time. One in our crowd of about a hundred toppled over. A dozen or more sat down for ten minutes to get over their dizziness, including myself. Just before dinner every day, for awhile, the recruits have to pass in line before doctors with their shirts opened that the doctors may look at their abdomens. In the afternoon another, or several, groups of yeomen came in, so that we now have nearly 200 in camp. Some are from Ohio, Indiana, and even West Virginia; so Newport, where we all expected to go, must be filled up. Some of the seamen who came in Wednesday are already being prepared to move over to Camp Paul Jones, detention camp, in a day or two. FRIDAY [September] 7, Rainy and chilly. Nothing much to do but eat and entertain ourselves as we wish. Spent most of the morning at the Y.M.C.A. writing and incidentally listening to the overworked piano and the group of men gathered around it. P.M. - Had my hair cut - short Wondering what the fellows whose mess - pans did not pass inspection are doing. Some are needed after every meal to help clean up the kitchen - galley, rather, so if the inspectors find a speck on one's mess tin, that is enough to bring a remark something like this; "I'll elect you to membership in the Galley Club today," or, "Just step aside to this social crowd over here," which means some kind of extra work, if not in cleaning up then peeling potatoes or breaking eggs or when there is nothing else there are fly swatters which are to be used - and the resulting trophies counted

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SATURDAY [September] 8 Our first drill in the four days we have been here from about 9:30 to 11:30. Then after chow a washing of clothes, & another good bath. About all we have to do is eat, sleep and keep clean, so that is what we do. Last night was "Stunt Night" at the Y. After over an hour of songs, instrumental pieces on mandolins, cornet, and piano, and several good tumbling and other acrobatic stunts by the boys, one of the Yeomen completed the program by convulsing the house with laughter at the antics of the men he hypnotized, first one at a time, and then six at once, the last time making them believe their noses were of flexible rubber. SUNDAY [September] 9 Expected to shave after breakfast in plenty of time for Sunday school, or rather, Bible Study, at 9, but the mess kit inspector invited me to "Talk to Howard over there," Howard being in charge of the Galley squad. That meant gather up some dirty dishes, wash them until relieved and put on the job of peeling potatoes with about 50 others where we peeled for an hour, until assembly sounded at 9:00 to call us to Bible Study classes. Found that of the good number of Yeomen present in their class, probably 80 or 85% came from the larger cities, and nearly all were Sunday School and YMCA men. At 11:00 the whole camp was marched by companies and seated outside the Y.M.C.A. for the services, consisting of songs, responsive scripture reading, male quartette, address by the President of the Western Theological Seminary, and concluded with prayer. Major suffering with a cold headache, and slight fever. Visited the Doctor with him, where he got several laxative pills MONDAY [September] 10 After retiring at 7:30 I still was not ready to get up at 5:00. Had several hours of drill this morning and afternoon. In the division of the Yeomen into two companies the St Louis boys all remain together in Co. A.

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TUESDAY [September] 11 After a cold night in which our two blankets with newspapers spread between made barely enough cover, and did leave a good many cold feet, the day is clear and warm. Drilled about 3 hours this morning, the last hour without shirt or coat, only under shirt. Major is back, discharged from the Sick Bay where he went last night for better attention in case his cold and headache of the last two days should get worse. On guard at the "Head" (our Barracks building) after dinner until assembly for mess. WEDNESDAY [September] 12 We have been here a week now. The papers between our blankets kept us very warm and comfortable last night. Drilled 3 hours again this morning and about 2 hours after dinner had a lesson in knot tying and a short drill in the manual of arms with the old "Krag" rifles. First mail from home and very welcome. Mess this evening was fit for anyone with an appetite, consisting of Irish stew, spaghetti, a little slice or two of brick cheese, a large spoonful of apple butter, almost half a raw tomato, with bread and tea. This all mixed together (except the tea) in our mess kits made a fine dish. The amount that some of the boys can eat, including myself, is a caution. THURSDAY [September] 13 Rainy and no drill so the day was very profitably spent in writing letters mostly to Pilot Knobbers fourteen in all. While writing at the Y.M.C.A. one of the boys, who took a turn at the rather overworked piano, did very well, whereupon one of this friends called out, "Fine! But why didn't you play with your other foot too, and your nose?" Miss Macbeth, an Opera star sang at the Y from 6:30 to 7:30. Her program was very much appreciated as shown by the deafening applause - deafening, for six hundred to a thousand men can

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make a big noise when they appreciate something and want to show it by their applause. FRIDAY [September] 14 Feeling fine as possible. Got our second shot in the arm at about 11:00. It was a matter of complacent indifference to most of the fellows, tho one in our company, a tall husky chap fainted twice before his turn came. It is not easy to see how a strapping healthy fellow could let the anticipation of such a thing so affect him. This afternoon we were outfitted with a suit of blue, caps (white, watch and dress) shoes, leggings, boots, sweater, underwear, etc. The whites, overcoats & ponchos come later. Stunt night at the Y. Some lady entertained for a half hour with impersonations of a 12 year old boy. Two of the boys went thru some contortions, tying themselves into all kinds of knots; one of them showing how to dislocate first his shoulder, and then his neck. The program ended with a 30 or 40 minute hypnotizing stunt by the Yeoman who hypnotized last week on Stunt night. Two of the boys thought they were haranguing a crowd, and wildly waved their arms and declaimed, tho all they said was to count, one repeating "7, 8, 9,10," or only a few numerals, and the other counted from 1 to 15 or 20 and a time or two to 22. Two fellows counted their fingers, each believing he had ten fingers on one hand and counting them that way over and over, and then each tried to convince the other that the other's hand had only five fingers. SATURDAY [September] 15 Most of our Co. did not get their outfits stencilled yesterday, and had to have it done this morning. No drill all day. After dinner there was some activity because of the expectation of moving over to Camp Paul Jones. O'Malley, our popular Co. commander expects to stay with us when we do move. The prospect of carrying all our belongings when we leave made quite a few mail their grips and unnecessary belongings home. The grips and packages (including one from Major and me)

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made a big pile in the Y., and there seemed to be more letters than usual, for the mail bag was filled to overflowing. There was also some activity around the camp because Saturday is inspection day and everything wants to look even more spick and span than usual. As one of the inspectors sent the second Yeoman aside for not having a clean mess kit, someone remarked gleefully that there goes another Yeoman for Galley duty; and another said that the Yeomen might as well wash dishes for they don't do anything else anyway. SUNDAY [September] 16 A beautiful day for services outdoors. 44 present for Bible Study Class from our approximately 200 Yeomen, so our room in the Y. was crowded and we went outside. The Mr McAfee (I think) who is a Chicago business man, lead us again, and was as interesting as last Sunday. One of his points was that a man cannot draw away to himself in order to keep strong spiritually, for that will mean stagnation; but he must mix with his fellows, and should be like the great ships on which we expect to go some day. Some water craft are without power to go any where except as a tug hitches to them and tows them. They are the barges, and are useful. Some have sails and can so adjust them that any wind can be made to drive them to their destination. But they are dependent upon the wind for motive power. And then there are the great ships that by means of their own motion power go to their ports regardless of winds. The man who corresponds to the barge is a useful member of society in that he can do a lot of work, but somebody else has to hitch to him in the morning and tow him around all day. The sailboat kind of man can steer his course pretty well under the stimulation of his environment, and if he is following the right paths even adverse influences will make him stick to

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his course even more persistently. However, when other or outside influences are lacking he stagnates, for he hasn't the motive power within himself to proceed. God is awaiting our consent to install this motive power within us, and supply the fuel, that we may be like unto the powerful ship that does not have to depend on others. Meeting at 6:30 at which I tried to lead the singing. Mr Bingham, Genl. YMCA secretary, made a powerful address. He said that we are in a new environment here, and that we should look out that the natural tendency of the crowd (of any crowd) to make one forget or neglect his home ties, his community ties, his personal standards and convocations, and his God does not lead us astray. He said, "Live your own life in the crowd." MONDAY [September] 17 A fine day for drilling, and we did about six hours of it. The effect may be seen on some red necks and arms, due to sunburn. Package came from home with cookies and fruit, pretty much crushed, but mighty good. Major got a taste of Galley duty after supper for a half hour. TUESDAY [September] 18 Still wondering when we shall move, if at all, during your detention period. Caught for galley duty after breakfast because of the tiniest speck on my mess-tin. My work was to take the names of those sent aside by the inspectors. About 8 or 10 came after me, and in ten minutes my work was done. 55 others were on the list. Then at 8:00 when assembly blew I was several minutes getting into line, and for a penalty had to take the morning watch at the "head." The loafing there after the scrubbing was done was more pleasant than drilling out in the hot sun. WEDNESDAY [September] 9 The last ten men at the left of our Co. were superfluous for an even number of squads; as we were detailed to clean our "heads" and spent an hour or two with mops, brooms, pails, Bon Ami, and rags, cleaning up right.

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Of course our "heads" are the barracks assigned to our Company. The Co. was drilled about five hours. Between drills in the afternoon Major shaved my head. It is some sight. Major had the watch in the upper head during the morning because he was in the squad which "pulled a bone" in drill the day before. In camp two weeks now. THURSDAY [September] 20 Reveille at 5 as usual, I suppose tho I did not hear it. This is the second time I failed to hear it. Tomorrow morning we'll all hear it, I suppose. The slight rain this morning made it fine to sleep, and when a Chief Petty Officer came around at 6 o'clock and looked in at all our tents he found nearly all the Yeomen asleep as well as a great many men all over camp. He caught one fellow smoking a cigarette (which is against the rules) and took his name, and the sentence for this just offence we have heard is 24 hours in the "Brig" (guard house). This will go on his permanent record. This is Co. A's day for extra duty or police duty, but it looks almost as if our work might be given us as a penalty for sleeping late. Major & I were in the group of 20 detailed to clean up in the Y. Then I did some carpenter work, making shelves for inside the safe. We extra duty men were the first in to mess and did not have to line up for seconds. After dinner we had to fall in, and the first 25 names on our Company's roll were read for extra duty guarding. There are five shifts of five men each. Major and I get the watch from 5 to 8 am tomorrow at Barracks E (headquarters for this camp) to act as messengers. It is a more desirable watch at any rate than the one from 11 to 2, for instance, or 2 to 5. Musical program tonight by a Chags. Soprano and a Baritone. Some more deafening applause.

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FRIDAY, [September] 21. Up at 4:40 so as to be at our post (Major & I) at 5 to 8, as messengers at Barracks E. Drilled about 3 1/2 hours only. Received our third and final shot in the arm at about 10 am. No one fainted this time so far as I have heard. The watches for tonight have been changed to two hours in length instead of three. SATURDAY [September] 22. A short morning drill, then some excellent advice from O'Malley, our Co Commander (

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Monday [September] 24 Not much drill, but spent a lot of time when we carried our dress caps and the blue blouse to the building where the tailor shop is, the caps to have the bands attached reading "U.S. Naval Training Station," and the blouses to have the one white stripe sewed on the cuffs to show our rating, or rather standing. And then we wasted a lot of time, the whole camp arranged in Regimental Square, while the Commanding Officer of the Camp, Gunner Sharpe straightened matters out in the cases of some who were not yet outfitted and some whose cards, or some kind of records, were not complete. Package came from home containing a Kodak, sweater for Major, cookies, 2 [ms illegible: 1 wd], and 2 packages of Lifesavers, 5 rolls of film. TUESDAY [September] 25 Several hours of actual drilling all day, but continually having to "fall in" for some announcement or other kept us from doing anything else. About 10 o'clock now two yeoman companies lined up for another injection of some serum, this time for diphtheria, we think. It was placed under the skin just below and inside the left elbow. The "Bull Pen," as the enclosure is called in which thousands detained for awhile, whose throats contain germs of cerebro-spinal meningitis, is near the Y., and the 5 or 6 men who succeeded in evading the sentrips and getting out for a little trip to Chicago for a few hours or a day have been put in shackles. Their ankles are "handcuffed" together with a chain about 15 inches long allowing a step that long, and making an unpleasant noise as they walk. Others in the Pen are not supposed to, and will not, talk to them. First chance to use the news of V.P. Kodaks. Took Matson and Major sitting on a cot at our tent door writing home Albert Brown; a Pilot Knobler, visited me from the Radio Station Main Camp after supper WEDNESDAY [September] 26 This was Co. A's day for police duty. Major spent most of the day helping around the Galley. I didn't fancy the job of peeling "spuds," so after working around awhile went to the Y and found another job making

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a typewriter desk for one of the secretaries, one which I spent the day. Major was on watch at the Cower heard from 10 to 12 pm. My finishing up at the Y after supper saved me from getting a watch. Retired at 7:30. THURSDAY [September] 27. Answered the call for 25 volunteers to swab Barracks E (headquarters) and others 5 a.m. Worked an hour. Wet grounds and a slight drizzle at times pre-vented drill on the Parade Grounds, so we marched around on the camp streets for awhile. 10:30 finished washing some clothes that were put in soaking yesterday but not washed then because of lack of time. 1:00 pm. out in our blue dress uniforms leggings and white hats. After a couple of hours' Regimental drill and some tiresome waiting, even tho we stood "at rest," we marched over to the Main Camp at about 5pm to march in the review before Col. Roosevelt, whose party came thru our camp in Antos just before 5. The review was impressive for the large drill grounds were full of marching men some 18,000 of them. Jackies of the Great Lakes Naval Training Sta. Mess was later than usual because of our late return to the main Detention Camp. Because it was dark when many finished eating there were a great many mess kits left lying around without being cleaned some three hundred was the estimate. Because of this the whole camp, with the exception of only a few who were permitted to hear the singing of some Chicago lady at the Y., was called out by the bugle sounding assembly. He formed a regimental square and stood there, with a sentry pacing around the square while Mr. Sharpe, in charge of the camp expressed, himself in a forceful yet gentlemanly way about such a state of affairs. He reminded us that he could keep us standing there until midnight or all night, if he wished, and that this was one of the examples of the frequent occurrance of innocent and guilty suffering together where the guilty men cannot be picked out. We were dismissed in about one hour. 8 to 10 my watch at hydrant FRIDAY [September] 28 While standing on the parade grounds last night Chief Petty Officer Tuttle found a new arrival in the camp standing around. Tuttle asked him if he had heard the bugle sounds

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assembly, and why he did not fall in with his Co. Then he said "Have you a sister at home?" Answer, "Yes." "Well, then bring her along next time you leave home to take care of you!" At about 10 we filed past the doctor who injected the Diphtheria serum in our arms three days ago. His assistant checked our names and marked them + or - as the doctor said. We had been inspected in this way each day since the injection. I was negative, or - showing no sign of the injection. Major was positive, or +, having a little red spot where the injection was made. In the afternoon when we were dismissed for the day and expected to have a ballgame at 3:30 we were told to

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The mess-hall attendants (Galley Hounds") are detailed from the different companies, several from each usually, to serve their week. The mess-hall takes care of about 2000 men at each of the first two messes, and 5000 at the third, or 9000 men at each meal. Sleeping in our hammocks will be rather interesting for a few nights until we get used to it for they are said to spill their contents rather easily at times. The jockstraps or large piping on which the hammocks are hung are about eight feet above the floor, so one sleeps about six feet high, and it takes an acrobat to swing up into one of them. The watches were started in alphabetic order again, so Major & I were on the first day, Major on the first watch, in the Barracks Room (in which we sleep), and I was on the fourth watch in the Drying Room. My hours were 7 to 9 pm, then six hours off, then two on, 3 to 5 a.m., and again 11 to 1 Sunday. Being on watch we could not go on shore leave so strolled around the camp and thru Camp Paul Jones. The drifting shadow of the clouds made a pretty effect on Lake Michigan. When I think of the many many people who can look on so beautiful a sight as this broad expanse of water with its deep blue, and the waves rolling in, and who are not moved in the least by it, it seems a pity that so many others who would appreciate it have not the opportunity to see it. SUNDAY [September] 30. After getting off my 3 to 5 watch I took a shower, helped swab up the Barracks floor, and lashed up my hammock, along with everyone else in the Co. Bible study at 9:00, the Yeoman class again under Mr McAfee. He said that the announcement of Jesus, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" is applicable now to us as it was to the people then. We don't always know what the plan is behind the orders we get from our officers, but we obey them because it is our duty knowing that our doing so will be fulfilling our part in a larger scheme to make it successful. We cannot understand many of God's plans even tho we know their general nature is to work out for the greatest good. We should obey His will because it is our duty and also because we can know that by doing so we are doing our "bit" toward the carrying out God's great plans. Mr McAfee's talk was somewhat along the line he took up

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three weeks ago when he said, about what we may do in the career ahead of us, "You may make the contribution of your life. You may make the vastly greater contribution of your spirit." At 12:30 Matson relieved me of the last half hour of my watch in order that I could go along with the liberty party then leaving. Major & I went to Waukegan and walked around, out on a pier about a half mile on the Lake, stopped awhile at the "Jolly Tars Club

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WEDNESDAY, [October] 3 Up (rather down out of our hammocks) at 4:50. Hammocks lashed and bath before 5:30, Then scrubbing decks at 5:30 after sweeping them down, as I was on the detail for that work. Rainy weather prevented drills so the drill periods were again spent on our manual. I happened to look out of the window and saw a sprinkling wagon go down the street with the team at a trot, sprinkling the street in the rain. It seemed rather odd at first, but probably it was a formalahyde or formalin solution for disinfecting. A bucket of this solution is kept at each drinking faucet to hold the drinking cups. One of the first things told us when we reached Detention Camp was that we had better not try to drink this solution for it might not taste very good and besides was not for that purpose. THURSDAY, [October] 4 Short drill this morning, then the rest of the drill period was spent studying our Manuals again. About 11 o'clock Mr O'Malley sent Cooper, one of our boys, upstairs to get six yards of skirmish line. He went after it, and then the laugh was on him. Another fellow was sent to get a bucket of Jack Tar. Cooper said, "Aw, well, I had to go when I was ordered to." FRIDAY [October] 5 Our company lined up and marched to the store-Room for our small stores for which we had signed last night. I drew two suits of whites and a scrub brush. This was "field day" in our Barracks A., and everybody turned to to clean up, washing paintworks, scrubbing. Expected payday to be tonight, and the Yeoman companies marched over to the Administration Bldg., but the Payroll for us had not been made out; and also we had not signal pay slips, so we marched back to the Barracks and received slips to sign. Then we get paid tomorrow. Major's and my pay will be, according to bulletin posted, $95 each. We are paid the multiple of $500 nearest the amount actually due us, and a month's wages is held back. At $32 per month, or $32.40 net after 2 [cents] hospital dues is taken off, had about $96 coming from June 2 to [September] 1st Invitations from Chicago for boys to spend Saturday evening

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with a fair hostess, dance, & if they prefer attend church Sunday morning, free eats and another social affair, or sightseeing in the afternoon. Most of the boy accepted. Circular asking boys who desire to correspond with a club for girls nearby to sign name, etc., and they would be assured that some girl will write and try to make him happy. SATURDAY [October] 6 Our Co. marched past a table in the Drill Hall for our pay envelopes at about 8 am. $95.00 looks like a big sum to get in one lump for the little we have actually done in the Navy so far. Pound box of fudge from Minerva Petersen On shore - leave party lined up at 12:15 and Major, Matson Shain, Harry Stolle, Larry Hauenstein, and I left on the 12:57 car for Milwaukee. Arrived there in an hour and a half, and spent the fine afternoon looking around downtown, doing a little miscellaneous shopping. Major & I bought a souvenir silver teaspoon each to give the folks at home. Larry and I went to our room at the Y. at about 9, before the others. We had a large room with seven beds, paying 75 [cents] each for the lodging. Before the others came in Larry and I rolled up the rug and placed tables and chairs on the beds, as if we were putting things in shape so the others could swab down the decks when they came in. I was about to take a shower bath when they came and Larry had them thinking for awhile that the scrubbing was to be done by order of Cpt Moffat of Great Lakes Station affecting all sailors who stay at the Y. We also had one of the beds fixed so it would fall thru, and Harry went thru and then left on another one. We didn't have time to fix them all before they returned, Retired at 10:00. SUNDAY [October] 7 Did not arise with the notes of reveille Up at 8:30. M.E. Church (Grand Ave. M.E., Dr Hovis, Pastor) morning and evening, also League. Visited Washington Park and saw the zoo in the afternoon. Back to camp at 11:30. MONDAY [October] 8. More or less sleepiness all over camp today. Walked around our living room, or corridor, where about a hundred fellows were sitting supposed to be studying, and counted thirteen asleep. No seats or tables in our Barracks, so we have to use the floor - deck - to sit on and lean against the stanchions

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or bulkheads. When writing we use our knees for desks. These fellows sitting in this position would be nodding during most of the study period, or lay down on the deck to take a good nap. We had about an hour's drill, and then study. Major and I on watch below (in the basement) 5 to 7 p.m., 1 to 3am., and 9 to 11 am. [Tuesday] TUESDAY, [October] 9. I was put on the bright work detail. Polished brass fixtures such as doorknobs, window handles, etc from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., then shaved and went on watch 9 to 11. Then after mess I spent 3 1/2 hours again polishing up. Spent the evening writing. WEDNESDAY [October] 10. No scrubbing of decks for us four or five on the bright work detail but we are to see that the bright work is bright. Polished a few more door knobs and touched up some work. I will require only a little touching up now every 2 or 3 days to keep it bright. At the 8 o'clock muster of Co. A., O'Malley mentioned that our Co. does not have the 8:30 muster, as some do, but he goes thru the dormatory at 9 or 9:05 every evening and taps our hammocks to see if we are in. Last night there were 20 not in at 9:05 - I wonder if that tapping on the hammocks has anything to do with the bugle call "Taps" at 9:05??? If it were not that Taps is sounded on other occasions, (at least at funerals) it might seem that there is some connection. O'Malley also said that to save having to answer continuous questions he would announce that we have muster at 8 then drill period until 11:30 and 1 to 3:30 or 4 in which we are to drill or study as directed. 11:30 to 1 is our time to do with as we wish (within the bounds of reason) and also after 4. Since we wish to eat, and scrub our clothes occasionally, and shave, and take care of our correspondence, there isn't much of this time left to coax in. No drill period after dinner, so I scrubbed clothes and wrote. Connover of our Co, who fell out of his hammock about 12:30 Monday night is getting along fine. He is pretty well bruised up, and wears a plaster over the corner of one eye. He sat beside me at Supper Monday and commented on how he was enjoying it. He ate heavily, saying that he is not going to kick any

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about the chow as to quality just so there is a sufficient quantity. I suppose he ate too much, or maybe it just did not agree with his stomach and that he rolled and pitched in his sleep until his hammock dumped him out and the next thing he knew he was on the hard hardwood floor almost eight feet below. This evening he exhibited a certificate granting him five days sick leave, and hustled into a change of clothes to start to his home in Jackson, [Michigan], which he will reach by 2 a.m. Looking around for Major today I thought again of the similarity between all these Jackies wearing the same uniform, for I had to make the rounds of our living room and take a look at them all at close range, as they sat around flat on the deck, before I could find my own brother. Ate at a table at mess tonight where several petty officers ate who were all excitement and enthusiasm because they are shipping out tonight. Expect to go to Norfolk and onto the sea right away. Box of candy from Ruth B. THURSDAY [October] 11. Still on the bright work detail and spent over two hours polishing this morning. We are given to understand that our being on that detail will excuse us from regular galley duty, tho the information is accepted with a grain of salt. Demey, one of the boys who came up with us from St Louis, had a couple of fingers smashed in a door while working in the mess- hall, it almost took the end off of one. He got a five day sick leave as a consequence, and left at 11:00 to go home to wifie. He is 23 years old and has been married for some time- about a year I think. FRIDAY, [October] 12. Weather cold and windy. Slight snowfall, the first of the season. Supposed to be field day again, when everything was to be thoroly scrubbed and cleaned, but the morning was occupied in showing the teachers around who had a convention trip here from Chicago & Cook County. There was a rumor that we would have to

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pass in review before Secretary of the Navy, Daniels, this afternoon, which we were glad did not materialize, for we were not anxious to stand out on the parade grounds an hour or more. Several of us missed the 11 and 12 o'clock messes by talking to some of the teachers, and Major did not even get in on the last one, so he did not get any dinner. As a consequence he was hungry enough to want to go to 4'oclock mess, which we did. I had eaten a heavy dinner of beans, with a pickle, stalk of celery, bread and butter, cake, and coffee, so ate only one helping at supper, which, by the way, is all that a good many ever care for. Supper consisted of a couple of frank-furters, a portion of cold potato salad, a generous chunk of yellow cheese, bread and butter, an orange, and tea. Now I can see how much I sometimes eat too, after sitting there and watching Major put away about two and a half portions of everything except oranges. Our Yeoman football suits and boxing gloves came today. We had some lively boxing in the living room. Major received a two pound box of candy made by Mrs Zella Page, Springfield, [Missouri]. Handed in our names today for a church party in Chicago Sunday morning. SATURDAY, [October] 13. As Major's name was drawn last night for a weeks Galley duty when the names of those in the Co. who have not yet had Galley work were placed in a hat and enough drawn for the detail, I also volunteered this morning, and took the place of a fellow who was anxious to get off. We wear our whites, and an apron to protect them, and boots most of the time. I expect to the whole time because of the amount of scrubbing to be done, and the red composition floor stains the scrubbing water and would about ruin shoes and leggings. Major and I and another fellow tend to our table. We eat before preparing to serve. At the ringing of a signal gong one from each table lines up and passes thru the Galley for his table's portions of one

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dish. Then in a minute or two, when this line has passed thru and is back in the mess hall, another gong signal calls a man from each table for the second dish; and so on. Finally, at the command, "Serve," the food is dished out, and then in comes the hungry mob. If a man is willing to work he can see to it that those who eat at his table have plenty; but if he is lazy he may neglect to go after seconds and let those at this table get up hungry. After the first and second messes everything is cleaned up, the table brushed off, the dishes run thru larger dishwashing machines. After the third or last mess, the tables are scrubbed off and the floor scrubbed, and the dishes replaced for the next meal. Today there were five tables (they all seat 42 each) left over after the last mess when every body had eaten, and those 210 portions were wasted - gathered up from the plates where it was all mixed together (potatoes, some meat, and minced rutabagas) and thrown in the garbage can. They could not tell how many would be here to eat because many are away over [Saturday] and Sunday on shore leave. Received our invitations to the church party - or rather our introduction cards - and because of Galley duty had to go to the Chaplain's office and ask to be excused. SUNDAY [October] 14 On the job at 5am. No morning mess at our table as we took our beans back. No time off before dinner, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., and off again at 7 pm. There is a Thomas and a Thompson at the table next to ours, and a Thomasson at the next table. Nine yeoman present at our Bible study class, un heard. MONDAY [October] 15. It looks like some of us are all out of luck. Classes were started at 9, and Major's and my names were called for one, but because we are in the mess hall they were taken out again. They could not use all the Yeoman anyway, so some others are left out too. We surely hope it doesn't take ten weeks before we get started in classes (after the others are done) especially if it

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means that they will get their ratings and go to sea that much sooner. Gave our names (Major and I) to chaplain Moore for a [Saturday] evening & Sunday party. TUESDAY [October] 16 The Yeoman may have been given a kind of

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and also some waste paper baskets procured with the funds from a 10 [cent] assessment made against the members of our company. THURSDAY [October] 18 During the first morning mess one of the boys at table #39 (ours is 41) who had been rather loud all week had a fight with a fellow who sat down at his table over some trivial matter. Their names were taken, and we have an idea they will go to the Brig for it. In the fight a pan of our bread was scattered on the floor. They say there is a Station rule that prohibits fighting in any of the buildings tho it says nothing, or at least assesses no punishment for fighting outdoors. We were out at about 12:30, a little early, and dressed in our blues expecting to have our Co. picture taken. The photographer did not appear at 1:00 as expected, probably because of the dark rainy day. Took a walk up (or over) to the lake front during our morning recess, and when facing the strong wind there was not the accustomed standing out of coat tails. Instead there was a very perceptible flapping of the large trouser legs, and also of the large collar. FRIDAY [October] 19 This was field day again in the galley. We cleaned walls, bright work, and floors extra well after breakfast, and after dinner used sand on the tables again. During the afternoon recess Major and I again visited chaplain Moore

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relief coming on at 6 were very much dejected over it. We worked thru breakfast, and came back just before the 11 o

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about 9: , arriving in camp at 11:30 lost a ticket in getting on the Lake Shore car, and had to pay out another 40 (cents). Invited to come back to Culvers. They are glad to do what they can for the men in uniform. She gives us a day and half and more per week to Red Cross work. Gave us a little glass of apple jelly and one of currant jelly along. MONDAY [October] 22. We had the Hon. Josephus Daniels Secy. of the Navy with us today. The Yeomen did not pass in the review, held between 8 and 10, so we saw the review and took pictures of it from all angles. I used up all my film and then was sorry I didn

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complying with instructions to

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subscription blanks for the fellows as they filed past our impromptu desk and signed up. We had about forty subscriptions (probably 80% of the men) amountingto $2550 about. Then when we reported it at the tables set up in the drill hall for that purpose we utilized the opportunity to subscribe ourselves, Major and I each taking a $100.00 bond. They are to be paid for in ten months by the Paymaster deducting $10.00 per month from our pay. Program in the Auditorium at 6:15, but we found it too crowded to get in. FRIDAY [October] 26 Several more of our boys fell out of their hammocks last night. Two of Co. B. and Bradley of Co. A. are somewhat stove up. Bradley with a plaster on his nose, and the other two with their arms in slings. The boys made a lot of noise talking in the mess hall this morning and were required to stand for about five minutes after all were in the room; then instead of the order

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SATURDAY [October] 27 Everybody pitched in and helped to clean up. About

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our bags and grips. It took us about ten minutes after we were told to move to have our packs ready and be on the move, and in a half hour we had the furniture, typewriters, magazines etc., transferred . Practically all the tents are now vacant. Most of the 4th Regiment moved to Camp Perry into the wooden barracks for winter quarters. TUESDAY [October] 30 There is about an inch of snow on the ground this morning. A walk to the Lake front was invigorating, and we took several snapshots. It is, in fact, up to the Lake front from here, for the grounds slope away from the edge of the Lake bluff very slightly. Spent several hours today of good hard study in the Bluejackets Manual with another fellow. Among others I wrote to little Virginia Judah. She said in her letter of [October] 22 That she calls me her sailor man. WEDNESDAY [October] 31 Today saw the finish of a successful two days

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the tooth. Dull slight pain due to thermal changes and the larger filling in one of the back teeth. Washed clothes, including suit of blues and jersey. FRIDAY [November] 2 Succeeded, after trying for two days, in getting some furlough papers, or an application fixed up and recommended by Mr. Runyon (an Ensign, I think) who is taking the place of Mr. Larson C.P.O. in charge of the Yeomen. Throat gargled again at sick bay. Throat is sore when I swallow. Feeling fine otherwise. Furlough papers, granting us (Major and Me) leave until Monday noon approved in the Executive Offices. Took electric line to Chicago about noon. Visited Mrs. Culver for a couple of hours, back downtown to Union Station for a 9 o

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Thursday [November] 8 We had some Russian Admiral looking things over to see how we do them. He passed thru the mess hall yesterday without stopping to observe, and we all had to stop setting the tables and come to attention as he passed thru. Washed blankets & mattress cover. FRIDAY [November] 9 Blankets not quite dry so several of us spread them out over our hammocks instead of lashing them up, and was put on Report for it. This means a restriction of leave this week-end. Payday today. Major and I drew $20 each. Saturday [November] 10 Our relief came on in the mess hall, and we were out by 9:20. Bay inspections kept us from staying around the dormitory for we did not want to be included. Shaved and stood a two hour watch. Mr. Lawson C.P.O. said that our being on Report does not go on our records. SUNDAY [November] 11 Somehow the few left over [Saturday] were not routed out of their hammocks at reveille, and we slept in until almost 6:30. Wanted to get to the Y at 7:15 for the Episcopal Communion Service, but ate until 7:20, and so were late; but Major & I sat back in the Y. and watched the service with interest. Bible class at 9:00 Chaplain

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God; for we shall need His guidance as perhaps never before to enable us to fulfill our other obligations of loyalty; and we shall want the comfort of knowing that He is near us, and especially shall we want Him on the last great day, whenever that comes for us. Spent the afternoon around the Station. On watch for Thomasson from 5 to 7. In bed a little after 8. MONDAY [November] 12 There are no Yeoman classes this week, for it is our turn to do a week

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use a number less than about 60, so we marched down to the boat house where we spent the morning dismantling the davits around the harbor, taking off the pulleys, guy ropes, etc. After supper we were all marched to the drill hall, and carried the benches from there to the Auditorium. This was our second weekly wheatless day. Cornbread for breakfast, graham for dinner, and corn muffins for supper. THURSDAY [November] 15 On watch to-night 7

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are under the immediate charge of a boy petty officer. Major

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invited Major and me to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. He said that he supposes we will not mind a crowd there, for they frequently entertain several Jackies at a time and expect to them. We then went to the Y and enjoyed an excellent lunch, for which we were glad to give the lady at the door 10 (cents). Although worth more, those who eat there are not required to pay anything; but if they wish they give 10 [cents]. Thence we went to an interesting Epworth League meeting and o Church services. After the sermon, at about 8:30 there were talks in the interest of the $35,000,000 YMCA fund the program lasting until after 10:00. A boy from our Station spoke first, giving the enlisted man

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Station, unless on watch. TUESDAY [November] 20 Muster at 7:30, as usual. Then nothing to do for a while, and some of the boys strayed away, so when we were told unexpectedly to fall in for muster at 9:30 it became the unpleasant duty of the group petty officers to report those absent without excuses. As a result five out of our group of 22, and about as many out of the other groups, will lose their liberty privileges next Saturday and Sunday. We then marched to the rigging loft and spliced eyes one end of hammock lashings and foot lashings, while a bunch of seamen nearby sewed or tied on seizing at the other end. Also did this work after dinner. WEDNESDAY [November] 21 Drilled about an hour before dinner. Lined up at 1:30 to march in the review at 2:00. Drilled for a few minutes and then one section of about six squads remained for the review, while the rest of us were dismissed and viewed the reviews as spectators. Being visitors

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THURSDAY [November] 22 Classes were again taken up this morning. There have been only three days of actual school for the classes so far, although they were arranged over a month ago. With today and tomorrow their first week will be completed. Then at the end of two more weeks we expect to be in class. I was on watch from 8 to 12:30. We will have the day watch during school, while those in school will have the night shifts. Several of the boys expressed surprise that a petty officer should stand a watch. It did not take long to inform them that a P.O. is of the same material as all the rest, and that the distinction of being a petty officer does not carry with it the right to a soft snap, - in fact it means more work. FRIDAY [November 23] our group is on the cleaning detail again. Stood on watch again 8 to 12:30. Went to second mess at noon, so did not march away with the working detail at 1:00 but sat around writing. Helped some in the field day cleanup. Another vaudeville show at 6:30 had to leave at 7:45, before it was quite over, because of the cleaning detail. SATURDAY [November]24 Mother

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have to don the boxing gloves and one or the other get a good thrashing. There will be no use in waiting a long time, when boxing is so much encouraged here, and a bout like this would give the fellows such a hilarious time.

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a lady sang and a cello player of some prominence we are told, played, each giving us several excellent numbers, at the conclusion of which I left without waiting to see the finish of the pictures. TUESDAY[November] 27 Our day on cleaning detail again. Nothing of consequence to do all day, but a lot of trivial things that take time and attention and have to be done, but are so small. We unlashed our hammocks and hung the bedding over them for an airing. Finished re-arranging the hammocks in our group. Fixed up a few requests for special leave. Received a fruit cake from Froehangs for Major and me. Major received a 2 pound box of divinity fudge from Minna Petersen. WEDNESDAY [November] 28 Visited the Dentist this morning for the third time. The first time was [November] 1. Last week he did a quick job of putting a small silver filling in one of my back teeth. Today he scraped several teeth and put some fluid on them to clean them and said my teeth are in good shape. The fellow

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THURSDAY [November] 29 Up betimes, a shower bath, best clothes, breakfast, and away on shore leave for the day at 8:20. Major had to work in the Post Office, so I waited outside the gate until he came at about 11. We took the Interurban to Hubbard Woods where we had been invited on [November] 18 to have Thanksgiving dinner with Dr Hubbard, 1185 Ashland Ave. Spent the afternoon and evening until 10:00 there most pleasantly. Major and another Jackie and I were there, and Dr Farmer

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SATURDAY [December] 1 On cleaning detail again. The Second lecture on Insurance lasted from about 9 till past 11. The subject is big enough to take all of one

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that there will be plenty of chance to use our heads in this work, which should make the experience itself

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were not here yesterday when the Doctor took them. He takes a wire with a bit of cotton on the end, and swabs the cotton in the back of the throat. This is then touched or rubbed on a piece of glass which has another piece to fit over it for a lid. If there are spinal meningitis germs in the throat they will be apparent in this culture in 24 hours. After this we had a mid-week field day

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satisfaction was expressed because the room did not become uncomfortably cold during the night. Our pay slips are made out. Pay day tomorrow. Major and I each draw $5.00. FRIDAY [December] 7 Those on the Insurance and Allotment detail had to report at 8:30 and were sent out again on the work. This time I am assigned to Camp Perry, which is 1

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giving day, prepared a millionaire

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have interfered some with our getting men, for the men in charge are too busy with taking care of the new arrivals. Stayed after supper, but no one appeared. It gives us an excuse to reach Barracks C after taps tho, and then sleep in until 6:30 in the morning on the grounds of being a working detail that works at night. FRIDAY [December] 14 We visited the brig this afternoon to sell insurances to the boys in detention there. The regular inmates have been moved to some other safe place, and the place is crowded with a company of recruits, who are sleeping in the cages on the floor and cots and on top of the cages. About 4 p.m. CPO Redhead came with a truck and we moved papers and everything over to the old Main Detention Camp where the whole Insurance Crew is to be centralized. Sleep in Barracks C tonight. Package came from Mrs. Clute with sweaters for three of our Yeoman whose names I had sent to her. There was a surprise in it for us, for a scarf for Major and one for me were included. SATURDAY [December] 15 Several of us moved our hammocks over to Barracks L of old Main Detention Camp this afternoon at 2:00. We have about 18 sleeping in our section there, and will enjoy the famous cooking of Packey Schwartz again, as we did three months ago. Spent the morning working around in the Pay Office, Administration Bldg. straightening out Insurance applications and allotment blanks. Wrote letters during afternoon To Waukegan after supper. Instead of leaving with the regular liberty party now, we on this detail have our names placed on a liberty list, and there we can checkout at the gate at any time, the guard there checking our names on the list as we go or come. SUNDAY [December] 16 Up at 10, after a 11 hour sleep. ME Church at 11. A dinner of Irish Stew in a restaurant at 1. We get the Irish Stew, or Mulligan as they call it, almost 3 or 4 times a week in camp, but somehow it is easy to order it when away too, or else order beans, which we also get often. Wrote in the Public Library in the afternoon. League and Church after an hour or two at the Jolly Tars again. MONDAY [December] 17 We are well started on our centralized insurance crew work. Lds. For Yeoman who are still in detention, and several seamen have been added to our crew making a force of about 100. By having the men come here to us in companies we can catch them

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all without waste of time. By having one fellow address a whole company at once they get an idea about the allotments and insurance and when we write them up it takes much less time for explanation. Picture show and

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New Year furloughs. Several of the insurance crew went to room 33 of the Administration Building this morning to take the places of those who left on furloughs. We worked till noon, then 9 cleaned up and wrote letters until supper, after which Major and I went to Waukegan to the Congregational

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well known cook of old Main Detention Camp. There were presents given to each of us, - a small package wrapped in Mosquito bar containing a

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FRIDAY [December] 28 More typing and checking. The afternoon was long for some, and there was not a great inclination to work exhibited by those about to leave on New Year furloughs. Those who left for Christmas came in at noon. They were sleepy and not very zealous bunch. Major obtained his furlough paper at about 5:00 as a favor, while most of the Yeomen were supposed to wait until in the morning. The leave begins at 8 am tomorrow. I had my paper too, from the Disbursing office, and we went to Chicago, attended the Appollo Club

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couple of special stunts there, also coffee and sweet rolls and a few minutes before midnight there was a devotional service lasting until the Old Year was gone and the New had come. TUESDAY [January] 1, 1918 Our family of six, and Ollie Haid, left for the 7 am [Missouri] Pacific Train for Berger where we spent the day and evening quietly. All the folks seem very glad to see us. Aunt Amanda seems to take it harder even than mother, that we are gone She is unreasonably perturbed over our going and broods and cries about the fact that we are at war and the world so torn up. 1918 WEDNESDAY [January] 2 Back home from Berger at 8, stopped in for a short visit with Bro. and Mrs. Davis on the way home from the depot. Downtown in the afternoon for some sittings at the photographer for pictures of Major and me singly, together and with Gladys and Violet. Party at Mabel Aichner

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approximately the same locations. Sections #3 and our #4 stay aboard today, and get 12 hours leave tomorrow #1 and 2 go today for 12 hours. SUNDAY [January] 6, 1918 Stood watch last night in the head 10 to 12, and 6 to 8 am. Major stood the same hours in the living room, plus Cooper

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WEDNESDAY [January] 9 School for

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it up, tho it swelled up some. After opening ranks and standing at attention while undergoing regimental inspection, we marched to our school rooms to spend the time until 11:00 writing and reading, while some practiced on typewriters. 75 left with the liberty party at 12:30 The steam railway is out of commission because of the snow, and the electric has service only a few miles in either direction from here. We left with the crowd, although C.P.O. Lenson thought it would be better if we all remained here. He threatened dire consequences to any who might not return on time especially if an excuse of being snow bound should be given. Several of us walked to Waukegan, for the exercise, and found it pleasant enough going with our knitted helmets and plenty of other clothes on. Mrs. Harmon, with some help from her husband and a few of us made soup for supper and we thoroughly the Jolly Tar supper. The Congregational

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this morning 6 to 8. Got to bed by 7:30 last night to make up to an extent for the time lost from sleep while on watch. Studying ships

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or something like that. That evening the

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SUNDAY [January] 20 On watch 10 to 12, so could not go to Chaplain

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to 7:00 p.m., but the place was shut, so we could come back and wash up and prepare for bag inspection tomorrow. Saturday [January] 26, 1918. Mess at 6:30 instead of 7. All of us turned to for the field day work, then at about 9 we laid out our bags for inspection. Liberty party at noon left amid the wind and heavy snowfall. Major on watch in the Drier from 12 to 4. I am on the 4

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MONDAY [January] 28. School at 8:00. We were to remain in the same room we used for the Executive Class, the Pay Class teachers moving over. At noon one of our boys, Reed White, was taken to the hospital with scarlet fever. We learned of it during the afternoon, and were told that we would have to go in quarantine for ten days. After school, at 4, we moved tables, chairs, and supplies from the school rooms down to Barracks C, where we will go ahead with school while in quarantine. Our 12 or 13 messmen have no serving to do in the Mess Hall now, for they will be busy bringing our chow over to us. Supper was delayed an hour because a system of handling it had not yet been arranged. Some seem to feel a little out of sorts because of the anticipated confinement, but nearly all are taking it unconcernedly. Glad school will be held. TUESDAY [January] 29. All three classes in the living room, nearly 200 of us, reminded me of a Sunday School room full of classes. At mess time the tables make a respectable dining room out of this. We have our own plate, cup, and knife and fork, which we keep clean; and at meal time line up and file past the serving tables for our portions, each of the four sections lining up at its serving table. It is not so handy for the messmen to carry the chow over here, and it takes a great deal of cleaning up in the Barracks, but we get our food warmer than in the Mess Hall where it is all served out before we come in, and we are not crowded for space while eating as when there are 42 seated at the Mess Hall tables. To bed before 8p.m. WEDNESDAY [January] 30 On cleaning detail. This morning the Executive and G.S.K. classes remained in the living room while our Pay class moved into tables and chairs into the East Dormitory where we had more quiet. No school after dinner because of the mid-week half-holiday. Sections 1 and 3 washed hammocks. Wonder when our turn will come. Possibly tomorrow morning early, for we had to wash one Wednesday afternoon and Section 1 and 3 had to get up at 4:30 the next morning to wash theirs. The Doctor comes in twice a day for an inspection. I am among those who have a slight cold and we have some brown liquid dropped down our noses when the Dr. and his assistant the hospital apprentice came. THURSDAY [January] 31 Up at 5:30. The extra half hour

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FRIDAY [FEBRUARY] 1 1918 Erasmus, scholarly contemporary of Martin Luther, wrote to his friend Anderlin in France of his visit to England:

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covered with the free insurance expires [February] 12. No charge is made for only a part of a month

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double time movements. I find this in a short poem by Edgar A. Guest among Major

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We lost 15 to 19. After the game we reached the Barracks as the liberty party was falling in. No time to clean up and shave. Major wanted to write some and retire early, so I went to Waukegan to get a few little things. Among them was a package of these diary sheets, a Yeo 3C rating badge for the possible use some contingency if I want to show the rating. Back at 8:45. WEDNESDAY [February] 6 This is Gladys

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to do one

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medical inspection, and was expected about 3:30. The next called us all from our clothes washing, or shaving, or whatever we were doing, and was for the purpose of a little curtain lecture such as is usually dished out to us for our own good at muster time. The third time called us away in the same manner. This time it was very much worth while, for a Captain of the Canadian Army spoke for about 15 minutes of his experiences, and then an American YMCA man spoke. The Canadian enlisted as a private in [August] 1914, six days after war was declared. He was gassed at, I think, Ypres, which sent him to a hospital for six months. His doctor

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Our group being on cleaning detail we swept and swabbed down the decks before washing and cleaning up ourselves. Derr is back since last night. His sister met him in Chicago Thursday. She sent back a valentine box of candy for me, which was quite a pleasant surprise. AM. Man held a meeting again from about 9 to 10. The author he was quoting from says about the joyfulness of Jesus:

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midnight. Major, Thomasson, and I agreed to go to Chicago, to visit Ayers and Miss Bauld Sunday afternoon. At noon that plan was squashed by the announcement of the sentry list, Major

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MONDAY [February] 18. Handed in my Pay Class work this a.m. and received a grade of 3.9. Helped with some field day scrubbing after dinner. A Y. man came up after supper and we sang for an hour. Most everyone went to bed early. TUESDAY [February] 19. Some desultory work in class on the subject of engineering. Wm. H. Taft spoke from about 4 to 5. He said that England and Italy are Democracies: their kings, estimable gentlemen are mere ornaments, for the people really rule: these kings have no more influence on the policies of their countries than

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FRIDAY [February] 22 Washington

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around. Visited The Art Institute, The Hippodrome Theatre (Vaudeville), The City Club, and took a C&A train for St. Louis at 9:00. SUNDAY [February] 24 Arrived home about 8:30.Matson Shain came along to spend the day, taking a train for Kansas City at 10:10 p.m. We went to Arlington Heights Church at 11 and sang quartette

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in a drug store to ask for some fountain pen ink. They had none, but a man standing there talking said

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and spelling, I might be among the number. The little reviewing I have done and am doing will not come amiss should there be another exam of this kind that I can take. We were told in school that those who want to try the shorthand test for a second class rating will have the test on the 12th. Now for some diligent shorthand practice until then. On watch 4 to 6 last night and 12 to 2 a.m. in the Drier. Major was on watch in the living room 6 to 8 and 2 to 4. SATURDAY [March] 9 Field day this morning beginning with 5:20 muster. Bag inspection at 9:30. The Bulletin announces among those transferred, several were on the Insurance Detail. They go to Washington, we have heard. Yesterday the names of 6 or 8 others who were working on the Insurance were listed as being transferred to the Chicago recruiting office. So much, so far for those who stayed when our dozen came back to school after New Year. But they stand a small chance of going to sea soon. While we may be there in a month. C.P.O. Lenson mentioned again today at the 7:30 muster that we may still expect to go. The reports about many coming to the next school from the offices on the Station, thus necessitating a large number of us staying, can hardly be believed, he says. In the first place the order that half of us be sent to Philadelphia and half to New York came from Washington, and a mere handful going when 200 graduate will hardly be satisfactory to the Department, it would seem; and, too, the officers here will not be anxious to give up their men for school and break in new ones, so there may not be such a rush of men from these offices to school anyway. The bunch that was quarantined while we were away made some unbecoming remarks to passersby last Sunday from our balcony and those who should otherwise have left on 10 day furloughs on our return were not permitted to go. They hope to go later. They were to have no week-end liberty for two weeks, but the names of the two main hooters were handed in to Mr Lenson, so he let them all off at noon for 36 hours. Major & I spent the afternoon and evening in the School rooms typewriting and studying. Some snow and rain. SUNDAY [March] 10 We arose at 5:30. Our Group 1 of Section 4 was detailed to report to the Master-at-arms of the Instruction Building, so we went there at 5:45 before washing up. After a half hour of sweeping we were done

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and returned to the Barracks. Bible Study class in the Barracks at 9:00 by a man brought over by a Y. Secretary. At 10:00 several of us went to the drill hall to hear

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means they will draw Landsman pay for one month longer than we, during which time they will be on probation, and they will not be sent to sea with us, if we go on completion of our course here. I don

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days. School after dinner. FRIDAY [March] 15 School all day. The Pay Clerk exam not being continued today. We balanced a good sized sheet of figures in G.S.K. class today, or finished rather, after working on half of it yesterday. A 36 hour leave is to be given the one who finished first, if it can be gotten. Two of us finished about the same time. Should 36 be coming to me I don

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Archbishop who is on the Station today. Our class drilled from 10:45 to 11:30 in and near the Drill Hall under Ensign Jack Kennedy. It seems good to get out for a little drill again, especially under one who knows, and is exact, and requires exactness in drill. Among the mail were a couple of brush letters, the first for some time, and three postcard size pictures of the girls in the bunch for each M. & me. WEDNESDAY [March] 20 Signed pay slips today for pay-day tomorrow. I draw $10.00. Major does not get anything. We can

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trousers. He had come to my locker in a dazed condition upon turning out of his hammock, reached in and taken the trousers and put them on. When he noticed they did not fit like his he took them off, but did not remember where he got them so dropped them on his locker, put his on and went out with his hammock. My locker is across the way from his. Now some of the hammocks that were washed today to avoid having to wash them tomorrow and Friday will have to be washed again, for they are soiled somewhat.

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8, helped clean up and build fires and make breakfast. Two went uptown for rolls and bananas which ar had with butter and jelly and syrup, and pancakes, cooked eggs, and coffee. Congregational Church at 11. Home with

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the desire to go to Philadelphia, or New York, as Major and I did yesterday when Lockefeer first had us slated for a job in the 6th regiment, Camp Perry. We caught the 5:36 C&NW Train here for Chicago, Major Gaston, Whitmer, Wrigley, and I. There were 16 in the Waukegan crowd with which we went in to hear Billy Sunday preach. The girls had lunch which we all ate going downtown. Arrived at the tabernacle at 7:30, about. Met Merritt Chase on the street car. He was going to a lodge meeting. Strange that I should meet an acquaintance. The ushers said

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to keep Major and me off of any Station detail if he possibly could. Corson was sent up there after dinner. Lieut. Comdr. Wilhelm did not like a stenotypist, however, and so Corson has been detailed to the Commandant

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the Congregational Church

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went to the Congregational Church where we expected to find a kind of farewell reception for the Pastor, Mr Collins, and family, who leave next week for Jacksonville, [Illinois] The reception was postponed to next Tuesday evening however, and we found only the choir at the church. Their rehearsal was done, but I was asked to help in a quartette for Sunday night so we tried the hymn over. Then went to Kate Bain

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my time to be here tomorrow morning. Now my Sunday on watch will not come for another 5 weeks. I went to the M.E. Church, heard part of the evangelistic sermon, a good one, by Rev. Mahood and then the young folks had their regular Saturday evening

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to the congregational CE and the preaching service, which was Mr. Collins

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instead of the 40 [cent] allowed; but any reasonable excess on the expenses here is allowed of late. The following appeared in

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and home by 11:30. Major had to work until about 4 p.m., so could not spend the afternoon with us. He came to the Methodist Church for the evening services. MONDAY [April] 15 1918 Up at 5:15. The arising time seems important enough to be worth recording from time to time. The Drill Office asked today what we do in our barracks after getting up in the morning. He thinks some drill or Swedish exercises would be good for us. I do too, tho the fellows would rather sleep in until 6. TUESDAY [April] 16. Up at 6 this morning. We had soft boiled eggs, oats, bread, butter, and coffee for breakfast. Beans, peas, potatoes, bread, mince pie, and cocoa for dinner. Spaghetti, potatoes fried, chocolate pudding, bread, butter, and tea for supper. It has been a meatless Tuesday. Captain Moffett

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WEDNESDAY [April] 17 Rainy, and visitors to the Station today did not see a review. The one scheduled to be held in Drill Hall 400, Camp Perry, was called off because the men would have gotten wet marching over. THURSDAY [April] 18 Major and I were going over to Camp Farragut, detention camp this evening to see Louis Eisenhuth of Union, [Missouri], but on looking up his Company we found it was transferred to Camp Perry this morning, two days ahead of time. Washed clothes until after taps. At about 9:55 The Fire Alarm was sounded. We dressed and stood in formation in front of our barracks from 10:00 to 10:10. It was a little fire on the rubbish dump, the flying sparks of which caused the fear of a spread of fire. FRIDAY [April] 19 This is Verne Sander

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TUESDAY [April] 23 1918 The Armed Guard School is doing its finest firing at targets on the Lakes from right behind the Commandants home. The 3 inch field pieces make a lot of noise. The shots were not very accurate, but the fellows are only learning too. Even at that the target was struck several times. Borrowed a Geography at the Y. this evening for study in the office. WEDNESDAY [April] 24 The Great Lakes Bulletin this morning gives the Armed Guard School much credit for its efficient target practice yesterday. In the article it says

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Woodmansee, who leaves tomorrow for the east. M.E. Church after supper. Major slept at The J. Tar [The Jolly Tar Club] I came to camp. MONDAY [April] 24 Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo visited the Station this morning for an hour. The Drill Officer was, of course, the brains directing the receiving formation of companies. They lined up around the drill fields in single line, to salute as the Secretary passed. Damp weather prevented a review. My time was well taken up all day. Washed clothes & wrote after supper. TUESDAY [April] 30 Up at 5:15. To Waukegan after supper. Major, Sanders, Hanenstein, and I spent the evening at a party at Testrails. WEDNESDAY [May] 1 Up at 7:00. Slept at The Jolly Tar Club. There is a great deal of suppressed excitement among the several of the Yeomen here who are anxious to be included in the draft for London. I am trying as hard as the next one to get on it, but haven

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will probably be sent with the draft leaving about the 20th. The prospect looks fine; - if the draft goes across. There is some apprehension however; that it will only reach the fleet, and that men from the fleet will be sent to London. It is my Saturday afternoon and Sunday on watch. Neher wants me to stay for him next week while he goes home so he is staying for me this p.m. Went to Waukegan. Made my first payment, $7.50, on the $50 third Liberty Loan Bond I signed up for. M.E. Church social hour. The games were preceded by an old fashioned sing, singing old familiar songs. Rev. Rompel, during a few minute rest, said

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of personal consequence. What are personal consequences? What is the individual man, with all the good or evil that may betide him in comparison with the good or evil which may befall a great country in a crisis like this, and in the midst of great transactions which concern that country

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is,

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and Mrs EB Yager, and Thomas, aged 17, and Ida, aged 13. Stayed for Supper & went to League & church. This being Mother

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there. Sanders, Whitmer, and I were the Jackies there, and the 3 Bain girls and Beth Testrail completed the crowd. We roasted wieners and marshmallows and ate a most appetizing lunch, lots of it, and returned to Beth

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on, but apparently in vain. However, tomorrow is another day. We have frequently heard that an effort is always made to keep brothers together when they wish it. TUESDAY [May] 21 After some unsuccessful phoning this morning to various Regiments, I finally got Mr Lenson

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THURSDAY May 23, 1918 continued. and my bag packed, I am ready. I have quite a stack of letters on hand that I had better answer in some way quickly now so as not to have to carry them along. Then send home my diary up to here so as to be sure of that much of it at least, should there be any restrictions on keeping a diary

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were on their way to the city to work. I got to talking to Miss Bloomquist of Highwood, Illinois, and her seat partner, Mr Heath, when we were nearly in Chicago. Guess I

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Sunday [May] 26 Up at 8:30. After lunch in a restaurant we went downtown to Christ Church, Episcopal, 2nd St. near Market. A portion of this church was erected in 1727, and the remainder was built at various intervals. Presidents Washington and Adams worshipped here, and Benjamin Franklin had a pew in this church for many years. Many great patriots of the Revolution are interred in the adjacent ground and under the floor of the church. We sat in the pew just behind one with a brass plate showing that it was Francis Hopkinson

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and connected by a brick archway is Congress Hall, where Congress sat from May 10, 1775 to close of Revolution, except during the temporary occupation of Philadelphia by the British Army on June 16, 1775, Washington here accepted his appointment by Congress as General of the Continental Army. Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between the States adopted and signed here July 9, 1778. [November] 3, 1781, Twenty

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Court, paved with large flat stones. The first Continental Congress assembled here [September] 5, 1774. Franklin

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go to the Administration Building where the next foreign draft was being mustered. Six of our bunch of 17 who came [Saturday] are on this draft, leaving tomorrow for

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[June] 1 [1918] went to visit Wanamakers. John Wanamaker being one of the best known business men in this country, and his store one of the largest stores, we wanted to visit it while here. Heard part of one of the daily organ recitals in the large organ, brought here from the St. Louis World

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partners when refreshments were served. Miss Alice Paddle, of 5709 Warrington Ave., W. [Philadelphia], and Miss Robinson. We took them home, and Miss Paddle arranged for a little picnic outing for next Saturday afternoon, if I can bring five friends she will have five, with lunches, to go out to one of the parks. The idea suits me fine, and all the others. SUNDAY [JUNE] 2 This will have to go down in my little history as a red letter day

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occasional 4 or 5 foot breaker suddenly develop out of an ordinary looking little swell as it reached the shallow water, and to be right in it as it reached its crest and broke over white and foaming, or even to be in the continuous flow of smaller breakers was such sport that we might have spent all our time in the water had it not been too cold for that. About 15 minutes at a time was enough. Then we would play around on the hot sandy beach, or maybe under the shade of some pier, or look for shells. The day passed all too soon for all of us. We took the train at 6:05 arriving at Philadelphia at 7:40. Twice thru Berlin, [New Jersey] today. The girls took a car for their hotel, the Aldine, 20th and Chestnut Streets, to wash up, and we were to meet them there in the Lobby at 9 to take a stroll. The reason for wanting to see them again in the evening, when we were all tired and could have retired early instead, was that they leave for New York tomorrow, and we may not meet again. That seems to be one of the lessons that comes to us constantly: we meet folks, have a good time together for a season, and then part, often never to see each other again. An event like today leaves a bright spot however, that can often be remembered when one is in a reminiscent mood, and a person feels better for having lived such a day. These girls are travelling, partly for their health, tho they are not sickly by any means, partly for the sight seeing, and partly because they wanted to visit several Army and Naval camps to see friends. Another example of the good fortune that has smiled on me pretty continuously so far, and especially since we enlisted a year ago, is this of such pleasant friendships made. MONDAY [June] 3. Even tho we might have stayed ashore until tonight at 7:30, we thought it best to come to camp last night, to be here for any possible muster on a draft today. Went to sleep by 1 a.m., and expected to catch up on some lost sleep by sleeping in until noon. Several names were called at 7, however, to muster for drafts, so Major and I got up just in time for breakfast. Major was called for detail on the U.S.S. Buffalo. He would be the only Yeoman in the crew, (which is unusual) so far as we can tell. We thought at first she is a small gunboat for coast patrol service here, but later heard she is going across; possibly for patrol work in the war zone. However, we had no desire to be separated after staying together this

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long, so I, immediately after the muster, interviewed first the Yeomen with the draft lists, and the Chief Yeoman in his office, then a couple of chiefs in the Main Administration Building of the yard (# 79) all of whom assured me there was nothing could be done about it since Major was on the draft and would have to go to stay. The last one referred me to the Executive Officer when I asked how I could carry the matter further, and I went in to see him. He also assured me that they can make no promises that brothers will be kept together, that any statement to the effect that it is done, made at the time we enlisted, was mere supposition. Since Major was on the draft he would have to go. At a little more gentle persuasion or staying of my case, he arose, however, and took us into the Detail office. Where the drafts are made up. Here he asked the Yeoman to either put me on the Buffalo with Major if she needs another yeoman, or put someone else on instead of Major, either way if it could be done without much inconvenience, tho he needn

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are two yeoman in our crowd tho that we know. Bill Brennan and Shinkle. Our draft

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the mid-ship hold for another three hours, turning in at 3 a.m. WEDNESDAY [June] 5 Nine months ago today we reported at Great Lakes. It was a Wednesday, [September] 5th. We then had high hopes of being out to sea in 3 or 4 months. Now it is actually 9 months before we see the sea. We were up at 6 this morning, after 3 hours sleep. The remark was jokingly made that it will make a man of us yet if we stay in the Navy. We have made a good start anyway on our first day aboard a ship. When we awoke this morning Major found out to our amusement that he slept with his hammock next to a negro cook

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most of them larger ones anchored out in the channel. Those were visible from only one side of the boat. While coming in yesterday a little two mastered sail boat was pointed out to me. It is from Norway and sails in the freight business, it carried a few carloads of coal for its cargo on a trip several months ago. It is probably 35 feet long, stands about 10 feet out of the water, and carries a crew of a white man, two negroes, and a dog. Troops began to come aboard this afternoon and evening. Part of them are negro troops. Most of the white troops belong to the Quartermaster Corps. The Regulars and National Army (drafted men) are mixed up in the companies. Washed a few clothes this evening, using salt water because the fresh water spigots were turned off. Next time I

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All those detailed to Spot #1 went up between 10 and 11 for instructions as to our duty. We keep a sharp lookout ahead and to about Broad on Port Bow and Broad and Starboard Bow, reporting by the phone which the lookout keeps strapped on for immediate use, any object sighted, to Central Control. There is a degree of course to report anything sighted before others on watch do so. The gun crews are constantly on the alert to report drifting sea-weed, or a bird flying, or the distant smoke of some vessel. My watch was from 12 to 2. Slept from about 2:10 to 6, four hours. By the time my watch was over we were still near a large lighthouse, apparently in Hampton Roads. The lights were not all put out because we were passing vessels constantly. We were not a brilliantly lighted fleet or convoy putting to sea, either. Realizing the danger of submarines off the Virginia Coast, which reports of the last few days have confirmed we were issued our life preservers, and instructed to wear them constantly until further orders. FRIDAY [June] 7 We knew when we awoke that we were at sea. There was no land in sight; but more than that we knew it by the gentle rolling of the ship. Despite the fact that she is drawing 26 feet of water she rolls and sways with the swell. We noticed the first thing thru the clouds, that our course was about east. That probably means we shall go across by way of the southern route, possibly past the Azores Islands, instead of passing New York and Nova Scotia. There are three transports with us today (four with ours) and a battle cruiser and a submarine boat destroyer. A submarine chaser accompanied us until this morning and then turned back. The rolling of the ship showed its effect on the men aboard shortly after breakfast. The sea would be called fairly smooth, but it did not seem that way to us. One after another some soldier or sailor would go to the rail and lean far out to give up his breakfast to the sea. In addition to our watches we yeomen are all detailed to help in some department, part in G.S.K., part in the Canteen, some in the pay office, etc. Major

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this evening between 6 and 8. I did not feel very sick all day, for the attacks were light, but I could not work or be on my feet much. As long as I could sit down on the deck (not in a chain) and lean against some bag or bulkhead and sleep I felt better. The others felt that way too

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miles in the three days we have been under way. Don

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WEDNESDAY June 12. Up at 5:45. On watch 6 to 8. The first bright sunny morning we

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in our clothes. SATURDAY [June] 15 Exchanged my 6 to 8 watch for Major

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was sailing back and forth across our path, on the lookout for submarines. A little later several aeroplanes joined it. We were nearing the shore of France. Land was soon sighted, and we made the harbor before noon. I see I have stood approximately thirty hours on watch this trip, in the eleven and three quarters days we were under way, as follows: [Friday June] 7, 12

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WEDNESDAY June 19, 1918. We were ordered to heave out and lash up at 4 this morning. Had breakfast on board ship at 5

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flows down a tree lined street or boulevard where women were on the frequent flights of steps leading to the water

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hilly than that we passed through yesterday to the north, and some very level plains. A noticeable difference between the plains and the hills is that the plains do not have the crazy

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one after another of our old Great Lakes classmates who came over here ahead of us, probably a score in all. We also saw Morgan Dougherty in a short while. We were hoping to him here, for in a letter received in [ms illegible: 1 wds] on June 1st, two days before we left there for our trip across, he said he was located here. He has been here since the first of the year. Says the weather then was not much different from now, only slightly colder. It seems to have a tendency to be cool all the time, and to rain a little and be cloudy for at least an hour or two every day.

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SATURDAY [June] 22 [1918]. Up at 6, just in time for 6:15 chow. There surely can be no dissatisfaction with the treatment we get here. At 1 o

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a highly successful undertaking, but we enjoyed it. We have seen several things to bring vividly to our consciousness the fact that there is a war on, tho not as many as we expected. We have seen but few crippled soldiers, but a great many roaming about the streets apparently well and either home on leave, or in training. The large number of women in deep mourning strikes one. One isolated instance, however, which strikes me most forcibly, is an old Belgian woman near the camp who mutters and makes grimaces that would be most comical were it not for her story. She seemed comical to us until we heard more about her. When the Germans came thru Belgium, they shot down this woman

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MONDAY [June] 24 [1918]. Washed clothes today, including a suit of blues and one of whites. At about 1:30 we who are on drafts leaving tomorrow were paid to [ms illegible 1 wd] I drew $43.00, or 245 francs. Major and I immediately went to the YMCA and availed ourselves of the Y

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Y office, a large card poster with a picture of General Pershing bears the following message from him:

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little visit even though neither side understands much that the other is saying. The girls are no exception to the rule that we have found so far, that everyone is looking for souvenirs. They are also, like a good many of girls we have seen, smoking cigarettes that have been given them. A few miles further on we passed through Ker Huon (pronounced

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less disappointing to not be detailed where we would come in more frequent touch with the French people, as, for instance , if we had a detail where the boys live with some family and get subsistence in lieu of quarters and rations. It would give a fine chance to learn French and about some of the French people quickly. I have been living in and around camps and barracks so much for ten months that I seem to fit in better there; and the familiar sight of wooden walls and ceilings, or rafters, would be missing under those other circumstances. Moreover, we came over to do our bit

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not much later. Letting us sleep 45 or 50 minutes longer is not a bad way to begin the day of rest. Shortly after chow a church party shoved off to go to the Catholic Church in Guipavas. After the weekly inspection of the men by the Skipper a number of us went to the Y for the church service. It consisted of a song, a prayer, and excellent talk by an American mademoiselle on the French womanhood, and the benediction. The service could not be prolonged because the bugle sounded

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considered it the best kept on the station. I worked on the quarterly muster roll today. It and a number of other forms and reports to have to be made out and sent to Washington, D.C. quarterly. Even more compete reports are required now, at the end of the Government

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car left at 5, and we would have to walk to the nearest other car line, 2

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blows

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[July 7, 1918] (continued) we waited for the 12:30 party so as to have dinner first. On the way to Brest among the many children to wave to us there were several who threw kisses. Such a greeting from one of 2 or 3 years of age is most pleasing, as is also a greeting like we received the 4th on the way to town when several children with baskets of pansies handed us a couple of flowers each. Some of the rather young folks have learned also to ask for the very scarce cigarette and to smoke, or for pennies. We went thru the Chateau in the afternoon. Some of these days I shall look up this old Castle if I can find it mentioned in the Encyclopedia Brittannia [Britannica], or somewhere, and see how much misinformation we were given by the French guide who took us through and explained as best he could with his broken English. We went through only a part of the Chateau, starting with the dungeon tower. We descended a spiral stone stairway some 30 feet into dark narrow passageways where our lights feebly lighted our way, up steps and down. When we reached a square opening about 2 feet square, in the floor of one passageway where it ended we descended through it into the pit below which is round: probably 20 feet in diameter and 20 feet high. The square opening through which we came extends up to the roof, 60 feet above, like a chimney, and down this opening the used to drop criminals to their death. There is also an opening from this dungeon leading to a well nearly through which the well water might come; and another (or was formerly) leading down under the water level of the harbor. It was a most interesting trip through this old underground prison. Part of the slightly for fortunate prisoners had several rooms and passage-ways not so far down, and with only a wooden floor above to exclude the light from a few little openings in the wall above the floor it was probably not quite so dark as below. And through these little openings in the wall a priest could hold mass for the prisoners who were inside, below the wooden floor, out of sight but in hearing. One room had an Englishman for a prisoner. He was sentenced for 12 years and the door to his room sealed with masonry, so the only entrance left was an opening in the ceiling about 10 inches square leading to an upper room, or place some distance above. Through this his food was let down to him. The wall has a hole a little over a foot deep and big enough that he could crawl into it, which he dug during the 7 months that he lived. He would have had to dig 12 or 15 feet to get through the wall, and then he would be in another room, but with a window. In this latter room the Princess Bretagne was imprisoned, and a portion of the tower was later dedicated to her name by admirers. Another part of one of the towers was dedicated to Princess Anne, who married King Charles VIII of France about 1500 (guide

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information). One of the towers of the Chateau, or castle, was built by one of the Ceasars about the time of Christ. The foundation of the tower with the dungeon (the one we went through) dates from the year 100 B.C. It was built in the time of King Louis XI in the 14th century. There are numerous tunnels leading out under Brest, one under the river to a tower on the other side several hundred yards away. The roof, which formerly was practically flat with the walls reaching up to it without break except for the small slits for windows, was modified in the reign of King Louis XIV during the 17th century by Vauban, an Engineer, so the walls now extend above the roof and have openings at frequent intervals through which cannon could be fired from the roof. This same Engineer also built the fortifications of Brest, a number of massive walls about the city. After our visit to the Chateau we walked around the docks awhile, and went aboard the U.S.S. Franklin, a camouflaged freighter. The Chateau contains some French barracks and some American. Here is where we marched after landing in France on June 19, and had a good dinner before starting on our trip to Pauillac. The remembrance of that dinner, and the fact that supper time was near, prompted us to linger at the Chateau for supper

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TUESDAY [July] 9, [1918]. Our first letters from the US came today, one from home and eight others. It has been a very cold day for July. There have been some clouds, and a strong Northwest wind (coming to us from the sea) making some of the boys, and especially the guards, come out with their peacoats on. Sunday while in Brest we stocked up with post-card views, about 150, and some envelopes, with which to send greetings home to a number of friends. WEDNESDAY [July] 10. Since the special details on the Station (which corresponds to Ship

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due to his own misconduct. He can think that over now, and also reflect on the fact that his blood may still be tainted (probably is) and will be for sometime, liable to give him trouble at any time. SUNDAY [July] 14. This is Bastille Day, the French national holiday equivalent to our Independence Day. It is in commemoration of the fall of the Bastille, a castle prison, during the French Revolution about 125 years ago. The weather is still cloudy and rainy and cold. We debated about the advisability of going out on liberty, and decided to go, rain or no rain, wearing our pea-coats for protection against rain and cold. We went thru the Art Museum and saw a number of fine paintings, old and new. We enjoyed them more because a young lady, visiting there with two older ones, described part of them to us in English. Among those to be remembered are: a large view from a road looking over a lower plain or valley, with three Briton peasants, father, mother, and grown daughter, in working clothes, resting by the roadside, painted by an artist now living in Brest; the Sacrifice of Iphigenia (sacrificed by her father Agamemnon to the gods in prayer for good weather on their way to conquer Troy) by Charles Antoine Coypel; Death of the Last of the Briton Bards (he dies in the cold and left alone, while poets, painters, sculptors, and musicians run after fortune) by Yan Dargent. We then visited the Y.M.C.A. and the K.C. and then to supper meeting several Great Lakes friends on the way: MM Johnson of the U.S.S. Lenadores, Anderson of the Destroyer USS Nicholson, and Irwin of the USS Mallory. Irwin tells us that Shain, our tent-mate in detention camp last September, Dates, Whitman and Ortman, are also on the Mallory. Irwin, Anderson, Major and I then went to the Chateau and had the same guide take us through the dungeons who took us through last Sunday. While waiting for our truck at the end of the car line just before returning to camp, we met a business man and three young daughters who were talking to Louis Friedman: We are invited to their home with Friedman for next Sunday. Found time this morning to attend YMCA services. We stayed until the 12:30 liberty party so as to be here for the regular Sunday chicken dinner rather than leave at 10:30. MONDAY [July] 15. The Y is planning a home talent strut here soon. It had two American Y. girls out this evening to make tentative plans. If I had more ability in the entertaining line, and more spare time I

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up at 8 when colors sounded. The U.S.S Leviathan (formerly the German ship Vaterland) the greatest ship afloat came in to Brest yesterday with troops, accompanying by the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and other transports. They brought mail. We have not been here long, enough as yet to get any direct. WEDNESDAY [July] 17 [1918]. Our little 12 x 16 office has prospects of becoming overcrowded, so I am moving The Executive Officers part of it (a table, chair, and letter file) to the barracks nearly in a 12 x 12 room adjoining the post office (6 x 12) where the Executive Officer already have a desk. Now to buy a Carte Grande map of France and a typewrite a calendar for July with which to decorate our walls and we shall be fixed. I don

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by a very good class of people. There is no odium attached in this country to a place merely because it sells booze, as there is in America to the saloons. FRIDAY [July] 19. After only about a week of preparation our local talent minstrel show was given in the new barracks E. this evening. Two Y. girls are responsible for its marked success, tho they had good enough material to work with too. Miss Glass had charge of the musical part, and Miss Williamson was Interlocutor. She asked one of the boys about the menagerie we have on the station, to which he replied

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of the letters are on the order of the

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of the Ozarks Wish I had a bicycle to travel around among them more. THURSDAY [July] 25. This afternoon I picked up a copy of the Great Lakes Bulletin of May 24 that was being blown around by the wind. I did not know before picking it up that I should care to keep it; but it is a copy that I have been wishing I had, for May 24 is the date we left Great Lakes and I wanted that copy to complete my files

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and I stopped in at Lejeunes again. I thanked Mrs Lejeune for serving coffee to us. to which she replied in French, and her little daughter interpreted it,

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day, when the good German sword was to be drawn from its scabbard, and, in one swift terrible campaign, carve out of Europe a German Empire. At the threshold the German rulers asked free passage over a territory which, by all the most solemn covenants known to nations, they had promised not to enter in time of war. Belgium refused, and the great army trampled it underfoot. The next day

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desk and the Master-at-Arms writing a letter, one of the men from Barracks C came in in his underwear only and told us that a man had been stabbed in his barracks. I staid in the office while the O.D. and MAA went over. Yarborough, Coxswain, apparently a nice enough sort of chap had come in from liberty at 9:30 feeling his drinks, and had created such a disturbance as to provoke all in the barracks. After dumping one boy out of his hammock and punching him in the face a time or two, he kept on with is noise and profane and abrasive language toward any-and everybody. Finally Frank V. Schmitt, CM2c, a big 200 pound St. Louis boy went over to him and a scuffle ensued in the dusk, in which he was cut across the abdomen by Yarborough . The fat layer between his skin and abdomen muscles saved him from being cut clear thru to the insides. One wound was five inches long, another 5

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THURSDAY [August] 8. Typed a few more statements this morning. The Captain will send them with his statement of the affair to The Force Commander, recommending a General Court Martial. Yarborough today wrote a note to the Captain asking for leniency on the ground that he has three children who are depending for their daily bread on his allotment to them (which will stop if he is imprisoned) The Captain will send this note along with his report. Yarborough may get as much as five years imprisonment for the cutting, with a dishonorable discharge at the end of that time. If his family has to suffer now, it will be another case of the innocent having to suffer for the misdeeds of the guilty. FRIDAY [August] 9. With some spare time on hand today I washed clothes for an hour or two. We rated liberty tonight, and because it was such a clear evening I should like to have gone, but stayed for French class. We were out Wednesday evening and walked the 3 kilometers west to Gouesnou. Some town of several hundred people. The narrow gauge railway between Brest and Laber Urach passes thru here. Those cars are also some cars. They are a little bulky to use for watch charms, but their size suggest some such use. SATURDAY [August] 10. Yesterday brought us our first letter for several weeks, mailed by father at Berger on July 12th addressed to us at Pauillac. More should be coming very soon now. We hear that a convoy of 17 ships came in to Brest today. Hope some of them have some mail for us. Don

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like signs I have seen in the states: STOP DISCUSSING YOUR COUNTRY

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very fortunate in being able to stay together. One of the girls remarked in her halting English that we lookalike. She could also see a resemblance between me and an English professor she knows, for which I thanked her

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unload a boat at Brest and trucks were coming and going, and plans were being made to send a relief party at 4 a.m. The boat was unloaded by 1 o

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TUESDAY [August] 20. We had a distinguished inspection party today who came through the camp for a few minutes. In it were Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt and Admiral Wilson. This is pay day. I am not drawing my $5 that are due. Mr Sellar, the YMCA man, said that the last two paydays he has sent over $3,000 to the U.S. for boys here. This is over 20% of the amount paid out on these two pay days. This is sent in addition to allotments. Mr Sellar also mentioned that he received a letter from his young daughter. His wife sees that she and the son, a year or two older, write sometimes. There is an apple tree in their back yard from which Mr Sellar has often eaten apples. He said he can imagine that his daughter was sitting under it as she wrote, for this is what she wrote:

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SATURDAY [August] 24 [1918] Major spent the whole day in Brest again, on the Court of Inquiry. The mail today brought us several letters from home. When I came down to the office this morning there was a toy on one of the desks, brought in last night by one of the offices. It had two cardboard cut-outs representing a French soldier and a German soldier, attached to two wires, which, when jiggled with one hand made them swing their arms and appear to be boxing. I played with it a few minutes of course. Then when the Officer of the Day came in he played with it. Everyone who came in during the next hour had to play with it, until finally, one of the officers did not like the way they were fighting, and slapped them down on the table, breaking them. The brass band from the USS Carola, Brest, came in this afternoon and played several selections between innings in our ball game, and then for several hours after supper. In the ball game we were beaten by U.S.N.A.S. Brest, 8

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extremely important, for Government records, and not to be made public. French class 7:30 to 8:30. WEDNESDAY [August] 28. A clipping I have just come across from a recent newspaper says

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WEDNESDAY [September] 4. Heavy mail today. 4 letters for each Major and me. Ashore again for a walk tonight. A year ago tonight we started for Great Lakes. THURSDAY [September] 5. Payday today. I drew $25.00 and Major $20.00. My $100 Liberty Bond has been paid for now. Also Majors. I have now saved $150.00 clear in my first year of active service in the Navy, and it is in 3 Liberty Bonds of $50 each. A year ago today we arrived at Great Lakes to start on our active navy life. This afternoon I obtained permission to go with the truck taking gasoline to L

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alternating every few hours. It has been very much to our taste that Sunday afternoons have as a rule been pleasant. While the St. Louis papers we see show the temperature home to be ranging between 75 [degrees] and 95 [degrees]; we are having it at about 55 [degrees] to 80 [degrees] here, and the damp night air feels much colder. WEDNESDAY [September] 11 Took my semi-occasional bath today and got into cleaning clothes. We hear that our French Professor died the other day after a short illness. Don

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Brest, Pluet by name, had a four-franc supper at the Hotel de L

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that late, after the others were lashed and put away. At about 9 I felt a little hungry and visited my old friends the ship

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sent the approved request home about [August] 4 or 5, and the package came intact and well wrapped with the request folded and held on to the outside strings with paper clips. The Bible, sweater, films, and note book paper asked for were enclosed, and, in addition, a half gallon tin bucket full of fruit flavor candy, and some newspapers. FRIDAY [September] 27. Since the 25th we have had a number of cases of Spanish

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THURSDAY [October] 3. Gradually catching up with my reports. Feeling fine again. Glad I could keep out of the sick bay. My health record so far shows

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they get back, they are in a serious plight for having stayed away so long. One claims he has been here since May, and the other for about a year. If they should happen to not be Americans, or it is shown that they are spies

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pushed back an hour on [October] 6th, the evenings seem to come very early. Our station schedule has been modified because of this, so now we have reveille at 6:00, breakfast at 6:45, no change in

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home of some of Jeanne

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choice, for several weeks. Now that Denny is gone I broached the subject of office-work to Rogers this a.m. and he was glad to talk about it and wanted such work. This afternoon MacCracken asked for a helper in his Intelligence Department, so Rogers was called in. Hope I can get his services in the Executive Office too sometime. Ashore tonight. Some attempts to understand and talk French, and a pleasant walk to Guipavas and return with the moonlight. FRIDAY [October] 18. Settled down in the office after supper for some finishing touches to my work that I held off this afternoon when I spent a couple of hours washing clothes. The finishing touches were not finished, however, because 4 or 5 assembled around the oil station at my desk and we talked school. Columbia U, Pennsylvania State College, and Missouri U. SATURDAY [October] 19. Along with the discussion of schools last week one of the two officers suggested to the other that they put on gob uniforms some evening and go out for a good time to see what a difference the uniform would make. They agreed that a gob very often has the advantage when it comes to having a good time, and he is frequently preferred to an officer by the right kind of girl. A statement made by one of them disclosed an observing nature, and was rather unexpected because of its frankness. He said that he is impressed with the fact that the officers of the Navy do not measure up to their standard as a whole nearly as well as the enlisted personnel. Of course the standard set for them is higher than that for the enlisted men, and since the war there have been many newly made officers with very little experience. The additions to the enlisted personnel have also been inexperienced, but their average standard is higher than that of the old navy where many of the men could not earn a living at anything else than in the Navy. At about 4pm. we saw the old French dirigible

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SUNDAY [October] 20, [1918] My turn to stay aboard today. The sun shone brightly all morning, and I was thinking how I should a little rather be going out on liberty on such a day than stay aboard. At noon a slight drizzle began falling, which made Yoman Scheufler decide to remain aboard. I was then free to go, and Major and I checked out at about 2 and started walking to Guipavas taking the two main roads so as to meet Kerdoncuffs if they should be on the way out to the camp as they had planned. Major met them after a few minutes

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looking for us. Our explanation and a little slip from the O.D. at the hospital prevented any serious complications from developing as a result of being late. It occurs to me that we are rather lucky to have for good friends such fine girls, who work in the Chateau where they see many American sailors every day, while we have the chance to see them only once a week. MONDAY [October] 21. Mail again this evening. It came aboard after 10 p.m. I happened to be up, writing in the office. Major and I rated 3 letters each. None were addressed this time like one that came on [September] 25th addressed USS Guipavas. TUESDAY [October] 22. The outcome of our Stations subscriptions to the 4th Liberty Loan shows $15,100.00 subscribed. That makes us average about $36 per man. Two divisions were to receive an extra half day

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FRIDAY [October] 25, 1918. My Birthday, I am 29 years old today. Celebrated by doing a good day

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was away when we learned of the liberty. I looked in the windows down town and roamed around. Accidentally saw Kerdoncuffs and they invited me to their home after supper until time to catch the 9 o

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WEDNESDAY [October] 30 [1918] Our new Commanding Officer officially relieved Lieutenant John Franklin Molony, U.S.N. at quarters today. Lt. Moloney read the telegram detaching him from duty here and ordering him to Queenstown, Ireland, to the US Naval Air Station there. Then the new Skipper, Lieutenant Commander Zachary Lansdowne, U.S.N., read the telegram ordering him to duty here, saluted Lt. Molony, and said in substance

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must be signed with name and initials or full name, not merely given name or nickname. On the envelopes we are to write in the upper left hand corner our name, and

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the first word she had received from Gladys. MONDAY [November] 4 [1918] I wrote about 20 bunch letters the other day, and have had them returned to have

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fight with Yarborough. He pays for the window, 13 francs, and gets three weeks restriction of liberty. SATURDAY [November] 9. Big mail today. Usually our station gets 4 or 5 sacks when a convoy comes in, but this time we got 19 sacks. Some of ours was wet. We don

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when we borrowed a pan of water at a house by the roadside. Returning we left the train at Kerhuon while Kerdoncuffs went on in to Brest and we walked to Guipavas, & had a lunch there. In bed by 9:30, after another one of those

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last night we had another little experience showing how the French children like the Americans, Major and I were standing on the sidewalk looking at the crowds when a little black haired bright eyed girl of about 10 (her dress showed the effects of several day

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and tried to catch Royal. Royal wanted to run away and jumped, but made a bad step and fell in a little pond full with muddy and dirty water. Poor Royal, he was swimming in this nice water. I was very sorry, but I could not help it, I bursted with laugh. The rest of the

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them home. They invited us to supper and we were pleased to accept the invitation and thoroughly enjoyed the simple repast, regretting only that 8 o

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past the Petty Officer

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in pronouncing it the best supper we have had in France, both because we enjoyed the soup and steak and salad and potatoes and coffee, and also and more so because we enjoyed the companionship. On the way back to Brest this afternoon we met a French girl who worked in the office with Jeanne and Marguerite. She was with her husband, an American gob. We stopped and talked for a few moments. After greetings had been exchanged the first question asked Jeanne was in French asking if it was her fiance she was with. She hastened to answer

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baggage and bedding, and with only a candle in each tent to help warm up the place. The next day the 50 men of the draft were billeted in homes in Guipavas, where they stayed until their baggage came five days later. To put a number of men primarily trained for sea duty working on the construction of a camp was sure to bring out a number of incongruities. One of the boys seemed to be having some trouble with his pick one day, and the Paymaster remarked about it to him. He replied

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detailed from our station since her arrival from Paimboeuf, lined up in front of us, and our officers in front of them, all facing the French sailors lined up on the other side of the hangar. The French Commandant shook hands with our Captain and spoke to him in French, and addressed a few words quietly to his men. We all then stood at attention while the French flag was hauled down. We had no American Flag to hoist up on her. Our Captain then said to us,

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reading, singing, and hymns, and then an eloquent sermon by Chaplain Ayers, the meeting closed with prayer and the singing of

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with the knowledge that such a disease is in their system liable at any time in the future to manifest itself, to their disgrace and possibly to affect their family if they have one. The 2nd point is the philosophy of Mr Sellars

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the people can feel that their boys

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FRIDAY [December] 6. With Babcock, our movie operator, away on his 7 day leave, I took his place tonight. My first performance was with 11 reels, while the usual show is with only 5 or 6 reels. Major was understudy and we both knew we had done something after grinding them through. SATURDAY [December] 7. Ashore again tonight in the rain. Was told I was not needed aboard to run the pictures through because there would be a band out to entertain instead. Their [ms illegible: 1 wd] turning aboard I learned that Carlisle our former operator was called to run the machine after the band finished even tho Carlisle was ready to go to bed for a little sleep before going on watch at midnight at the French hangar with the dirigible Captaine Caussin. SUNDAY [December] 8. The Captaine Caussinn flew this morning for a couple of hours. It was her first flight since she was taken over by the US Navy on [November] 26. We walked to Lambezellec, one of Brest

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MONDAY [December] 9, 1918. The dirigible AT-13 arrived today from USN Air Sta. Paimboeuf. Our whole camp, except perhaps a dozen men, went over to the French hangars to help haul it in. Now we shall have two dirigibles here with which to meet President Wilson if the weather is clear when he arrives in France in a few days. Major and I ran through the five reels of movies in the y tonight. TUESDAY [December] 10. Routine

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This time he was in, and it took him about 2 minutes to grind a bit on my tooth, put in a cement filling, and tell me,

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an acceptable gift. Walked back from Brest, arriving at camp at 5:30, just in time for supper. Found our offices moved to the officer

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something else you wanted to say to me, little girl?

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made to locate the little girl who was this Soldiers

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when given an order. Chest, WM Oreman CM 2C, who was transferred to the hospital yesterday with pneumonia, died today. Now after the

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found open by them at about midnight last night as the train was going full speed. They were awakened by the strong wind coming in. They think he may have been leaning against the door as he slept, and that it opened and he fell out. FRIDAY [December] 27 [1918] Washed clothed this morning, finishing at about 9:30 and reporting to work at 10. It is rather unseamanlike to allow dirty clothes to accumulate for a couple of weeks, but they do sometimes when there is plenty of work to take up ones time. SATURDAY [December] 28. Speaking of New Years leave today, the Executive Officer casually mentioned that when I return from mine I may be ready to take an examination for Chief Yeoman. I am not averse to it by any means, even though I like the gob

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would not go six miles to town in civilian life, just to give a girl a birthday gift, if I knew I should probably have to walk back through the rain at night after only a half or

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the Pay Office verbal instructions to make the change on the pay roll, and made it on the reports to be sent to headquarters. On liberty at 12:30 truck to Guipavas, then walked to the home of Herrs, a spacious country home set in a large, well kept yard, overlooking part of the harbor near Kerhuon. Spent a pleasant afternoon there, Major, Rogers, L. Friedman, and I. There were the four boys Jacques, Jean, Bernard, and Francois, their parents, their grandmother, Madame Rouget, and their uncle (a poilu) M. Audri Rouget. Their father is a Naval Officer ranking with a Commander in the US Navy. We played some billiards, ate a light lunch, played at the piano and sang some, ate a high toned French supper, and left them at about 8, returning to Camp at 9:20. THURSDAY [January] 2 [1919] Quarterly reports progressing fine. Major & I can probably go on several day

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MONDAY [January] 6 Moved offices again today, this time to the Captain

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SATURDAY [January] 11 [1919] Moved from Captain

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TUESDAY [January] 14. Violet

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until noon sleeping, crouched in a recess. After a few more bites for dinner, and promptly giving them up too, I sat in a corner and watched the sea and napped. Not a very salty mariner. Major did not get seasick. We arrived in Plymouth at 3, saw the dock from which the Mayflower sailed with our Pilgrim forefathers, had our leave papers fixed and transportation furnished to London. Had a good Navy chow at 5 (it is Naval Base 27) and took the 7:30 train to London. It seemed good to go down a street again where the signs were in English like at home. THURSDAY [January] 16 [1919] Arrived in London at 3:15 a.m. A British Army truck was going our way so took us and our baggage to the Eagle Hut, YMCA, on the Strand, for us gratis. Breakfast and then a cot till 9:30. Naval Headquarters till after dinner. Saw several Great Lakes boys there. Arranged for a room in the Grafton, a high class hotel taken over by the YMCA. The 3 buildings each (about 72[cents]) included the bed, a bath, and breakfast. Walked around some along the Thames, crossed over, looked to see if London Bridge is falling down, re-crossed on it, passed London Monument, London Tower, walked across Tower Bridge, and returned to the Y by bus, - one of London

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the origin of the great London fire in the 17th century which practically wiped out the great city. Stopped on London Bridge a few minutes again, then on to St. Paul

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SATURDAY [January] 18 [1919] Up at 7:30. To Naval Headquarters to arrange for a military rate to Folkstone and Bologue [Boulogne]. We were sorry to bid London farewell and hope to visit there again some day. Left from the Charing Cross station at 11:20. On the platform there, just before boarding the train, we saw sandwiches at a counter, and wanted to buy some. They were not for sale, but were given with a cup of either coffee or cocoa to men in uniform. We therefore enjoyed them even more than if we had bought them. The lady gave us several cheese sandwiches along to eat on the train. Don

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needed. We then took the

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the station which, showed plenty of marks of the shell fire. We saw several American soldiers. We have seen Americans in every good sized town we have visited in France so far. We found a room in the Hotel Continental for 5 francs each without any trouble. In bed by 7:30 for a good night

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second line trenches or series of trenches a bout a half mile back. These are of more permanent construction having much concrete work and wooden supports to the trench walls, camouflage of various kinds, and more dugouts than the front line trenches, most of them running deep into the ground. By the time we started back to town our souvenirs weighed about 50 pounds, and we were glad to carry them for the sake of having them. The soldiers who get leave to the front, or who come from there on leave, may only bring away what they can carry in their pockets, while the gobs come back right along with about all they can carry. We missed the 4 o

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[January] 22 [1919] crashing through one corner at the roof on Good Friday, 1918 and killing 76 and wounding about 200 more; Tous (Tower) by Saint Jacques; The Hotel de Ville, or city hall; the Palais du Justice on the island which was the original Paris, now used for different courts up to the Supreme Court, but formerly the Palace of the King, La Sainte Chapelle, nearby which was built by Louis IX (St. Louis) in the 13th century as a resting place for his priceless relics of the Crusades- a part of the cross on which Christ was crucified and His crown of thorns. Because of the use to which this chapel was to be put architects and builders offered their services in such numbers that the building, which ordinarily would have taken 10 years to build was built in 3 years, and it is considered to be the purest type of Gothic architecture in the world. The part of the Cross and the Crown of thorns were later placed in a spherical container and are imbedded in the foundation of one of the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral, where they will be safe for the future, tho we may not view them while so hidden away. We then visited Notre Dame Cathedral and felt the thrill of being another such wonderful building. Its fa

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The Palais du Senat; several schools; the Chambre des Deputes, the Invalides; visited Napoleon

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together, and forming an imposing column covered with the stories of Napoleon

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of the extravagant tastes and desires of some Monarchs. These results were stupendous in their grandeur with the rich marble and carved wood finish, paintings, [ms illegible: 1 wd] buildings, and great-back yard surrounded by a wall formerly 28 kilometers (17

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While doing KP and helping cook in the hospital he had plenty of chances to put a few cans of jam aside for himself, and then when he left, he had a few beef sandwiches also. The Red Cross had given us the bread for our lunch. We arrived in Brest at 1:35 p.m., checked in at the Chateau (USS Carola) visited the barber and shower baths, got settled in our quarters, and called on Kerdoncuffs after supper until 8:45. There is a certain feeling of relief in being settled down again after roaming around a spell. We feel it especially because true to Capt. Lansdowne

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practice of the Historical Sections. It is good exercise to climb the 120 steps of the 5 stories to our office several times a day

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On watch at the office again and wrote and read. The Paris mail came in at 10:10 and a few minutes later my day

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After pay-day which is Sunday, I

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haze this evening, it looked like the pictures often seen in an art museum, done in blue and purple tints, with the backgrounds almost indistinguishable in the mist, to Lejeunes from 7 to 8:30 then to the office till after 11 to await the mail courier. Major did not feel like going along out on liberty. SUNDAY [February] 2 [1919] Payday drew 40.37

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THURSDAY [February] 6. Gladys

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several officers sat under the canopy, in the cabin aft. There was considerable wind and the water was rough even inside the breakwaters (in the inner harbor), so there was plenty of spray flying and we became as wet as if there had been a heavy rain. It was a good thing for us that we did not have to go out into the outer harbor. When I jumped into the launch from the gangway, of the New Mexico the top of its awning came to meet me and knocked my cap off and back onto the gangway. With the rough sea there would have been no chance to rescue it out of the water, so I thought that there was $5.00 gone. Luckily, tho, the other fellow who was also coming in, behind me, caught the cap accidentally between his knee and a part of the gangway, and so saved my $5.00 worth of cap. To Kerdoncuffs at 7, and studied some French there. TUESDAY [February] 11 [1919] Wanted to go to French class at 7, but took another trip out in the harbor with orders to the USS Yarnall, Lea, Woolsey, and Tarbell, and did not get back until 7:20 too late for the class. These four destroyers were anchored side by side. Several of our old Guipavas boys have just been transferred to the Woolsey. They had several cases of seasickness on the trip to England and back, just completed. I wonder what will happen if they hit rough and cold weather on their way to the Azores escorting the Presidential party on the USS George Washington? May have summer weather all the way. The yeoman for Commander Coman, Chief of Staff (the man next under Admiral Halstead) came today to ask if Major would care for his job. He is a Reserve and expects to be sent home before long. I hope Major gets the detail. It will be much better than the monotony of the filing department. WEDNESDAY [February] 12 Thought today I

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is not in favor of my going I guess I won

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SUNDAY [February] 16 [1919] Sundays

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WEDNESDAY [February] 19 The Yacht

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to sail today sometime for Bordeaux to take the troops, but her orders were changed so she sailed back to the States from here. If the chauffeur of our Ford car had not known the way to Pier #9 at the Port de Commerce where the Great Northern lay, we would easily have gotten lost among the many Army trucks and the several turns we had to make. SUNDAY [February] 23 [1919]The USS Leviathan brought in a lot of mail that was unloaded on us today. It required me to work all day instead of my having the afternoon off as I expected. There was more or less rain anyway, so we could not have gone out for a hike. Had a nice hike yesterday afternoon. Ensign Wheatley said at about 3 o

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TUESDAY [February] 25. Up at about 9 and to work after eating only a bit of chocolate for breakfast. Perhaps it would be just as well for me if I did without breakfast oftener. Off at 3 p.m. Since Cutliff was in the Mail Room to take my place. Spent my time writing letters, because the Leviathan sails for America with mail tomorrow. To bed by 9:30. WEDNESDAY [February] 26. Before falling asleep last night I heard the buglers on two ships in the harbor as they blew first call, tattoo, and taps, at about 10 o

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Friday [February] 28 [1919] Wrote Missouri University today asking for an affidavit or statement that I was a student there in 1916

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Washington last June, and the feeling produced when she rolled and pitched in the heavy seas, that I had a vivid recollection of how my stomach felt when seasickness came. Immediately after supper we went out again and I delivered orders aboard the battleship Missouri, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Returned about 7. Visited at LeJeunes 7:30 to 8:30. Jean is home on 12 days permission from LeHavre. We are invited back for supper tomorrow evening, with Louis Friedman, also formerly of Guipavas, Mrs LeJeune showed us the 2 large young roosters killed for the occasion. Chickens are scarce here, so she ordered them two months ago from the man who sells them butter, and asked him to keep them until Jean should come home on leave again. TUESDAY [March] 4 Haircut and shave during noon hour today. Shortest hair-cut I

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FRIDAY [March] 7 [1919] There was some comment made today on the advantages of having a

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has probably been more than enough rain lately. These streams are probably used to being high, for they do not wash down a lot of new dirt each time and get muddy. The water may have some foam from its dashing along, but hardly ever a drifting stick even (they are all gleaned from field and hedge for fire-wood) and the grassy banks do not give up their soil to make the water muddy. The narrow valleys, sometimes on a steep incline, and not available for tillage because of their wet marshy condition, are all used for meadows while the rocky hill-sides furnish short bushy underbrush which is cut at about this time yearly for firewood. The abundance, or over-abundance, of rain in all this part of France is shown in these valleys in the Department of Cotes-du-Nord, and Finistere, where many of them are too wet to be plowed for agriculture, even when they lie on an incline. They are usually cut up with criss-cross little ditches at frequent intervals which form a surface drainage system, and the grass which grows in them all the year round furnishes hay. Many of the funny stumpy little trees along the hedges are merely stumps now as their year

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riding, which carried 1250 troops and became stalled on a steep grade. When the French engineer saw he could not get the train up the grade with his engine he called to the men to get out and push, which they did willingly enough and the rather heavy train climbed the hill easily, tho rather slowly. This same Lieutenant is authorized to wear a wound chevron for a slight scratch he received in the streets of Soissons during the fighting there last summer. It was from a fragment of a high explosive missle which had about expended its energy, and the scratch was so slight the he is ashamed to wear a wound chevron and compare that with the way some of the boys were mutilated. About 3 p.m. we passed a siding with a number of Railway Battery guns, on their special mounts and trucks, a few of the large caliber (perhaps 10 inch) and the rest of varying sizes smaller. Arrived at the Gare Montparnasse about 8:15, ate at the US Red Cross station there, and delivered my mail pouch at Naval Headquarters at 9:10. Thence to the Tuileries Hotel, the US Red Cross hotel where we stayed while here in January. SUNDAY [March] 9 [1919] Up at 6:45. Took the 7:55 train for Chateau Thierry (leaving 35 or 40 minutes late). Met a young soldier on the train with whom I spent the day, Lorin C Tassman from the office of the head surgeon, on Blvd. Batigmolles. Neither of us had breakfast, so we were hungry when we reached Chateau Thierry at about 10 a.m. Had some rolls and jam and coffee at the YMCA there, and took some rolls and cheese along on our 10 kilometer hike to Belleau Woods, the place where our American Marines put up such a good fight last summer, for the premiere American victory but at such a heavy loss of men. Arrived there about noon and tramped through and around the woods for 4 hours. The little sort of individual trenches, arranged usually in groups of three, behind a large tree or camouflaged with braches, for use as machine-gun nests are so numerous in the dense brush that is small wonder the point was

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considered as one of the strongest in that section of the German Front. Our Marines plowed right through that front but the cemeteries nearby show that the cost was heavy. The woods are not very large but they are so dense, especially now since so many trees and branches have been shot down and litter the ground, that we easily became puzzled in our directions several times. We did not have the sun to guide us, for there was a characteristic drizzle most of the afternoon

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Later a fourth letter came up with the same instructions. He is evidently making up for lost time in writing home, and doesn

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SUNDAY [March] 16 [1919] Hiked out past Pontanazen [Pontanezen] Barracks with Major and Kerdoncuffs this afternoon. This is about the third bright sunshiny day in the past week, and we made good use of it. MONDAY [March] 17. St. Patrick

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FRIDAY [March] 21 Is this the first day of spring, or is tomorrow? Anyway, aside from the few showers the day has been like a fine spring day. Visited at Herrs from 7 to 8. Had been invited by Jean last Saturday evening when we met him near the depot as he was going to catch the 6:30 p.m. train for Kerhuon to spend Sunday at their Summer Villa. We spent a Sunday afternoon with them out there several months ago. They live in a sumptuously furnished apartment on #28 rue du Chateau, across Place President Wilson from our Flag Office. SATURDAY [March] 22. Another Chief Yeoman has reported here for duty, and is to take my place. He is not a stenographer, and my release here will make me available for stenographic duty. The Flag Secretary gave us a line of talk about the importance and responsibility of this mail room job. On watch tonight 9 to 11. Had the mail room cleaned up a bit and our marble fire-place improved a hundred percent b wiping the discoloration due to smoke off it with a damp rag. SUNDAY [March] 23 The USS Leviathan arrived at 10 a.m. bringing Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and his party to France. There was a large amount of mail aboard which came ashore in the afternoon. Four other transports carrying mail are due in during the next eight days. That is much better than some of our waits, amounting to ten days between mails. Rain almost all day. On watch 9 to 11:10. MONDAY [March] 24 Up at 7, just in time to miss breakfast. Reveille and chow were an hour early this morning because of Secy. Daniels

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Southern France and Italy will seem more nearly complete if he takes a few pictures. Larry Houenstien did not get his transfer to a Receiving Ship, but is still one of the crew of the USS Leviathan. He came ashore yesterday, so a few hours after my Kodak was sold I asked him to bring me another from New York. This trip the Leviathan crew has had its first liberty in France for some months. Some kind of trouble probably stopped their liberty. Secretary Daniels ordered that they get liberty. This afternoon at 3:30 Major and I got permission to go out to the Leviathan to visit. Larry was on her, and JA Rogers has just reported aboard as a passenger. His mother died recently and he just heard about it after his return from his ten day leave to Rome, etc., so he put in a request to be sent home, and it was approved. We explored the decks of the Leviathan, keeping our eyes open for signs to help us find around, had chow, saw a seemingly endless string of soldiers coming aboard, and returned on a 7:30 boat. On our way to the Flag Office we stopped in at the Y from 8:15 to 8:45 to listen to a negro troupe of 7 entertainers (soldiers), 3 musicians and a vocal quartette. They were good. WEDNESDAY [March] 26 [1919] At 11, with all the messengers out on trips, a rush order came in for the USS Lake Dagara. We had sent orders out at 10, for her addressed USS Dagara. I took these corrected orders out and we caught her under way, I climbed aboard after one of the officers on board our little gig had motioned over that we wanted to speak to them, and our gig started after them, overtaking them when their engines stopped. The orders were exchanged and I brought the old ones with the

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It is a result of some sleeping in in the quarters Major occupies. That means I

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FRIDAY [March] 28 1919 Up at about 7 again. Took a long walk 7:30 to 8:45. Nothing much to do in the office now since Delaney, Cy [Chief Yeoman], is taking my place. Helped some, and read most of the morning from

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envelope, and that in another until I had 9, each larger than the last. Then wrapped it neatly as for mailing and dropped it I Jeanne

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Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German. This Yank might have said

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in November, immediately following the signing of the Armistice. SUNDAY[April] 6. Today is the second anniversary of the entry of the United Sates in the war. I worked until 12:30, had a dinner of left-overs, and almost kept my 2 o

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5 April, 1919, and read as follows; (translated from the French).

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a land noted for its politeness.

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effective as an incentive for us to seek improvement. This morning early the Admiral sent for me and after saying

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Pius X, or rather after an aunt who was named after him. A priest went to Rome and Pope Pius X blessed him and gave him the commission that upon his return the first baby boy to be baptized by him should be named after Pius X (Pia) and the first baby girl was to be named after him likewise. Anne

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boats that came to their assistance. TUESDAY [April] 15,1919. Still rough on the harbor today. I went out at 5:30 in a canopy covered 44 foot motor sailor n which were 8 or 10 officers and men for different ships. I had sailing orders for 3 ships. An officer going aboard the USS Pueblo took her orders, a Y man going aboard the Huntington took hers, but we did not go to the Missouri with hers. Too rough to go out to her or 2 or 3 others that the officers wanted to reach. After one or two more stops we came back to the dock, the officers to try to reach their ships tomorrow, and I to send the Missouri

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letter from Havergal Genoway last week, begun on 15 December 1918, added to on 9 March, and mailed the 10th. WEDNESDAY [April] 16. Left at 1 p.m. with orders for the UASS Naiwa, a small cargo ship anchored almost at the other side of the harbor, a letter for the French battleship Gloire, which we searched for over the harbor and finally located in the military port where I walked after a visit to the Leviathan to deliver a letter and to see Larry Hamenstein. He had my Kodak, case, and films, which he had purchased in New York, total $23.28. Remained aboard about an hour and caught a boat back at 4. To Lejeunes at 6:30 for supper. While looking at some of our snapshots taken at LaRoche Maurice last fall, Mrs Lejeune told us that she and her husband first met there. He lived in Landivisio [Landivisiau], and visited LaRoche Maurice one day with his brother. Mrs Lejeune, then Mlle Marguerite Flock, Landernau. She was 19 and he 29. THURSDAY [April] 17. The Admiral expressed himself in a pleasing way in the letter which I took to the Commanding Officer of the French Ship Gloire yesterday. It may not ordinarily show good taste to publish a letter without the consult of the writer when it has merely passed through one

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by all America.

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WEDNESDAY [April] 23. The pictures taken with my new Kodak were finished this evening, and all 12 are very satisfactory. Visited with Kerdoncuffs at the home of their cousin Maria, 7 to 8:40. Big time out in Brest tonight with the Yanks and Limeys (as they call the Lime juice drinking British) fighting. Too much alcohol and the old hereditary feeling of antagonism between the two were the causes. Now for some restrictions on our liberty. THURSDAY [April] 24. At about 10:30 the Assistant Flag Secretary took me to the Chief of Staff, who had asked for someone to direct some envelopes. They were for invitations to the officers of the 13 British ships and the 4 French battle-ships in the harbor, for a big ball to be given tonight by the US Naval Officers here. I then delivered the invitations to the British ships, going aboard 11 of them, the Flagship HMS Curacoa, and H.M.S. Dragon, Curlew, Danal, Tara, Winchelsea, Frogan, Whitley, Wessex, Walsey, & Valentine. I was received with extreme courtesy on all of them. On the Curlew the Commanding Officer left his dinner table to go to is cabin where he read the invitation card and dictated to me a little message of acknowledgement and thanks to Commander Cowan, Chief of Staff, which he asked me to deliver with the information that he would write later in the day. HMS

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every scrap. The resemblings in the car indicate that the labor demonstrations in France on May 1st may assume big proportions and be difficult to handle. French soldiers who have been home on permission, some for a month or two months, have received telegrams canceling their leave and ordering them back to their camps. The plan here is to issue orders on April 30 restricting all liberty of American sailors for several days. FRIDAY [April] 25, 1919. Had my shoes repaired again. 9 fr. 50 for soles and heels. Left at 4:30 for Guipavas, stopping in at Hospital #5 for 15 minutes. After about 4 kilometers caught up with Major who had started on ahead. A few minutes later Clarence Ramey caught up with us. He was also going out for the night. It was our first visit there since leaving the old camp three months ago. Spent the night at Colins. SATURDAY [April] 26. Up at 6:30. Walked back to Brest. left 7:25, preferring not to ride in a French Navy truck leaving then, and arrived at work at 9:05. Made a written request for liberty to La Trinite, near Brest for Major, Paul Haskell and me until 9 p.m. Sunday. It was forwarded to the Commanding Officer, USS Carola, by the Flag Secretary recommending approval, but was returned not approved. We learned that it was because all liberty will expire Sunday at 5:30 too. Finished reading

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are apparent. There are French soldiers about town in their steel helmets. There are proclamations posted calling attention to the holiday of the laborers and that it should also be a day of protestation by the socialists. A proclamation signed by the Prefet Maritime Gouveneur des Fortes, Brest is posted calling attention to the need for orderly behavior and stating that disorders will be suppressed. There has been an order issued cancelling all liberty of USN enlisted personnel from 5:30 p.m. today. The officers consider themselves to be of an entirely different mould of course and have been free all the time to run about the streets at any hour. They have been

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SATURDAY [May] 3, 1919. Bright and clear most of the day. We are at least having a bit more nice weather now than during the winter. SUNDAY [May] 4. The USS Imperator arrived at Brest during the night or early morning, to be commissioned here and then sail for the States in the convoy business. Her German crew of 420 will be sent back home on a German vessel. 14 German officers will stay aboard as representatives of the firm to which the ship belongs. They will not be considered as prisoners of war, but they will not be permitted ashore in Europe except if the ship enters a German port. Many of our boys have been anxious to get on the Imperator draft to have the honor of being detailed on the second largest ship afloat. A letter came this morning for the Admiral from Congressman C.A. Newton, of Missouri, requesting Major

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Thursday [May] 8. Major and I visited Fitzell and T.J. Rogers on the USS Westbridge at noon. She is in dry dock, and has a large portion of her starboard side out to be rebuilt where the torpedo struck her last August. A thumb bone of one of the three firemen killed in the fire room at that time is in the office as a sort of souvenir they don

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two books, and the ceremony was over, the young couple were entered into a new life, the wedded life. We shook hands with the Mayor, the clerks, took a few snapshots of the party in a bit of parkway several blocks away, and I went back to work at about 10:15. It was all done in less than 45 minutes; but the preliminary arrangements were not so quickly made. Hernholm went to Lorient, where the young lady lived, asking for only two days, expecting to have time enough to complete the arrangements which had been started long before. He wished to return to his work here because another yeoman is away on leave. He returned last night and stated that a slight hitch had delayed them at the last moment, (a statement was required, I think, from Lorient to the effect that his fianc

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swimming pleasant. TUESDAY [May] 13. Left the office at about 4:30 with a message to be delivered to the USS Imperator. Major and Haskell went along. We saw several old friends on board, after having wandered around the ship for awhile and having found the mess hall. There is no reason why a sailor should go hungry at meal time when he is near a Navy mess hall. If he does not feel like walking in without an invitation, he can very easily get one by simply asking where the mess hall is and whether the crew lines up before it. There we met Verne Sanders, Y1c, whom we had not seen since last May at Great Lakes. Had quite a chat with Lieut. EW Rugg, our Executive Officer at Guipavas. Returned on an Army lighter at 8:15 to take the Port of Commerce, Chateau 9:00. WEDNESDAY [May]14. On watch after supper. Wanted to write letters, but started to read

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offences that are very small compared to these of this officer. SATURDAY [May] 17, 1919. This morning

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and with their cheering and yelling helped the one to win and the other to get a draw. WEDNESDAY [May] 21. Rain all day again, the first for several days. My suit became wet, so I pressed it before supper and went out in my gob uniform for the evening. THURSDAY [May] 22. A soldier troupe gave an entertaining soldier play at the YMCA from 7 to 9:15. FRIDAY [May] 23. Nine sailors left the chateau at 5:15 in a Rainier light truck for Trez Hir 12 miles out to spend the night. Broke down and walked on several miles before we were picked up by YMCA cars that were also going there. We took a plunge in the cold water at 8, and then hiked along the paths and roads awhile, and talked and heard the singing and music at the YMCA Hotel. To bed at about 12. SATURDAY [May] 24. Up at 6:30. A light breakfast of coffee and a slice of bread and jam, and we were off at 7:10. This time our car (which the driver had brought out from Brest for us after taking his crippled car in last night) went very well until a flat tire about a mile out of Brest caused us to walk in, arriving at about 8. Letters from Ava Hudson at the YMCA, Paris, came for Major today. SUNDAY [May] 25. Major left at 11:30 in an auto with several officers for St. Nazaire to record a Board of Investigation on some kind of ship collision. It is a beautiful day, so the ride there should be about as pleasant as one could wish. I am on watch this afternoon. To the [YMCA] at 7:30 to hear Congressman Chandler of New York speak for an hour on Memorial Day. He was sent over on a lecture tour by the War Department. MONDAY [May] 26. Show at the [YMCA] tonight entitled

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WEDNESDAY [May] 18, 1919. Circular letter came through today announcing for half our office force to have the whole day off. At 1:45 some of the Staff Officers among others were presented with the Legion of Honor medal by the French on Cours Dajot. THURSDAY [May] 29. Wrote a request this evening for examination for permanent appointment as Chief Yeoman. When I get that it will increase my pay from $72 to $83 per month. I rate a permanent appointment from July 1, after six months in the rate of Chief Yeo. Brought my Blue-jacket

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The Chateau, Brest, at 8. On watch tonight 6 to 9. The Navy Seaplane NC4 passed over Brest at about noon today on its way to Plymouth to complete its great trans-Atlantic flight. It reached Plymouth at 2:24 p.m. (1:24 p.m. G.M.T.) SUNDAY [June] 1. Rode to Mengam Radio Station after dinner with truck taking out some food supplies. Dropped off at the St. Anne road on the return and walked down for a swim at the beach. Met several friends. Major returned from St. Nazaire at about 10 p.m. He went down by Auto last Sunday. Stopping overnight at Lorient on the way, worked about four days recording the investigation into the collision between the USS Housatonic and the French S.S. Basse Indre, and returned this evening by train. MONDAY [June] 2. Two years ago today Major and I held our right hands and swore to uphold the constitution of the United States and do a lot of things including serve in the Navy for four years. One year ago today Martin and Major and I spent the memorable Sunday at Atlantic City in company with the three young Mormon maids we had met the day before in Philadelphia. Walked to Guipavas this evening at 4:30, arriving there at 5:50. With the Scouer family we walked to our old camp site after 9. Returning about 10:30. My first visit there since camp broke up in January. TUESDAY [June] 3. One year ago today we received orders to sail for France. After supper that day we marched out of the Philadelphia Navy Yard to the street cars, then boarded a train and left for Newport News. We visited Kerdoncuffs this evening. WEDNESDAY [June] 4. One year ago today we arrived at Newport News and Newport, Virginia, and were introduced to the USS Martha Washington on which we sailed the next day. Re-arranged files today so as to make room for another 2 or 3 months expansion. On watch tonight 6 to 9. THURSDAY [June] 5. Two years ago today was registration day for the great selection draft. One year ago today, at dark we sailed from Newport News for France, after having waited over a year for this chance. At 5 today several of our office force went to Trez Hir for the night. The tide was out, and at low tide there are so many rocks that swimming is not very good, Major

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and I went in before supper for a few minutes, however. After supper Kenneth, a young YMCA Ford driver, and I accompanied two [YMCA] ladies, Misses Coates and Cowles, to the hotel at Porsmilin, walking along the edge of the cliffs. The two or three kilometers hike back was made in the dark, but we did not need the flash-light we had borrowed, for our eyes got used to the darkness. FRIDAY [June] 6, 1919. Up before 7. Light lunch of bread and butter and jam and coffee. In Brest by 8. Major and I left our purses or wallets in the canteen last night for safe-keeping and forgot to get them out before it closed. That was an excuse for me to go out again tonight at 5:30. Immediately after supper Kenneth and I went over to Porsmilian, he to bring back most of the [YMCA] ladies for an evening of dancing at Trez Hir, and I for a walk along the cliffs with Miss Cowles. My return to Trez Hir at 10:30 was along the path at the edge of the cliffs; the moon shown and was reflected in the water; the breakers came in, though they were small for the sea was calm; and the whole picture was a most pleasant view. SATURDAY [June] 7. Returned to Brest at 8:30. Pressed some clothes and finally got to work at 10. Stood the dinner watch till 1 o

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ready to say good-bye for the last time, expressed the wish that she could live a little longer. Her reason was that she might still do something more for her 3 boys

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to get at any price. Eggs sold at $1 apiece. It was easier to barter one commodity for another than buy with money, for the money had almost no buying value. After supper this young lady wanted to go to Conquet, an old village 6 or 7 miles away, to see a friend waiting there for her, so about ten of us climbed in the car to go along. We passed the ruins of the old Abbey at which was built way back in the 6th or 8th century. There are probably a hundred people living there now in the little village. At one time the population was 20, 000. The place is in a state of ruins because the British shelled it at one time in one of their numerous wars with the French, and it never was rebuilt. It stands on a point of land overlooking the sea. The large light-house there is the farthest west on the mainland, I believe. When we passed along the road from there to Conquet, overlooking the sea toward the setting sun for several kilometers, we thought of the scant 3000 miles that lay out there before us and between us and America. Someone mentioned that we were now as far west as we could go on the mainland

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in diameter and four inches long. When I bought this suit I asked for a two piece suit or one that looks like a two piece suit like the suits we have at home. The girl who waited on me said yes she understood what I wanted, but she did not think I would be able to get that kind of suit here. She said that anyway since the one-piece suit is worn everywhere here in France, that is the suit to wear. At St. Anne we spent about two hours partly in the water but mostly on the warmer beach. It is fine to swim out where one can see the bottom through the clear blue water to a depth of 15 or 20 feet. If a dark rock overgrown with seaweed protrudes through the white sand, it is easily seen at that depth even as one swims along with the eyes at the water

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and lately the Americans have been mixed up in some of them. The true Frenchman still likes the American, and that feeling is reciprocal, but this other class believes in strikes and violence as a means of reconstruction after the war. When they get to thinking about it they get excited and want to start right in on somebody. The Americans have been held in to prevent the possibility of their provoking these already excited Bolshevists. THURSDAY [June] 19, 1919. A year ago today we first set foot on the soil of France after spending the final 24 hours of our stay on the USS Martha Washington in Brest Harbor. We thought we were on our way to Paris, and then when we landed in Pauillac two days later we exclaimed with the others,

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the above terrible statistics, which ought to suffice.

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fort on the point of land nearby; and because there was no truck to take the folks back to Conquet they started to walk the four miles and we accompanied them half way. It so happened that Major

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from 9:30 to 11 along a route which I had not travelled before. SATURDAY [June] 28. Up at 7. Walked in to Brest by 9. A year ago we reported for duty at Guipavas Air Station. At 3 p.m. whistles and sirens began sounding, and cannon fired salutes, because it was the time of the signing of Peace. The feeling seemed to be that while we have been in a state of war up to the present time, we may now feel that we are in a state of peace. Had been on the dinner watch until after 1, and was returning to the Flag Office when the noise started. My course was deflected to the Cours Dajot to look out over the harbor for a few minutes in passing. I stood on the wall where it is about 30 or 35 feet high on the outside. A boy of perhaps 12 came behind me, and when a foot or two away stepped off the wall and landed on the curb below with a thud. He fell with arms and legs outstretched and seemed to strike with his hip first. He was conscious when picked up by a passing auto, and aside from a few broken bones may possibly not be badly hurt. To Kerdoncuffs 7 to 9. As we had 10:30 liberty because of the signing of Peace, we watched a parade and mixed in the crowds for awhile before turning in. Liberty is now scheduled to be until 9:30 instead of 9. SUNDAY [June] 29. Press headings show that the prohibition question occupies much more space on the front pages of papers in the States today than the newly signed peace. At 12:30 four of us took a car to St. Pierre. There we caught the tramway for Conquet. After a swim we walked the six kilometers to Trez Hir in time for 6:30 supper. After supper we walked to the old fort on the point overlooking the sea where we have gone several times before. On our way back, as we jumped over a little stream about two feet wide where it wandered out on the sand beach from the grassy land back in the little valley one of the fellows said that he always did like to build a dam and play in the mud when he was a little fellow. The suggestion was enough to make us want to build a dam right there, so we piled up some rocks and scooped sand with our hands and a flat rock or two until

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we had the stream backed up to make quite a reservoir about a foot higher than the old level of the stream. It took about fifteen minutes or more of industrious work for all four of us to do this. Two little French boys helped for a few minutes, but they probably had other business and soon moved on. It must have been an inspiring sight to see four grown men, three of them Chief Petty Officers in the United States Navy, and the other a first-class Petty Officer, playing like this just for the fun of it. Two French fisherman passed by at about this time. When it was explained that it had all been for pleasure, even though it was work for small children, they laughed and went on down to their boats shaking their heads. When the water finally reached the top of the dam and started over we watched the process of destruction with interest. It did not take it long to wash a big gap in the dam so the stream went back down to its former level; and we went back to the hotel feeling perfectly sane and happy. MONDAY [June] 30, 1919. When we arrived in Brest at 8 we heard of the riot here last night involving principally French sailors and Americans. Liberty was to be until 9:30, but by 8 p.m. practically all our sailors had been ordered to the chateau. Probably the trouble is connected with the discontent felt among the French sailors of the 1910 and 1911 classes who believe that the demobilizing plans do them an injustice. Their actions caused most of the disorder here on the 17th, 18th, and 19th, when they did some parading and singing of

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THURSDAY [July] 3. Payday. Drew $40.31, rate of 6:46. Payday at the Carola is usually on Sunday. Requested that half our office force have all day off tomorrow. Approved. FRIDAY [July] 4. Again comes the question

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On watch all day. MONDAY [July] 7, 1919. On dinner and supper watch. Looking over a few telegrams today I noticed several about making reservations on the USS Imperator for Count Di Cellere (celery), Italian Ambassador to Washington, his wife the Countess Di Collere, a daughter aged 15, a son aged 13, a man servant, a maid servant, and a governess. There was also a telegram regarding the address of Miss Helen Kuhn (Coon), and one from Congressman Ireland regarding the discharge of a Swanson. To the office after supper to sit around. Liberty still 7:00. TUESDAY [July] 8. On watch 6

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There seems to be a great many people travelling on account of the holiday. The trains for two days have been running with two engines. Liberty till 5 only. Crowds filled the streets and Place President Wilson. A number of us came to the Flag Office after supper to watch the crowds from our balcony. Band concert by the French 19th Regiment Band from 8 to 9. The band stand in Place President Wilson was decorated with many electric lights, and Japanese lanterns were lighted on all sides. Fireworks and searchlights from the harbor lighted the sky until 11. The effect was a little unusual when ascending rockets entered the low hanging clouds and were lost to sight for an instant before they burst. Then the bright colored lights shown through the mist of the cloud with a softer glow. TUESDAY [July] 15. Our press headings report that Paris in pageant of unrivaled splendor yesterday on 130th anniversary fall Bastille acclaimed victorious allied warriors as they marched beneath Arc de Triomphe and proceeded through on triumphant march through city. Estimated five million many whom been waiting all night lined highways from Porte Maillot to Place de la Republique. Chains which barred Arc since 1870, when Frenchmen erected barrier against invading Germans, removed, and French Captain and Two Poilus passed under historic arch of Napoleon followed by Marshals Joffre, Foch, and Guard Honor. Americans led by General Pershing [General John J. Pershing] came next, followed by the Belgians, British, Poles, Rumanians, Serbs, Czechos, Italians and at last the French Poilus led by Marshal Petain. Nearly 25,000 persons in parade which required more than two hours to pass. Celebration continued throughout the day and night. The one greatly significant and moving emotion stirring the soul of France to its depths was simply but surely voiced in the heartfelt cry:

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the day before the big headlines across the front page is

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and sacrifice. They speak for two million graves. Before the harvest of Victory is garnered, there is work a plenty. Duty and Sacrifice, now and ever: This is the symbol of the flags.

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MONDAY [July] 21, 1919. Up at 6:30. To Brest by 8. TUESDAY [July] 22. Emilienne Sharbarg

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a

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into the north where standards are different, and because they have not settled down (some because of shortage of quarters) they are restless. The black soldier who has been to France is probably more or less restless too, after having been treated by some of the French as an exact equal. Band concert in Square at 4:30. FRIDAY [August] 1, 1919. We broached the subject of leave today. Expect to get 15 days beginning the 4th. SATURDAY [August] 2. Fair and warmer. Sunday [August] 3. Attended the movies in the old barn at the chateau this evening. The performance was temporarily halted so we could all go out in the court to see the Chinese troupe of entertainers who had come to give us a dance or two on stilts with fancy costumes and do some acrobatics stunts. This afternoon we viewed Brest

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hopes we will uphold their splendid Traditions (we went through by entering at one door and leaving at another) We then saw some ruins of old Roman baths: and were back to dinner by 11:45. Trip through the Louvre after dinner, passing statue of Lafayette in the Tuileries Gardens which was presented to France by the school children of America. Among the interesting things in this great museum we saw the

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through it had to be finished by 10. We then looked around a bit, and visited the rather interesting Museum Oceanique. The auto then took us along the coast to Menton, where we went across the border onto Italian soil for a short visit and bought some souvenirs. On the return through the mountains we had our rather expensive little dinner at LaTurbie. The road at the highest point of our trip reached an altitude of 55 meters, and for some distance we had superb views of both the beautiful blue Mediterranean and the mountains. Swimming again 5:30 to 7. After supper we tried to buy tickets for Italy, intending to see Rome, Naples, and Venice, but there is a new Army order out making this whole territory out of bounds for members of the A.E.F., and we could not buy a military ticket. The French construe the order to include US Naval personnel also. Three soldiers tried last night to buy tickets to return to Brest, as their leave is about up, but they were directed to the Police Station for further information, and there they were unceremoniously locked up in the city jail until this evening. Today a Captain and a Lieutenant were apprehended here absent over leave, and it was somehow fixed up that all five are released on condition that they depart tomorrow to report to Brest. We do not care for a similar experience which might be awaiting us on the border if we go the short distance there on a regular civilian ticket. We have been in Italy now, and the scenery at Nice is much like that at Naples, so we shall have to comfort ourselves with that and forego the trip further south. Incidentally our time will be limited anyway. We commented this morning on our having been in three different countries today, France, Monaco, and Italy. FRIDAY [August] 8, 1919. The same crowd of five left at 9 for an auto trip to Grasse to visit the large perfumery works. We went via Cagnes and Cannes and visited a pottery plant on the way. Returned t 3. Swam 5:30 to 7. SATURDAY [August] 9. A final swim in the Mediterranean before dinner. Left on the 12:00 train for Marseille, arriving there about 5:30. Registered at the Hotel Terminus. Walked around to see the town until 10 p.m. Our plans include Chamonix and a glimpse at Mount Blanc on our way to Belgium and Germany.

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SUNDAY [August] 10. Up at 5:30 with not much time to catch the 6 o

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with its white covering of perpetual snow. We are sorry too that we cannot append several days here. After dinner we went to the next station of Bossons and walked up to the Glacier des Bossons, climbed on a part of it and went through a grotto cut into its side. The timber line is quite distinctly marked not far above this. It seems like a fairly regular line along the mountains above which there are no trees and grass takes their place except where there is only bald rock or snow. We started for Paris on the 5 o

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operations from that base. Thence by trolley to Ostend to spend several hours at this famous watering place and take a swim in the English Channel. Back to Brussels at 8. THURSDAY [August] 14. Electric car for Waterloo at 7:15. There we spent an hour with a guide showing us around and relating the history of the Battle of Waterloo. We climbed the great mound, some 200 feet high, built there as a monument. The dirt for it was carried up from a field at its base by women with baskets on their backs. A wide view of the level country is afforded from this mound. A vivid idea of the battle is gained from the large painting contained in the circular building put there for the picture. Back to Brussels to catch the 1:50 p.m. train from the Gare du Nord for Cologne. No customs formalities going into the occupied territory of Germany either. Arrived Cologne 8:30 p.m., via Liege and Aux-la-Chapelle. The American RTO gave us a card good for a billet at the British Church Army house. This part of the Rhine valley is occupied by the British. FRIDAY [August] 15. Roamed around this old city noted as an art center in [MS Illegible 2 words wds] days. Got an order from the British Inland Water Transportation Officer for a boat trip up the Rhine tomorrow from Bonn to Coblenz. Took a walking trip after dinner with some British soldiers and a British girl guide. We visited the noted Cathedral, said to be the finest in Germany, the museum of natural history, the Art museum, and the old Rat Haus. Left at 5 for the hour

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It was an interesting experience to take a boat trip on the Rhine after having worked on the Mississippi River where frequent comparisons with the Rhine were made. Arrived at Coblenz at about 4. The British treated us handsomely and we enjoyed our stay in their area. Now we are in territory occupied by the Americans. It seems good somehow, tho I can

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trips up the Mississippi River, and can now do so knowing that the comparisons between it and the Rhine are not exaggerated, and that it makes a most acceptable alternate possibly being even preferred by some. Back to Coblenz at 4. Thence to an Army salvage dump nearby where the soldiers were glad to give us several souvenirs, as many as we felt we could carry. After supper we climbed up to Fort Ehrenbreitstein, 400 feet above the water, overlooking Coblenz and that part of the Rhine and Mosel valleys. It is probably the strongest fort in Germany. To see the American flag floating over it, and to see the Army in control here, as the British Army is at Cologne and the French are up the River, made us realize as merely reading about it could not have done, how bitter must the experience of having an army of occupation on one

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care to lose about three month

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WEDNESDAY [August] 20. On the Job again. Yesterday, coming to Brest, it seemed strange to breathe easier because we were about to go back to the old routine. Leave and travel are pleasant enough and I

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the files systemized better keeps us plugging along at a comfortable rate. We hope the order to pack them up and take them to either Paris or Washington will be forth coming in another 6 weeks. TUESDAY [August] 26, 1919. On watch for Rodinsky tonight. He leaves tomorrow for a ten day furlough at Morgat. Our files show that permission was given to hold a military funeral for John F. Heckler of Philadelphia stationed on the USS Huron when he disappeared Saturday night or Sunday morning. August 10. His body was later found in the harbor. That he committed suicide seems evident from two notes found in his locker: one,

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set in, for the weather has been rainy most of the time for a week or more. SUNDAY [August] 31. Major on watch all day. I left on a [YMCA] auto trip at 10, returning at 5:30. The [YMCA] is performing a good work in taking out the boys on auto sight-seeing trips every day, even furnishing the lunch of sandwiches and fruit free. We went via Trez Hir, Saint Mathieu, Conquet, Porspoder, and a number of other small villages. Almost all on the truck descended at one point near the sea to walk over the beach and take a swim. At St. Mathieu we went into the old abby ruins, which have an interesting history. The abby was constructed sometime in the 6th century according to tradition. We have heard that it was destroyed by fire, and also that it was destroyed by the British in one of their numerous wars with France, when they shelled St. Mathieu and reduced it from a village of 34 streets to a heap of ruins. The legend connected with the building of the abby was told us later when we reached an old castle ruin probably 15 or 20 kilometers up the coast, near Kerenton, this castle was built in 525 there, so the story goes, lived the children St. Tangua and Eode with their parents. After the mother

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praised her virtues. This set St. Tangua to thinking, could it be possible that he had made a mistake, and he went to the stepmother for an explanation. While they talked Eode came walking into the room with her head in her hands. She accused the stepmother of being cruel and of being the cause of her death, This sight and the accusation so sickened the stepmother with fright that she died immediately. Eode then also died. St. Tangua grieved because of his deed and decided to build an abby as an atonement for it. This abby is the one whose ruins we went through at St. Mathieu. MONDAY [September] 1, 1918 [1919] Labor day at home. It made no difference in our routine. On watch 6 to 9. Slept well last night, for after supper yesterday Major and I walked about 12 kilometers, -through Lambazellee, Pontanezan Camp, and return through Petit Paris. TUESDAY [September] 2. Visited Kerdoncuff

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No bathing facilities whatever; No sewer system; Very little electricity; very little water. A conference was held, and it was decided to first clean the place, and a start was made in that direction. At this time it was necessary to carry water a quarter of a mile. A pipe line was immediately arranged between the Carola and the Chateau and the pumps on the ship used for pumping salt water for cleaning and flushing. Due to the height of the fort above the Carola, an additional pump was found necessary and installed. The French became very much excited when they saw an apparently endless stream of water coming up the pipe line, and one French officer informed me that it was against the law to take water from the sea, but when I told him it would all be returned he seemed satisfied. With fifty men assembled from the ships based here a part of the place was cleaned, a range (borrowed from the hospital) installed, and on 8 Feb. 1918, the Carola Barracks commissioned, the working force for a few days sleeping on a clean floor.

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will be turned inside out to bring together and correlate all manner of fact and figures. Spare men are being drafted from other departments (including 3 from the files) to make up the historical section. TUESDAY [September] 9, 1919. On watch 6

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SATURDAY [September] 20. Payday. Drew $36.03. There is really only $6.26 due me on the books but there was a mistake made in figuring the pay of several of the boys. It will automatically be corrected when the pay is figured next time. This afternoon Burwell was giving our officer a droll account of his hard luck. Which he says follows him all his life. While taking he took a roll of Red Cross bandage out of his pocket, removed the paper wrapping, and tore off a shot piece. This he folded 2 or 3 times to use as a handkerchief. Then he threw it away. He got the roll to use that way and save the trouble of getting his handkerchief soiled and then have to be washed. On watch tonight. Mentioned to one of the boys that we have just heard about our sister

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number of rounds fired by each battery: Battery #1, 199; #2, 113; #3, 236; #4, 122; #5, 112; total 782 rounds. Summarized under places fired upon it is as follows: Longuyon, 147; Mengiennes, 50; Montmedy, 328; Laon, 199; Mortiers, 35; Beny-Loisy, 22; Terguier, 1. On November 28 the US Naval Railway Batteries were ordered to proceed to St. Nazaire for demobilization. Here ends the history of our

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remain in France for some time. Major on watch all day. I walked past St Anne. MONDAY [September] 29. We put in our requests for discharge again. They are being approved this time without any reservations, and it looks like we are about to be actually released from our jobs here. Visited at Kerdoncuffs tonight, 7 to 9:15. It is our first visit at their home since the restrictions went into effect about July 1. TUESDAY [ September] 30. A draft list is posted today for return to the States on the USS Princess Matoika about Oct 5. Our name was not on it, but the Yeoman gladly put them on, (Majors, Rodinsky

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the rocks along the shore and taking a few pictures at the Portzie Lighthouse. Had supper at Kerdoncuffs. If there is any little feeling of regret because we are leaving France (and there is a tiny bit) it is because we have to leave such friends as these. Our most pleasant friendship began on August 4, fourteen months ago. SUNDAY [October] 5, 1919. Our last day in France. Our last bean breakfast at the Chateau this morning. 16 months ago today Major and I sailed for France. We were glad to come. We are glad to go back. At 9 we fell in for muster, and by 11 we were aboard the Princess Matoika, a draft of 143 sailors, and 7 additional going back as G.C.M. prisoners [general court martial]. At 3:30 the final preparations were made for getting the ship under way. The anchor was so manipulated that before being raised It turned the ship around within a few minutes time, and at 4 we were steaming out through the harbor entrance, or

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day. Our quarters are in Number 1 hold, forward. Some sleep on cots, but Major and I prefer to swing in hammocks. Chief Petty Officers of the Navy and Army Sergeants over the grade of 17 rate 2nd class accommodations on a transport. All second class accommodations on board are taken by officers, however, and a few Army officers even have to sleep in the troop compartments, so all the enlisted men are going 3rd class. Our 2nd class meals differ slightly from the 3rd class, but we have 3 a day to their 2. It seems strange that a slight difference in rank should make such a difference in treatment, but the difference is much greater between the officers and all enlisted men. Such is military discipline. THURSDAY [October] 9. Birds have been sighted every day darting along over the water looking for their food, fish. It is a cause of wonder among the boys that they can come out a thousand or fifteen hundred miles from shore, half way across the ocean. FRIDAY [October] 10. Fair weather and a slight Eastern wind for five days have helped us along on our course, and reports have it that we are thirty-some hours ahead of our schedule. SATURDAY [October] 11. Eleven months since the Armistice was signed, and we are on our way homeward at last. Calm weather this morning. Soon a heavy wind from the South West was whistling through our rigging and the sea was a pretty sight with spray flying from every white-cap. The decks were wet long before the rain came, for an occasional wave of larger than the rest broke against the ship and sent spray all over the decks. We passed a ship at several miles distance this afternoon which was pitching like a cork bobbing on the waves. It was visible for only a short while during the a lull in the rain. Later we noticed how our ship was doing the same sort of pitching. The bow seemed to rise and fall from 20 to 30 feet between the swells which came at intervals of about 6 seconds. Some of the boys are seasick again, but most of us are standing it without any trouble. I did not eat dinner but remained amidship all day where it was more quiet. Toward evening the wind was quiet and the sea calmed down somewhat.

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SUNDAY[October] 12, 1919. On our way a week today. With our ports shut tight and the hatches battened down last night there was not much circulation of air through any of our quarters, and we were glad to get out on deck this morning. Cloudy, but the wind is moderate and warm and the ship rides more steadily than any day since we started this trip. Washed and shaved in the old CPO wash room this morning. It is supposed to be for the use of the ship

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piece of pie, ice-cream, and coffee. A [Knights of Columbus] man there passed out envelopes containing a handkerchief and some candy, cigarettes, and matches. Salvation Army lassies offered to send telegrams home for us telling of our arrival. The Navy tug Damoset came after us at 4, and at 5 we landed on the pier at the Receiving Ship at New York, Bay Ridge Barracks, Brooklyn, N.Y. Chow in the general mess hall at 5:30, better than any we have had for two weeks. Some of the boys on liberty at 9. THURSDAY [October] 16. Up at 6:30. Chow in the CPO mess hall, the kind that tends to make a man ship over. Waited around all day to be billeted. We finally got settled at 4:30. Most of the Yeomen in our crowd were detailed. Were detailed from 5:30 to 11:30 on the muster roll for last quarter. We then had a regular meal in the mess hall, and were in bed shortly after midnight. Some of the Yeomen are regularly detailed to this job, with hours 5 to midnight, others with hours from midnight to 8 a.m. FRIDAY [October] 17. Up at 7:30. Detailed now with the Board of Investigation typing records of proceedings of various courts and boards. Hours 9 a.m. to 5. On our first liberty at 6. Our special liberty pass has not yet been signed so we asked at our regimental headquarters for a pass to let us out this evening, for we worked too late to catch the 5 o

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then be able to get away a few weeks later. Duty here for a month would permit us to see the city and visit Washington and Boston as well. Finished copying the record of a [MS Illegible 1 word WDS] Investigation this morning. We saw Louis Friedman, ex-gob of Guipavas, today when he came down to the station to see someone. He was released from active service on May 1. On liberty at 4:30. Looked around in New York a bit, and went to the Hippodrome a great play-house with a great spectacle. Standing room only for $1.10. SUNDAY [October] 19, 1919. No work today. Beasley and Major and I are on our St. Louis draft. It was first thought that we might be transferred today, so we stayed on the station until 5 o

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and Major and I are the other three. We checked our bags and a couple of trunks at The Express Company

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more at 11:45, two hours after reporting there. I was paid off with $128.01, which includes the $60 bonus. My best bit of paper is an Honorable Discharge, No 108654 Series A-1 to 120,000. An honorable discharge button goes with it to be worn on the coat lapel. A