Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1914-11-29
RICHMOND MAN DESCRIBES
WAR SCENES IN EUROPE
Major Charles Macon Wesson Writes Of
Occurrences Witnessed in
London and Paris.
Major Charles Macon Wesson. L.

Major Charles Macon Wesson, L. S.
~, who Is stationed at the United
States arsenal ut WATERFOWL, Mass
writes as follows to his father In Rich
mond regarding his recent/trip abroad:
Il had about completed my work
at the end of July. at Sheffield, and
had gone up to London the 10th of that
month to spent fortnight in looking
around that most interesting and won
derful city, when the chtaclysm let 60
So was Immediately commanded, SO
TO speak, by the War Department, and
placed on duty In London. under the
direct orders of our accredited repre-
sentatlves there. >and, of course,
tremendous load was thrust on the en-
tire legation. due not only to the en-
barrassment of stranded American
citizens, but also as n result of taking
over both the German and Austrian
embassies. So 1t Is quite difficult to
conceive of the multitude and variety
OF cases and questions which arose at
that time. and which required immc-
diate action.
"of course. my sphere of activity was
exceedingly restricted in scope, yet
nevertheless was intensely interesting,
and therefore whilst, instead OF enjoy
Ing vacation in London. I was kept
busy from twelve to sixteen hours
daily, yet the novelty of the expert
ence wasiso great rs to more than on
set my disappointment at losing my
congo. So had, in consequence there
of, but short trip to Paris, late in
August I'm connection with some of
the work-and ! shall never forget
that journey. which was most uncom-
fortable-yet, of course, due to the
paralysis of railroad traffic, save and
except for things and affairs military.
and my first impression of France dur
Ing war time and the consequent de-
preston of Paris. Yet withal de-
termined feeling on the part of the
French Of their ultimate success. At
l3oulogne the English troops were be-
Ing rushed to the front, and at Amiens
many wounded were en- route to Rouen
casualties at Mons and Charleroi.
Il came home via Montreal. but the
steamer was small and overcrowded.
consequently. the trip was not very
pleasant, except and until after we
struck the Straits of Belle Isle. north
or Newfoundland. where we encount-
cred many hundreds Of iccbercs
ghstening like grandly beautiful cathe-
erals IN the brilliant suniignt and
the voyage up the st. Lawrence River
did enjoy exceedingly, and a glimpse
of quaint Quebec. where we cast anchor
for few hours.
My stay in London, whilst IT waa
mostly consumed In work. yet IL gave
me some opportunity, Notwithstanding.
Tor enjoyment. however, principally
through the kindness and courtesy OF
Sir Robert Hadfeld. the head of the
sheffield firm, with which was in re-
lations while in England. He Is fond
OF golf and so am I. and he took me
out several times to some very beau
t:ful courses nearby, one being par
tlculariy interesting at Richmond
Park. where the. clubhouse is-it being
on old country place much freauented
by King Geo. ge Ill. and owned by the
DUKE OF Argyle, and abounds in
number OF most interesting stories of
that period
II saw Hampton Court. tho Tower
westminster. and almost all of tho
most salient and important places of
interest. but yet still / shall never
feel that | have seen London until Mt
another time when / can do SO Mt INV
own leisure