The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-07-02
NOT A MAN
LOST ON TRIP
Story of American Soldiers
Trip Across Is
Told
WILD WELCOME
IN FRANCE
Gen. Pershing Tells of Fit
ness of Men United States
Has Sent Over

Washington, July Mot man wa
lost during the transfer of the American
forces to France, and there was not ever
n case of serious illness, said Maj. Gen
Pershing, the American commander, OF
his return to his headquarters at Paris
Saturday after quick trip to the port
of debarkation.
"The landing of the first American
troops has been a complete success" he
said. ''In this remarkable transfer of a
! large force across the ocesn-one OF the
largest operations we have ever under
| taken-not man or an animal was lost
or injured and there was not single
case of serious Understanding but a
few unimportant cases of mumps. The
men landed in splendid morale, with keen,
confident and eager spirit.
THE physical appearance of our men
is truly inspiring. They are all fine,
husky young fellows, with the glow of
energy, good health and physical vigor
which will make them a credit alongside
any troops. They are exceptionally well
camped and cared for, with substantial
wooden barracks, good beds, good food
and the best sanitary arrangements.
They are located on high ground. For
all of this we are deeply indebted to
French cooperation with members of my
staff"
A dispatch dated "A port in France,
Tuesday, June 20" says: "The first con
tingents of American troops, landing to-
day, were greeted ioyfully by the popu-
lation of this whole district. The trans
ports, whose expected arrival had not
been previously announced publicly,
came steaming into the harbor in a long
line at an early hour. The news that
the Americans were arriving spread with
rapidity and by the time the
troop ships drew alongside the quays
ands of persons were on hand to greet |
them.
"A wild welcome was shrieked by |
whistles of craft in the harbor and cries |
IF Viva la France and Viva les Flats |
Upis' seemed to come from every throat
IN the crowd, which was thickly dotted /
With the varicolored uniforms of French
soldiers and sailors. Meanwhile the
,ands on the warships were playing The
star Spsnged Banner and the 'Marseil-
aise' as the American colors were hoist
d to their stats.
"The town soon took on holiday sp.
'earance and before the day was over
cores OF American flags were flying,
Iop MD ha +ytn rs
ublic buildings and private homes. Dele.
ations of American army officers from
'aris and American naval men from
lsewhere were present with French mill
airy men of high rank and a similar rep.
esentation from the French navy to re-
Give the new fighting forces of the al
es.
Land was first sighted from the trans
orts on Monday night after an excit-
lg trip through the submarine zone.
requent warnings of submarines oper-
ting in the expeditions course were :e-
sived during the last few days of the
oyage and the passage through the var
one was made at high speed. The men
ere prepared for any emergency during
lis period. Boats and iferafts were
aceu SO as 10 De guichly hNdlidDle anu .
lie watches at all the lookout stations
ere heavily reinforced
weather conditions during the entire Z
,yage were ideal and the men arrived q
excellent health. The days were I
arm and The nights cool and comfort
lie, while the sea was unusually q
looth. Very few cases of seasickness ,
other illness were reported. .
THE voyage was made on scheduled 4,
me without any serious mishaps TO men :,
machinery. The port of arrival was
Iown by less than a score of Officers :
It'll tie ships were almost within sight
land. All unnecessary communica- 7
IN among the ships was dispensed with, Il
e wireless being used only in unusually n
gent cases. The sighting of PROPOSES Z
d other objects in the water resulted a
frequent alarms. The departure Of d
e vessels from an American port was N
lde quietly in the early morning.
ere were no farewells of any kind" o