Norwich bulletin., 1918-09-03
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS
Doctors Office Underground.

Capt John S. Blackmar, who is with the medical corps with the American Expeditionary Force, has written the following letter to his family in this city:
 July q.
 I am in my office underground, a piano going in the dining room next door, and within three miles of La Mort Homne. Left the last place at 9 last night. and after q march of about eight miles over q ridge and through two villages, arrived in the most wonderful place I ever saw.
 After winding down a long hill, at the foot of which a row of dead trees on either side, blasted by gas two years ago, stood up as gaunt senti nels of the ruined village we were en- tering-shells occasionally going over as if to warn Us we were entering some devils den. sharp turn to the left, and we were in the village, or what had once been a village. now only piles of stone.
 I was dismayed to think my post was to be here. but. following my man went up the street to the place desig mated, and called out for Reid, my sergeant, whom I had sent up the day before. Yes, Captain" and almost at my feet appeared Reid, with shaded candle, and an English speaking Frenchman of the regiment I was re- lieving. Where did you pop from ?' was my first thought, but thue Frenchman took my little grip and blankets, and showed me to my room while R. looked after the men. We'll, of all the surprises!
 Into shed. down flight of twelve steps into a heavily beamed, white washed room with hunks, mattress, cement stove. table, phone, easy chair, mirror, shelves. etc learned this morning that I have three feet of ce- nient and railroad iron on top; have a twenty bed whitewashed room for an infrmary. "a finely appointed drug room and dispensary, office, dining room with piano, kitchen and rooms l fer my men. All are underground, and connected by boyaux, with win Gows in all but the sleeping rooms l Lieut.. B. was down today from l his post near. La Mort Homme,. and | told some queer tales. His post is in | the cellar of the ruins of a chateau a. mile from here. The original cha | teau' was built in 1876. but is now q mass of stone. Has ten feet of cement 1 and stone flor a roof and four rooms" i for all> the; battalion staff, inf1rmary, l | tric light plant of the chateau. It was owned by the co -conspirator of Bolo Pasha. who was shot for treason 1 a few months ago. This man was imprisoned for many years.
 1 B states that in walking over l his territory he can see human skulls and bones of all kinds, which have been exposed by the elements, and by shells. They are the remains of the attempt here two years ago.
 This country is a broad rolling one, sparsely wooded, and from one hill you can look for miles. So can tEe Boche, and their extra eyes, the bal Icons, are generally up. The queer rot see 1t from a distance of a quar- ter of a mile. There is a French Y. NJ. C. A. here that sells hot chocolate and tea. and an American Red Cross hut that gives it away. It is in charge of some man I have not yet seen.
 Capt. B. and Capt M- have 1 just been in in the rain to say "Au revoir and bon sante," as they are leaving to go to headquarters to in
 struct another American regiment. | They are fine men, and I am glad they 1 thought enough of me to come to say 1 'Au revoir" The French officers have met are for the most part very fine men, absolutely courageous, and patient with our shortcomings. Am | invited to dinner tomorrow with the surgeon of the French artillery.
 Heard from the paymaster's clerk yesterday of two men in shell hole with a machine gun in the last drive One man had his hand shattered, and worked the gun, while the other, with q broken leg. fed the gun. Both were
 working, actively. and kicked strenu ously at being evacuated The Ger man soldiers who opposed us in that action are afraid of us. Winter will
 give them time to think it over.
 JOHN.