New Britain herald., 1918-08-20
CAPT. HARGREAVES
 TELLS OF TRAVELS
Thrilled by Reception in England
 and France

Captaln Harry A. Hargreaves writes interesting letters from across the At ldhClc to his wife From England he writes:
 Here I am in England-the land oA my torebcars, and l realize now moro than ever why it is that an Englishman loves his home land. Our trip across tho country to this rest camp was through beautiful country of cultivated fields and pastures wherein were quantities of cattle peacefully grazing obivious of the fact that the 'Yanks were coming, or that there was any war at all.
 "Our trip across the big pond was most pleasant and without any alarm ing incidents. The food was good and the weather delightful and the spirits of the men irrepressibe.
 II have experienced many strange feelings and have pictured others but to have marched through big Brit lsh city with a band and the old Stars and Stripes flying in the breeze and receiving the plaudits of the peo- pie as our long khaki line traversed their thoroughfare, was the most unique of all.
 Our trip by raiIroad of nearly a days duration was another experi- ence. The trains seem miniature when compared with ours-eight men to a compartment or five in first class. We crossed through a pretty section with here and there the uuaintest lit tie villages All the houses were brick and some had matched roofs
 "One cannot help but notice the absence of men of the age of our sol diers, but on every hand can be seen women working cheerfully and doing q mans work. Truly they deserve the highest praise, for their realization of sense of duty to country releases a man for service.
 "Our present location is very pleas ant and for rest purposes is ideal. A little village is close by and green fields and roses are on every side"
 Reception in France.
 Captain Hargreaves put foot on French soil July 2S and he wrote as follows:
 'Well here I m ian France and our trip here from England has been something to marvel at and cause me to pinch myself to see if I am really awake. We reached France without incident and landed in a big city and marched to our rest camp. When we left the city the streets were lined with people who presented with bouquet after bouquet of flowers and our march was sort of a triumphal procession rather than a, march of some tired but happy Yankee soldiers embarking on the great adventure" Children. women and men took off their hats as our Colors went by and I saw one baby not over two years old throwing kisses to old Glory with her chubby little hands.
 We arrived here by train after an overnight journey and the officers, that is six of us. are now Quartered in an old French chateau that is en- closed by high walls and surrounded by flower gardens on every side. The countess entertained us at supper last evening. Her husband is recovering from wounds in Paris.
 "The people in this little village are doing everything possible for our comfort. This is the first time Amer ican troops have been billeted in this particular spot, so we are quite a novelty, as it were. My office is in the town hall and the mayor has giv- en us the use of it.
 '"The ride across France was very pleasant and the scenery reminds one very much of that in the vicinity of Camp DeVens.'
 "While l am handicapped some what in not being able to speak French, nevertheless I feel that I can soon overcome this, as here one hears nothing but French he surely must pick it up in some degree.
 My room in the chateau has a high ceiling, with big rafters. No lights but candles at night. When I throw open the windows in the morn ing I am greeted with a beautiful view of woodland and meadow, flow CT ardens and sunshine-and this is war"