The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1918-02-21
LIFE OF SAMMIES
ON FRENCH FRONT
Letter From Major C. Hunt Tells of
Work Of American Soldiers

Cans Oh tue rrencn front. he is a
brother Of II. Hunt, local manager OF
the Dakota Central Telephone Co.
"On the eth of December we were
very busy getting packed up on the
boat after we sighted lanu. We could
mo- get OF the boat for various rea-
sons, which l cannot state. For four
days after we arrived in the harbor
Il was aggravating to be within a mile
OF shore and motto be able to get OFF.
Many French am up to see us and
we could see a good deal going on on
shore. Enjoyed the boat, however, as
there was calm and peace land no
regulations). Meals were excellent,
only we were restless. We felt so re-
lievcd to be passed our nrst danger,
and glad we had beat Germany in our
first battle. tThis boat had been I'm
danger OF a submarine ON Christmas
eye. bus we were safely piloted
through.) 1t was a happy moment
when we first set our feet on French
soil. We were in the town about eight
hours before leaving by train for the
camp Had a chance to see a good
deal, but we were very busy.
Few men were to be seen except
elderly ones, and soldiers back from
the front for q rest OF to recover from
wounds. All the women nearly wore
black. The people treated us cordi-
ally. II seems so strange to be in a
foreign land, and to hear the lingo,
and realize that we were Foreigners.
The city was a large one, and a large
base hospital. Had a good supper
there in the Army Y. NJ. c. A. God
bless the Y. NJ c. A. We positively
could not get along without them oy-
er here. Tell any you have occasion
to, TO subscribe to the Army Y. N. g
A.. II they want to help the boys over
here. / was so 'doggoned' hungry
that first night I'm France that | or
dercd two full orders and ate them
both. Left town at s y. M. on what
they call a train ove here. ! wouldn't
calf II that.
THE %priyates rode in little box car
sitting on wooden benches. and had to
eat bareback and cold beans. etc.
They had no light or air, AM wer,
not allowed off the train at stops
The officers had compartments. No
place to sleep, but sitting up, and ne
heat on the train, and also nothing to
eat for the officers. We could no,
wash or shave. sleep or eat. We made
stops about once in twelve hours for
hot coffee. served to the men, with nc
cream or sugar. Occasionally the Of
ficers could steal out and get a oite o.
something to eat. This grand pleas
urc lasted forty-eight hours, and We
arrived here safe and sound, dirty,
hungry and tired, but game TO the
cause and happy. Nobody had any
serious kick coming because we dc
not expect to be ministered unto, but
to minister.
Country Was Fine
The country we travelled through
was lovely, in fact, a perpetual gar
den, little towns every few miles. Oui
average speed must have been about
eight or twelve miles per hour.
Much of it was up grade, and we
passed through many tunnels. We
we're fortunate in having the French
interpreter of the train In III com
partment and he told us much about
the country, and people and taught
us lots of French. Some officers from
Valley City were on my train. Arriy-
ed here in time to get NICELY settled
in camp before dark. When all was
settled, and the company comfortab-
lie. many OF the officers. including my
self, went down town and cleaned up,
and had a big feed, and went to bed
at the hotel, between feather ticks.
This is a small country town, and
very old and antique Tower four hum
dred years old.) I forgot to say that
everywhere in France they wear
wooden shoes, and the clank, clank
you hear is interesting. The side
walks are just wide enough for one
person. and most everyone walks on
the cobble stones in the street. Streets
very narrow. All buildings, even
harms and outbuildings, are Of stone,
with slate roofs. Roads are wonder
full. stone bridges, etc. This is very
hilly here. I was going to say noun
famous. Beautiful streams ano
brooks. Everything is like fairyland.
Holly grows everywhere, and moss
and lichens cover everything. The
grass Is green. although there Is some
snow and lee. There was quite : bis
g sDow when We arrived. but II 4 all
F