Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-03-20

Brest during the morning of the 10Th.
Robbie and ! are going ashore for the
last time in England Tomorrow. The
skipper has granted us special permits
sion from 100 a. m. to 2.30 D. m.
"Later-Tneb 16. ! am finishing this
letter in Brest harbor on the afternoon
of the 10th. We left Plymouth at 4:3O
p. m. as scheduled amid a great din of
whistles and sirens. We were 30 chasers
strong, quite a large convoy and quite
unattended by larger ships. Thousands
of people were on the Hoe
and Barbican to see us off. waving hand
kerchiefs and cheering. There were
three bands playing, one on the Hoe.
one on the promenade pier and one on
the Barbican. The afternoon was per-
feet, one of the EARNEST and incest DAYS
since last summer, and the sun was
Just setting as We cleared the breakwa-
ter. / could not help but think of the
difference in the circumstances of our
entry into Plymouth and our departure
therefrom. on June ~ not a soul was
out to see us except a handful out of sheer
curiosity and nothing more. Most of
us were rather prejudiced against the
British and disappointed that our base
was to be in England instead of France
as we had hoped. Yesterday do not
think that there was n man in the fleet
who did not feel that America is and
should be nearer in its relationship to
England than any other country. We
are convinced that Plymouth was the
pleasantest base to be stationed at, that
could be found in Europe, and that. next
to the United States, old England is the
best in the world. We felt pretty happy
as we sailed in three columns down the
harbor, flying our long homeward bound
pennant, but ! think that. mingled with
our eaSerness and Joy to return to our
homes and native land, there was a kind
of regret at leaving the country and peo-
pie who have received and entertained
us SO Hospitality.
after We passed the Eddystone, It was
bright moonlight with hardly a breath
of breeze. Except for a strong ground
swell the sea was smooth as glass. l
had the watch from 500 to 1900 n. m. and
enjoyed 1t. We are light now hat we
have had the guns. ammunition and depth
bombs removed. and we make better
speed. After midnight II cloudcd up and
the wind breezod up so that from two
O'Clock out we were pitching and rolling
heavily and shipping considerable water.
A few of the boys were seasick but I
felt alright much TO my surprise after
our long period of shore duty, almost.
Owing to the strong head sea our speed
was of necessity reduced and we did not
pass Ushant Light until $50 a. m.
w consumed most Of the morning in
the passage up the long channel. to Brest
and finally tied up to n buoy inside the
breakwater at 1880 this morning. We do
not expect to be here long, at most a
few days. Most of us think Oporto is
our next objective. However, be that as
it may. I will write you sound news later.
II trust that this finds you in good
health. 1t may be several months before
I see you but. at my rate. I am on my
way.
THE information has just come aboard
officially from Lieutenant Clark, who is
in command Of the fleet, that we are to
leave on Friday the 21st for Gibraltar
instead of Oporto. From Gibraltar our
route is to be the southern route what
ever that may be. Perhaps it may be
to st. Thomas by way of the Azores, or
Madeira, or the Canaries and Cape Verde
stands. Well. I am afraid our mail SER
vice will be poor. I shall write regularly
for you will get them some time"