The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1919-08-07
Former Sk0whegan Boy Visits Paris,
Smyrna and COnstantineple

The following letter has been re-
ceived by Mrs. John Prescott, from
her nephew, Ernest Vigue, son of
Henry and Victoria (Buteau) Vigue
Their home was in Skowhegan until
eight years ago, when they went to
Los Angeles, California, where they
have since resided. An uncle N. P.
Vigue and his wife formerly Miss
llmya Holley) are also residents in
that city. Ernest who has been In
the naval service three years. is on
the battleship ARIZONA"
U. s. S. Arizona, New York.
June 20, 1919.
Ny dear Aunt Lottie:
1t has been some time since you
have received any news from me. The
Fleet was at Cuba for the winter
months and returned the beginning of
April. The day the Fleet got under
way for New York. the Arizona re-
ceived an order to leave the Fleet,
proceed to Hampton Roads, Va, at
best speed, and there fuel ship, take
on supplies and proceed to Brest,
France. We made record run from
Cuba to Hampton Roads, and crossed
to Brest in eight days. While at
Brest, we got several liberties" some
OF us leave to SO to Paris, and | was
one of the lucky ones to have five days
at Paris. 1t is a beautiful city, very
interesting, and | was lucky to be
able to speak French. A few days
after | returned to the ship, we got
underway to sea. No one knew
where we were going. A few days
later we learned we were going down
the Coast of France to the Rock Of
Gibraltar, and into the Mediterranean
Sea to Smyrna, Turkey. We arrived
eight days later and anchored in
Smyrna Harbor. All the Allied Ma
tions were represented there, light
cruisers and battleships but the Ari-
IONA was the largest ship that ever
arrived in Turkey. We were sent
there to protect our oountry's inter
ests and the American consul, as the
Greeks and Turks were having trou-
BILE. Everything was quiet while we
were there; one day we heard shots
about the city, but it was not serious.
We went ashore a few times.
found it very interesting, the people
and the city are so different. The
population is mostly Greeks and
Turks, and some of every nation in
four weeks, then went to CONSTANT
nople, Turkey, through the Darda-
nelles. 1t took four days to arrive
at Constantinople. We went ashore
few times. 1t is a very large city,
and | visited many places of interest.
Everything is very high there. We
were there week. and left direct
for the Rock OF Gibraltar. There
we fueled ship, took on supplies and
are now ON our way to New York,
returning alone, and expect to arrive
July LIST.
We learned that Peace has been
signed, which is the best news of all,
but we are all very pleased to return
to the United States, for we have been
away five months and have not receiv-
that time. We will go into the Navy
Yard for a short time. l do not ex-
pest any leave, but l will have some
pictures taken and send you one.
Some or the oil burning squadron
are to go to the West Coast, and the
Arizona may be one OF them. hope
80, at least, We have been away so
long, we don't know the news. II
nave been very we'll and enjoying the
best OF health, and hope you are all
the same. Please let the folks read
this letter. Give them all my best
regards. | will be very busy during
the short stay in New York. There
is much to be done
Hoping to hear from you soon,
From your nephew,
ERNEST.