Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-18

Caledonia. for France. 1t was some
rough going across the English Chan
mel, but the ship was fast and In a
short while, just one nights ride. We
arrived at Cherbourg, at Z o'clock.
Aug. 5. No trouble with subs. This
city has very pretty harbor but we
didn't stop long for scenery. We
hiked about five miles to another
English rest camp. Here we slept IA
in a small tent. it was round and we
all slept with our feet towards the
centre. We again rested our stom-
aches, washed our clothes and
cleaned up for two days.
Cadaujac
On Aug. 9Th, we boarded a side
door Pullman" and on Aug. 9Th we
arrived at our destination, which was
Cadaujac, near Bordeaux. If you get
q French map you can see how far
we Travelled. We arrived at 6 A. NJ.
were given our billets and remained
here until Sept. 9th. Pa, could
write enough about this place to fill
a book, but will save it until later.
On the morning Of Sept. 9th at 8
o'clock We left on ammunition wagons,
hauled by trucks. This was the hard-
est ride l think l ever took, riding on
dead axel with truck hauling me.
The wagons were coupled, one be-
hind the other one truck pulling two
wagons. We were travelling at fair
rate of speed along a street beside a
trolley car. was on the rear wagon
with a wagner. the truck turned in
front Of the car to go by and the
driver motioned to the woman con-
ductor to stop. She thought he
meant to go ahead and she speeded
up. The consequence was that the
wagon that was on colided with the
car, it took the side off the car and
jumped the wagon over about 6 feet
but we kept right on going. The lady
brought the car to stop and every
Frenchman around looked. it over
From here on we we're unmolested
and at two thirty in the afternoon we
arrived at Camp De Souge. Here,
Dad. we stayed until Oct. 18th end I
could write another book about this
place but that will keep also. At this
to the train and loaded them. Some
job believe me.
Saint Armand
At A. NJ. Oct. 21st We arrived
mules and all at Saint Armand, This
was the best place of any that we
have struck. We hiked from the sta
ton to classification camp. stopped
here for dinner and went to the sta.
ton and unloaded our equipment. At
$50 We hiked to ou1 new billet, in a
place called Grand Village. a very
pretty place. Pa, here's another
chance where l could write a couple
OF days. but it will keep. will men,
ton that at this place I went to a
town that is the geographical center
OF france. I also saw the ampli.
theatre that was built by Julius
caesar. IS B. c. We arrived in Saint
hlgnon on Nov. 10th. Here we I'M
loaded cars at night and hiked a mile
with some over hundred pounds.
that Is what am carrying now. Got
10 bed at some past ten and got up
at 4.S0. got a small breakfast and
mixed to classification camp. :Iere
we were to be classified if the war
hadn't ended just as it did, but re
are still in the old 3O1st. n. T. Co.
A. Thanks to somebody.
Nov. 18th
On the day Of the armistice we
started at 10 A. NJ. and hiked with
our overcoats and mess kits, Just Is
miles. 1t was some hike, Pa, believe
me- but We got there and at the rres.
cnt time l am in Saint Julian, await
ing orders. This town is lust across
the valley of Cher from Montrichard.
which is the town in which the castle
winch l wrote to sister Edna about
IN my last letter. is situated. The
castle where Richard the Lion-heart,
ca was imprisoned for SO many wears
wen. Dad. the ending here brings me
10 where l am now situated. Sain,
from where we will probably
60 10 some seaport and thence across
l" oear old U. S. A. AS said bef,r,
we are awaiting orders.
ana dear little sister.
Your son.
ROW