The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-06

l
 Mathilde Bllbro of Gadsden, whose
 clever contributions to The Age-Herald
 several years ago were read by thou sands with the greatest pleasure, as well
 as her interesting novel. "The Middle
 Pasture" and enclosed was most in-
 John T. Cathey. formerly of Gadsden
 and Birmingham.
 l Miss Bilhro was kind enough to say
 that I might use the letter in print, and
 I feel sure it will prove a most reada- ble communication, for it comes via Ger
 many-indeed from the very heart of Germany-where MT. Cathey is with the American army of occupation, in the Twenty-third infantry, medical corps. l No young man who ever lived in Bir- mingham had more friends than John Cathey; talented, clever genial, his studio was the rendezvous for Birming- hams most prominent musicians and his talent as a pianist and his ability as teacher made a place for him In this community which was enviable to de- gree.
 Miss Bilbro explains that MT. Cathey' s
  ways as they are lifelong friends and the references to "The Mason" means her | brother, Wylie Mason Bilbro, also with the medical corps in France, and between whom and MT Cathey there exists very close friendship, and although the two have been in Europe since the be- ginning of the war, they have never had the good fortune to meet.
 Mir. Cathey's letter to Miss Eilbro Is T of ah arxr 1g1q and among other things he says:
 You can well imagine how happy l was to find two letters from you waiting for me when 1 went into Vallendar for my mail last week There was so long time when l had no mail a all. From the middle of November to nearly Feb ruary is a great while to be without a word from home and loved ones. Now that I am reinstated upon the postman g books, I shall look forward every week to receiving the coveted letters: You will perhaps wonder at my expecting letters weekly, when the postoffice is open daily, and mail arrives many times dur ing the H hours. The truth is. that l am not living with my outfit. now but am on detached service with the Fourth machine gun battalion. This arrange ment being purely temporary, I still have my mail to so to the other address and go for it every week.
 The Fourth machine gun battalion has a show" a real live bunch of actors. composing most creditable theatricai troupe. There is small orchestra over which I preside. and altogether we night ly do our best to entertain the sick SOL diers in the army of occupation. We have just completed the circuit of the Second division towns. having played in every place where there are troops of our di- vision. Tonight we start in the Thirty second division area, and after that cir cult to another divisional area, until we have done them all. We are highly de- lighted to go into the other areas, for in this way we see all the country we want to. and have change from our own camp. Then again it is a compliment to us in that only the best troupes of each division are selected for outside tours and there are many clamoring for the opportunity.
 we have been having great fun We have a jolly bunch and make the most of all our opportunities for a good time. There are serious moments-for we work hard at rehearsals and are at camou- flaged attention every minute of a per- formance, while many moments are spent at odd times in good hard thinking by the one two in charge. But it is great change from the old regulated life. We have absolutely no duties outside those of our theatrical ones, and bugle calls, hikes and details means nothing to us any more. We ride to and from our "bookings'' in big automobiles, returning to our own comfortable ,lets to sleep. Sometimes the way is long but the scene ry is so wonderful that one entirely for gets the length of the journey. These cold, cold nights we shiver but we wrap up in all the woolens we have, muffle up our heads and ears and always stop by the " upon returning home for the steaming hot cocoa and cookies, especial ly prepared and waiting for the enter tainers.
 "Every night I look forward to the trip. I watch my chance and always re- serve the rear seat with the good look out, for mean to see all that there Is to be seen over here The country is wonderfully beautiful at this time of year. There has been a great deal of snow and this gives the Rhine country a special charm. never tire of looking, looking, looking. We speed along over the frozen roads, every curve of the way unfolding a glorious panorama of hfls and picturesque country that don't be- leve is equalled anywhere. The moon- light nights are best of all and hold picture that one can see but not tell about. It is sacrilege to attempt to put some things into words!
 must tell you of our visit to Mon- repas castle. Having heard of this place and knowing it to be near where I am now stationed, have often plan ned to go out to it, but did not know the way and an opportunity had not come when I could find it, so l was delighted when our lieutenant told us at rehearsal one morning that our des- tination that night would be Schloss Monrepas. We played in the castle it. self. in the banquet hall, in fact. It s beautiful place; huge white stucco building along classic lines that is worthily the home of prince. It is the property of the Prince of Wied, the mart of whose Rhine residence l See