It was a perfect trip across; not a storm, smooth water and a good passage generally. And this camp is a great place. Do you remember the letter I had from Seth saying he was in a barracks which had been built by Napoleon? That’s where I am. Strange isn’t it?
What I’ve seen of this country is beautiful. There is something picturesque about the plainest house that the new world can’t equal. There is certainly no charm in an ordinary barracks; yet these quaint old buildings are a delight. We came up here at night, but it wasn’t hard to see what a great country it is. I’d love to be turned loose here with a camera.
Our crowd is in tents. We have the headquarters one because Wagner and Hamilton are in it. They are a circus, as you know, alone; together it’s the funniest thing you can imagine. Van Duzer, Dizzy and Frank Philips are also here in the tent.
Somebody said there are three ages of the American in France – language, coinage and postage. The first is all right for me; so far I have managed very well. Most of the boys have a struggle. But the chief trouble is money. That’s where they all get dizzy. Most of them point to what they want, hold out a handful of money, close their eyes and trust to Jesus.
Next post July 1.
Letters from Sidney Friend During The Great War 