This has been a dizzying week. The last time I wrote was the day before we left our first berth in France. There is an hour’s talk about that little town and some of its folks, still due you. The little French class of M. Burlat, where they tried to teach Prehodzki some of the vernacular, was a [?]
The little 12/12 laboratory of M. something – or – other where he turns out some atrocious photographs, one of which I must needs take as a souvenir; and his daughter to whom, of course, I must write.
Next morning early – that was Sunday – we boarded the train. It was 26 hours to our destination – a long trip, but one of the most beautiful I’ve ever taken. It is through the calmest, most peaceful, green and fertile country I’ve ever seen. It must be a painful contrast for the man who knows his France, to see this country and picture that which is in the war zone. It is green-all kinds of green. Every bit of it that is clear is under cultivation – wheat, rye, barley, oats, but no corn. There are winding rivers, and villages that almost touch. Everything is stone and shouts its age. One old church has two spires which must have been built several hundred years apart; they are so unlike.
We had plenty to eat, and there was coffee to be had at stopping places. We were almost the only soldiers on the train, and were welcomed all along the line.
We saw the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower and then a glimpse of Paris. Just enough to make me want to see more of it. Hope I can some day. Well, we got to this place Monday afternoon late, and I am really quite content. Let us hope it lasts.
There is a large house and adjacent outbuildings. Ed, Peter and I have a tiny room together, which we have made as cozy as possible. After a day’s rest we started to work. It is good to be back in harness.
Many of the old boys are here. Do you remember Charlie Ritchie who got the mumps the day we went to Ft. Wood? Well it wasn’t mumps, but erysipelas and he was in the hospital a month. He’s here, and some of the others.
July 11, 1918 is my -74th anniversary!
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Letters from Sidney Friend During The Great War 