Speculation goes on apace, though we sit tight. There is no use being a straw on the current, going this way and that, with the flow of near facts. Yet one can’t be constantly in contact with them and suffer no change in course. Today we think we’ll be here till September, tomorrow signs point to May 1st. Isn’t the best thing to do, to forget these rumors and just when I’ve decided to do that, I find myself beginning immediately to growl inwardly, because I am still here.
Today’s “Stars and Stripes,” the official paper of the Intelligence Dept., says that only about one twelfth of the A.E.F. has already been embarked on its return trip. There is a great deal left unsaid in that brief statement. But let’s cheer up a little – the weather will be fine when I do finally get back. That alone would make it worth while going home. At any rate, my motto, from now on, is “Westward, ho!” The sooner the better.
Do you remember how I used to wonder if I should find any chum in the army, or any friend? I haven’t. There are many people I can call my friends, right here. In fact, I believe I know more men, know them better and am known by more than the greater part of the fellows here.
This is a ridiculous day. About 8 batches of photos came up to be looked through. After ordering a few of them, I had nothing else to do. Can you imagine trying to pass a whole day doing nothing? It got so bad that I had to get up and walk around just to keep from going wild. Nobody was working. I don’t see how it can last forever.
Next post January 14.
Letters from Sidney Friend During The Great War 