Diary, May 4-10, 1919

May 4, Sun. Got returned letter to U. Alvin. fine meal today. played at Y- for Dr Becker of Chicago. His last appearance before going home. No formation for today. Saw man taken prisoner. Very nice day.

May 5 Mon Inspection of packs today, Every one perfect. played for Dinner. met Joyce.

May 6 Tue loaded into trucks early & went to the docks with instruments. played concert in the great Red +[Cross] entertainment home. Nice Amex girls - looked wonderful to me. Reminded us so of home sweet home. They served us coffee & buns & donuts all day. played for 28th, 33rd Div. casuals and rem. of 32nd Div. They loaded on Cruiser Rhode Island. & Virginia loads tomorrow. Saw Imperator big German liner just came in a few days ago. 3 stacker. Wrote to Cecil & Mother. Saw torpedoed freighter in drydock. 503 [Pio]. colored band played to nite. Leader Lieut Wheeler a full blooded Indian They are absolutely wonderfull artists.

May 7 Wed gave Minnie bath. played for dinner. Went to Brest in P.M. visited new church 370 M. high. very large & fine building. visited old church. Not so fine archi[ ] but alter old grecian style. Rich in its simplicity. New built in 1870 - old one in 1620. went thru the old forts & walls of defense, down the promenades, saw froggie cruiser in dry dock. and spent some time in fort viewing the arbor & surroundings. a wonderful view. Regist in Masonic Club. took supper at Y - and spent evening at theatre with a Y lady. American pictures in french. Some beautiful women

x May 8. Thur- Today we packed up and PM moved to area 84 mess No 12 by the Chateau. all tents with iron beds & spr. Organizing a regimental fraternity. Pushed by Officers. In evening played at officers Red +[Cross] Club. Had cho. & cig.

May 9 Fri- 66th Brig & 224 Mch. gun. Bn loading this am. on the Mt Vernon, the ship they came over on. Rainy. Roamed over camp. met some 89 Div men. issued Red +[Cross] articles & can of candy. buy fine Apples here. this evening played dance for officers & nurses. The cheap sports gave us nothing to drink or eat & barely a thank you.

May 10 Sat today makes our year of foreign service. I got up late Paid $19.30. wrote to Maude last nite Burned my over coat, got new one. Straightened my clothes allowence - $6.42. Played till 12 PM. for the Red Cross girls and officers dance, thanks again & we got some soup at camp sta. 131 Inf. moved out today.