Letter No. 24 November 26 11:30 p.m. Tuesday
My dear Family,
Returned this evening from a three day leave to find a nice pile mail. Two letters from C L of October 27th a Halloween one from Fan No. 8 and others from Sterling Williams and Miss Newboldt, also magazines which I haven't opened from Margaret, Uncle, and Harry Skelland. Haven't heard from John Skelland for a long time and I owe all the others in England letters. Will write them for Christmas. Thought I would get more letters written while on night duty, but it is usually too cold to sit in the office. I prefer sitting near the stove when not working with the lantern turned low.
I have been to the wonderful city of Besancon (Isn't it nice to have more lenient censorship and get away from the ABC's) northwest of here about 80 miles at a rough guess. It is famous for its watcher Cathedral, wonderful clock with its 72 dials, and a citadel. I am sending post cards to the children that I want you to see.
I had Saturday night off and with Miss Carlson left on the 6:30 a.m. train on Sunday, changed to Doyle where we had a half hour wait, and reached our destination about eleven. Walked to the hotel where we engaged a room and had lunch. In the afternoon visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Roman ruins, and walked down the Rue de Grande and the boulevards along the river. After dinner at the hotel which with the French way of serving it-in courses.
1st potato salad, cabbage salad, fish in oil and vinegar
2nd Fish of some kind with tomato sauce
3rd meat and potato
4th salad of lettuce or endive
5th cheese with nuts and apples
and we had plenty of time between courses to digest the last one eaten. Takes one and one quarter hours.
We went to a movie at whish we also got our moneys worth as it lasted from 8:30 to 11:30. The pictures were very good and were the first we had seen since leaving Blois last June. How we slept that night! Such bliss to be in a big airy room, single beds with feather beds over us, steam heat and a cotton nightie. Petite dejeuner was served us in bed Monday-a pot of chocolate, fresh butter in curls, and a good-sized roll of bread. Spent the morning shopping. Bought several small pieces of lace and a souvenir or two. IN the afternoon visited the Citadel which is built on top of a high bluff and the view from it is wonderful. Believe it is one of five forts protecting the city. Wonder if Frances and I did not pass through here four years ago as it is in the Paris and Dijon line. A big American artillery camps is not far from it. Saw a number of officers in town Sunday. Had breakfast in bed again this morning after a grand nights sleep then spent the morning wandering about the streets. The train left at 3 p.m. and we reached home shortly after eight. Miss Nyquist had a supper for us cocoa, jam bread, and cheese. As per usual displayed our purchases and told what we paid for them. I then came on duty and relived a nurse who with two others takes the same trip tomorrow morning.
While on Besancon we had fairly good weather, cloudy but not much rain. It is pouring here tonight. The past two weeks have been lovely, clear and frosty. I wish it would continue instead of the dampness which is so penetrating.
Such quantities of mistletoe and holly here, berries as big as gooseberries. Brought a big spray of each home with us.
We are much more comfortable in the barracks now as the stoves have been taken out of the halls and put into the rooms parts of partitions having been taken out throwing two or sometimes three rooms together. We are connected with Mrs. Maysmith, the night Supt., and as both the rooms are small we are very cozy.
Not much to do tonight. The disability cases are being hurries to the States. The number of beds in Base having been reduced from 200 to 1500. It makes it much nicer in the wards as the number of beds have been reduced from 64 to 50 as originally planned.
I hope I am not disobeying the censor giving you this information now. We have had over 18,000 patients here at one time more than any other base (American) hospital in France. The camp must cover 80 acres or more. Hope to send you views of it someday.
Sterling and his mother are at the Leamington and he was trying to get into a Naval Aviation unit. It seemed he passed his exam. After A and F with you perhaps not for Christmas either after the long vacation they have had.
No, Margaret, I did not want you to send me anything as there is absolutely nothing I need and now La guerre est finis we may soon be home. If there is anything you would like me to bring you send in your order only have it both small and inexpensive!
I hope McAdoo has not quarreled with his father-in-law. Who is there capable of holding down his numerous positions. What a grand time Pres. And Mrs. Wilson will have hobnobbing with royalties. Glad he is coming over.
I would like to get up into the devastated areas but doubt if we will be permitted. Shall probably go south on my furlough.
What a grand time Margaret must have had cleaning out the attic! The tea kettle will survive any number of fires. Were the Morgans and will Clark burned out?
There is nothing like the New York apple. Those here are so tasteless and expensive. Chestnuts are plentiful and fairly cheap now. They roast very nicely on top of our little stove. Lots of pomegranates, but I am not particularly fond of them.
Frances, I am glad you did not miss your calling but in your profession Uncle Sam is not likely to give you a trip to France! I enclose the pass that took me to Besancon. We had to show it to the Military Police on our arrival and departure here and at Besancon. Beaucoup French soldiers to be seen in the cities now many with their chests covered with ribbons and medals as well as Regimental citation-a cord around the left shoulder.
Guess the hens are not laying here either, mother, as we have had no eggs served us for a long time.
Other Base hospitals here are 25, 56, and 49. There are also several units without nurses.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New year to each of you.
Love to each and every one.
Jane Allerey, France
Aren't you glad you know where I am? Do not put it on the envelopes however.
Received in CL December 21st.