Dined at the hotel with Russell.
July 21st. Tried to get some white duck trousers to play tennis in, but no luck, so shall have to stick to the old army ones unless I can manage to borrow a pair.
Captain Ward turned up just after we had finished lunch. He looked dead beat, said he had an awful time as neither the French nor English Government had any orders concerning him. They crossed the Channel on a ship loaded with troops and horses. They said the French had treated them much better than the English.
Majors Robert Bacon and McCoy were here this morning looking over the place. There are rumors that Pershing may make it his headquarters.
Peck, Hansell and Trinder motored over to Contreville. They reported that it was a smaller place and not nearly so attractive. They go to Gondrecourt, which I understand is the Divisional Headquarters of General Sibert.
The order came to-day that we were to wear the belt and shoulder piece, the same as the English officers. It will make our shabby uniform look smarter.
Russell and I are trying to get leave for seventy-two hours to get to Paris. I hope it can be done as I want very much, in spite of the expense, to see what is going on.
Ward brought a little mongrel fox-terrier puppy with him from Havre. My, but it made me want to see Bluffie.
I had a wonderfully vivid dream last night. I dreamt I was back in Cazenovia, riding old Jonnis, the horse, and that we had just been discharged from the Spanish War, and that all this rotten business was over. I could not imagine for some minutes where I was on awakening. But it gives me the creeps, as the men are already making arrangements for the winter.
July 22nd. Was made mess officer and spent the whole afternoon running around the épicier shops buying eggs, coffee, etc. Prinzen is the chief cook. Eggs are scarce—three francs per dozen. The men were getting pretty hungry.