[Sidenote:  A month at the base hospital.]

I spent four days in the billet receiving further instruction from my French officer, and then after ten days I started back to the training camp, where I was to help in the instruction of the fellows of my division who had not as yet been under fire.  By the time I reached the camp I was what might be termed all in, down and out.  I went to the hospital, and when I was able I was moved in an ambulance to a U.S.  Army Base hospital far removed from the firing line.  I was at the base hospital a month, and spent most of the time in the sunshine trying to get rid of the heavy bronchial condition that had fastened itself to me.  The hospital was full—­but not with Americans.  I was surrounded by fellows from all the allied nations, and had the chance to talk with them.  They’re a great lot, and anybody who has any doubt about whether we are going to win this war needs only a few minutes’ conversation with some of the chaps that have been over there for years.  You bet we’re going to win—­there isn’t a thought of anything else but victory.

[Sidenote:  Orders to go home.]

At the end of my month at the base hospital it was decided that I was not fit for the firing line.  Uncle Sam is mighty good to his fellows—­he does not believe in placing them under unnecessary risks, and when the doctors said that my bronchial condition was practically chronic, and the life on the firing line would only aggravate it, I got my orders to go home and take up service in a climate where there was less chance of my becoming a liability and where there was just as much work for me to do as in France, though of a different nature.

It was a disappointment, but I’m glad to think that I had those six days on the firing line, and proud to think that I was with the first batch of Americans to see service in the fight against autocracy.

Copyright, The Forum, May, 1918.

* * * * *

That portion of France in which the American army did its most active fighting is a country filled with historic and romantic associations.  It is also a country of great scenic beauty.  The following article describes graphically the general aspect of this portion of France.

AN AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD

RAOUL BLANCHARD

[Sidenote:  A glorious battlefield.]

Terrific battles, ushering in the dawn of victories which will ensure the freedom of the world, were fought in July and August, 1918, between the Marne and Vesle rivers, from Chateau-Thierry to Soissons and Fismes.  In this soul-stirring struggle the young American troops played a large part, and played it with heroism and success.  It has occurred to us, therefore, that the American people will be glad to become acquainted with the battlefield made glorious by their sons, with the soil which will some day be a consecrated goal of pilgrimage for the entire nation.