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June 3, 1919
June 12, 1919
June 27, 1919
June 27, 1919 (Carrie to Sylvester)
Dear Mother,
I think I wrote you last that we were about to be formed into
a provisional battalion, with a total personnel of about 1500,
for convenience in handling for equipment inspection & for
transportation home. I thought at first that the provisional
organization would last only to the port, but it appears now
that it will exist all the way to the other side.
We were formed last week into the 149th Provisional Battalion
under the command of a field Artillery Major, named Marchant
- a banker from Columbia, S. C. The Prov. Bn. is a motley assortment
of troops, counting among its numbers half a Supply Train, 3
companies of Air Service Mechanics, 2 Military Police companies,
2 hospital units, 2 sanitary squads, 1 laundry company, one ambulance
company, and one field Remnant Squadron. Can you think of a wider
variety than that?
Our first formation after the organization of the battalion was
for equipment inspection, which was all laid out in presented
fashion on a large field in the Forwarding Camp. The 301st Supply
Train came thru clean on this, as it did also on the physical
inspection coming the same afternoon. The latter was however
very hasty & perfunctory. With that everything was done,
but to wait for entrainment to the port. However it was necessary
to send the battalion from the Forwarding Camp out to this Belgian
Camp where we now are, because transportation was not yet ready
to take us to the port, & troops were filling the Forwarding
Camp up to overflowing. The 12 miles between the two camps was
covered by marching with full packs on a nice warm afternoon.
The 301st S. T. came thru without casualties. We found this Belgian
camp much pleasanter than the sandy, ill-organized Forwarding
Camp. The Belgian camp is a model of neatness, cleanliness, and
orderly arrangement and management. It is most attractive also
because trees have been allowed to remain & form pleasant
groves about, and just at present with the white locusts, which
line all the roads, out in full bloom, the air is very fragrant.
It is now Tuesday, and we have waited since Friday. However,
I hardly believe there could be a better place to wait.
Sunday the sudden news came that General Pershing would inspect
and review all troops in the area, whom he had not previously
inspected, on Monday. Quick arrangements had to be made, and
I myself had some hustling around to do when I learned Sunday
evening at 7 o'clock that I was designated to command the units
of the 149th who were scheduled for the inspection and review.
My battalion was made up of Camp Hospital 111 under a Medical
Major, Field Remnant Squadron 315 under a Q. M. Captain, the
280th Military Police Co. , the 308th Laundry Co. , Sanitary
Squad 26, all under 1st Lieutenants, and the 301st Supply Train
under Lieut. Achorn. We had first call at 4:00 A. M. Monday,
breakfast at 4:15 and our column was under way at 5:30. We had
to go about 5 miles to a large aviation field where the event
was to take place. About 15000 troops were assembled thereon
in a formation known as line of platoon columns, all in helmets
and with light packs (rather good - to be wearing a helmet for
the first time 7 months after the armistice). At the appointed
hour, 9:15, the Commander-in-Chief arrived; his arrival was made
known to the command by a prearranged signal on the bugle, at
which all troops were brought to the "Present Arms"
or the hand salute, depending on whether of not they were armed
with the rifle. Then came the ride around the Troops, which gave
me my first view of General Pershing - going by at a gallop.
That was followed by the detailed inspection of the troops. The
General, accompanied by one Brigadier General, and one Colonel
(his senior aide- de-camp) and the acting C. O. of the troops
(the Lieut. Col. who commands the Belgian camp), wound rapidly
in and out among the platoons which were arranged with the front
rank facing the rear rank, so that he could see both at once.
As he approached each unit, the unit commander would salute,
report his name, rank & organization, and fall in rapidly
at the side of the General who would ask rapid fire questions
as he walked along, incidentally taking in each man with a rapid
glance, stopping occasionally to ask a man a question, particularly
if he had a wound stripe on his sleeve. My task was very simple
during the inspection as I had only to report the battalion and
follow behind while he went thru it; he wanted the individual
unit commanders at his side for questions. So the burden of answering
for the 301st Supply Train fell on Lieut. Achorn, who was quick
& ready with his answers, and we came thru O. K. Following
the inspection, the command marched by the Commander-in-Chief
in review, stopping at the end of the field; then assembling
there around a small speaking stand from which General Pershing
made an address. I am surely glad of the opportunity to have
seen him, and be able to say that I and my outfit has been thru
a ceremony for him. He is a splendid looking soldier - Tall,
erect, smart, clean-cut. His voice has no trace of gruffness,
is not even deep. On the contrary it is smooth and clear but
unmistakably authoritative and decisive.
Today, after the prescribed custom, troops which were in the
review are having a holiday. Last week I thought I had written
you my last letter; I didn't expect that we should be in Le Mans
area so long, or that so much would happen.
With lots of love
Sylvester.
Dear Mother,
I shall round out my last day in France with one more last letter
covering the last short period of my stay in the A. E. F.
We finally left the Le Mans area Sunday afternoon - riding on
an American special made up of American freight cars for the
men. We rode all night, arriving at this port - St. Nazaire -
about four o'clock in the morning. The first new sight of water
as we walked out to Camp 2 was a welcome one. At Camp 2 everyone
was physically examined (again!), and was assigned barracks,
but at 6 o'clock we got orders to move to another camp at 7 the
same evening. At this other camp we have been waiting now for
three days, busily engaged in more paper work and red tape involved
with embarkation. Our first touch with America came in exchanging
our many colored French notes for good old green bills.
Twice yesterday we had orders to move to the docks & twice
they were rescinded. We expected to get out then this morning
but when the boat intended for us (Santa Teresa - an American
bottom) arrived, it developed that she needed some repairs. But
one unit has gone aboard tonight, and the rest of the battalion
goes on in the morning.
Major Marchant, who commands our battalion, comes from Columbia,
S. C. , and knows Margaret Babcock's father well, but not Margaret
herself.
I have cabled Lucinthia today my date of sailing in the hope
that she may have a chance to meet me in New York, and perhaps
get Eva up that far. I don't suppose we shall be there long after
debarking.
My last word from this side of the water.
Lots of love
Sylvester.
A. W.
Dear Mother,
Lucinthia told me last evening that she had telegraphed you of
my arrival, so that I didn't send a separate one.
Lucinthia and Eva met me at the Pier Wednesday, then followed
me out to [Camp] Mills, where I visited with them all evening.
Then I came in here yesterday afternoon, Eva went around town
with me to different places I had to go; then we went back and
got Lucinthia and together with Lieut. Fox, we went out to supper,
and from there Eva and Lucinthia and I went to Keith's.
I am going back to camp in about 2 hours. I may find no orders
when I get there, I may find some for Upton or may find some
for Devens, I don't know which yet. If I go to Upton to be discharged,
Eva is to wait for me in New York until I get out, then we're
going down to N. J. for just long enough time to get some things
she wants, following which we shall make a bee line for Rocky
Hill. -- Since I started the paragraph I have gotten Achorn on
the phone at Mills, and he tells me we have orders for Upton.
In the Devens contingency I was going to have Eva come up and
stay over one night with you, then go up to Raymond & Eleanor's
until I was discharged there. The way it has come out, I hope
to get discharged by Monday, which will get me home Wednesday,
I think.
Shall reserve rehearsal of other plans for the next month &
summer until I see you, for lack of time now. I have already
seen Fisk and got them going. [note - I believe that this was
the employment agency]
It's wonderful to be home again, sure enough. I can hardly wait
to see you!
Lots of love
Sylvester.
To: Capt. Sylvester B. Butler
301st. Supply Train
149 Provisional Battalion
Camp Mills
Long Island, N. Y.
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My Dear Sylvester
Lucinthia's telegram reached us yesterday afternoon. We were
very glad to hear of your safe arrival. Welcome home from foreign
shores! Hope to see you soon.
Uncle George stopped off to see or hear from you, & Aunt
Lucy was up to get the news for herself & Aunt Sarah. I see
by the paper that you had quite an event on the trip. [note -
one of the war brides on the same ship delivered a daughter on
the trip] I suppose you added your bit to Marcelle Teresa Smith's
bank account. I hope Lucinthia & Eva had a chance to see
you land, and glad they will spend the evening with you.
I made a huckleberry pie for the 15th, but I'm not going to make
another until I know you are coming. It didn't seem best for
Dad & me to try to meet the boat in N. Y. I would rather
meet you here at home. Lucinthia probably told you of Catherine
Hubbard's wedding July 7. Mrs. Hubbard said she hoped you could
be there. The invitations are all very informal.
I must get a line off to Lucinthia.
Lots of love and a big cheer for being so near.
Your,
Mother
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