Diary, May 22-24, 1919

May 22 Thur up early. Foggy. going slow. then stopped. at 2 we passed the Mt Vernon, France Bound. Missouri, Kansas, & Ipls. Imperator in Harbor too. We docked first. Boat is immense along side of docks - Moving pictures taken while tug pulled us in. Landed on Dock No 4, got pie, candy & fruit then on pier 1 took ferry to NY. then train to Camp Merritt. Chat with some girls. played on ferrie. made whole run on train without stop. Swell camp. Nice place to sleep. Can buy fine eats. Had phy & c. insp.

May 23 Fri- got book of NY pictures and sent home. wrote to Mother in afternoon had 3 pictures taken, 2 of Co. & 1 of Band. Saw Mallorys wife. played quite a great deal 4 companies are quarenteen. Bill Foren came in, has been here 6 mos. got letters from Mother May 3 Maude Apr 25 Cecil May 4, 18. I weigh 147 lbs. wrote to Cecil Delegation from Rockford & Aurora here - gave their soliders $5 apiece.

May 24 Sat. Ordered 1 large & 1 small picture $1.50 they are very good. Rehearsal all morning. Gov Lowden gave a fine talk in auditorium. we played Ill's. One deafening roar of applause. Long talk with Y man. Sent watch to Emma Jordan in Elgin. Saw play - "Here Comes the Bride" and it was a great hit with the boys. was in the Merritt Hall - library, a wonderful room for soldiers.