Page:The North Carolina Historical Review - Volume 1, Number 1.pdf/37



Commissioned April 25, 1917; called into U. S. Service July 25, 1917; mustered into U. S. Army July 30, 1917; commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel November 7, 1917; commissioned Colonel October 9, 1918. Home address: Chapel Hill, N. C.

''This diary, for my wife, Mary Rayley Pratt, and my son, Joseph Hyde Pratt, Jr., was begun on board the transport Talthybius, Captain Hazeland. The Ocean Steamship Company, Liverpool, England. Owners: Alfred Holt & Company.''

May 18, 1918. At Greensboro Mr. and Mrs. Grantham, whose son is in C Company, were very much disappointed not to see him. Sent a handclasp and God-bless-you to him by me.

May 18, 1918, Camp Sevier, S. C. First call, 4:30 a. m.; breakfast 5:00 a. m. Began to break camp 5:30 a. m. First company to leave, Company A, at 11:10 a. m.; last company to leave, Company E, 12:30 p. m. I left on first train via Southern Railway, leaving camp at 12:05 p. m. All were very glad to leave and be en route for France. At Kings Mountain, Bessemer City, Gastonia, Charlotte, Salisbury, High Point, and Greensboro there were large crowds out to see the troops. Left Greensboro about 9:30 p. m. This is the nearest point to home and the dear ones I will be for an unknown time (?). We are now rushing northward to a port of embarkation. May the time for the southbound trip to be nearer than we now realize. Goodnight, my Mazie and my boy. My thoughts are of you two. I want to see you both.

May 19, 1918, En Route North. Reveille 7:30 a. m. Just out of Washington. Stopped one hour at Red Cross canteen in Baltimore and Ohio Railroad yards. Men were given 15 minutes hike. Then were served coffee and sandwiched by Red Cross. Their plant was very complete and doing a great deal of good. At Philadelphia apples and cigarettes were given to the men. In all places we pass through men, women and children wave and cheer. Perhaps our people are awakening to the seriousness of the situation and will get ready to fight until the desired end is accomplished.