Page:The North Carolina Historical Review - Volume 1, Number 1.pdf/56

54 captured 150 machine guns, took about 250 prisoners, and in the report given, left no one to carry news of the disaster back to the Germans. Our line was moved up to include the woods, and the French the next morning were astonished at what we had accomplished and wanted to know how it was done. This news aroused the enthusiasm of the officers and made me feel more optimistic.

June 19, 1918, Wednesday. Colonel Ferguson left me this morning to go to Corps Headquarters at Fruges. This leaves me as Division Engineer and Regimental Commander. The Colonel has been made Corps Engineer.

After he left I went out to Sanghen to my regimental headquarters. Found all my men comfortably settled, and the work going on nicely. Headquarters are at Sanghen; First Battalion at Alembon; Second Battalion at Herbingham; Engineer Train at Hocquenghein. I took dinner at Headquarters mess, went over the work with the Adjutant, and returned to Division Headquarters at Nordausques about 2 p. m. I went out in a motorcycle side car. This is the first time I have ever ridden in one. I had my maps and found my way without much trouble. We went via Tournehem, Bonnibgues, Clerques, and Lieques. I had a truck (or Lorrey, as it is called here) go out and bring in my trunk, bedding roll and three field desks. I have established Division Engineer Office in two rooms in a private home on the main road. They were formerly used by Division Headquarters. I am very comfortably fixed for office and delightfully settled for my habitation. It is in a beautiful chateau with extensive grounds that are still being maintained in pretty good shape. I have a large room on the second floor overlooking a meadow with a good trout stream, or river, flowing through it. An elderly lady and her daughter live there.

Tonight I was reading a newspaper in front of my window at 9:50. I am not used to the long twilight. It is light in the morning about 3 a. m. My Mazie’s picture and the boy’s are watching me tonight.

June 20, 1918, Thursday. Spent most of the day at Division Engineer office. Just after supper the men and the ladies of