WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE
and the fine blankets they have in the army. We also built four writing desks. There were twelve small windows in the room at which were hung rose-colored sateen curtains, and the effect against the clean raphia was very attractive. I also made two rose-colored cushions for each couch and for the davenport and bought a rose-colored upholstered chair. This all added color to the room and made it bright and cheerful. Moreover, I found an American rocking chair which was a real delight to the boys, as rocking chairs are unknown in France. I took down a long hardwood table, which I was able to rent, and a good piano, like the one we had in the Reading Room. Some bright posters were hung on the wall and over the fireplace the head of Lincoln with some of his immortal words. We used to put big logs on the hearth, on which the boys would pour crude oil. This made a great blazing fire and to the poor, tired, mud-bedraggled boys coming in out of the wet and cold and mud, there was a glow of cheer and warmth and comfort about it which was very appealing. One boy said to me, ‘When I opened this door and looked in, coming as I did from the mud and rain, I thought I had caught a glimpse of heaven.’
“On the long tables were copies of the Monitor, Journal and Sentinel, and also some other current magazines. On a side table I had Mrs. Eddy's writings and the Bible, and the writing tables were furnished with our letter paper. The boys were always most grateful for the stationery and a quiet place in which to write. On the table was a low reading lamp, and there were colored shades on the electric lights.
“As there were from 500 to 3000 men passing through these barracks each day, I found many who were interested in Science and who were delighted to get the literature. A letter from the lieutenant in charge follows, showing his appreciation of the room.
“ ‘As my service as Commanding Officer of the Casual Camp here seems to be near an end, I am going to write you this letter of appreciation now, lest I forget to tell you what
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