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a life preserver (cork jacket) was draped over my bed. There is a letter for me at the hotel but we can't return for it."

The ship was the Adriatic, of the White Star line. Across the river I could see the "Vaterland" the big German liner interned at the beginning of the war. It was later used as a transport by the Americans.

The first class was mostly taken up by reserve officers like myself. Part of the 101st regiment of field artillery (New England National Guard, 26th division) was on the ship, and several officers from that outfit. There were a few civilians, among them Sir Gilbert Parker, the Canadian author, and a Lady Drummond, an old dowager who conducted a French class for us on the way over. We remained at the pier all day Saturday, and all soldiers were required to keep out of sight.

The Adriatic had a big general lounge, with a pretty good library, chess boards, etc. There was also a smoking lounge with a bar, which Guthrie quickly found.

Sunday, September 9th. "Slept well last night after I finally got started to sleeping. The steward woke me by knocking on the door and saying "8 o'clock for breakfast, sir". Breakfast was good, and the little Englishman who waits on our table is a jewel. Reminds me of Jeeves. We left the pier at 11 o'clock, and all men in uniform stayed inside until we cleared the harbor. This afternoon there was a meeting of the officers, preparing
a schedule for the voyage. I'm going to
put on an overcoat and sit on the upper
deck for a while. There is no moon tonight and no lights are allowed, so it looks rather lonesome."