En route: New Brunswick

Well, we are just through breakfast and rolling over New Brunswick. While I think of it, I will tell you how we manage out our meals. A fatigue party of ten men are detailed for each meal. Each man has a particular duty. They file into the kitchen where all the food and utensil are arranged in order, starting with the silver, then the dishes and the food following in courses.

It is funny watching the snake dance as the train weaves. The meals are very good although some of the dishes are unusual, such as scrambled eggs and tomatoes.

Last night we stopped at a large French town known as Rivière du Loup. I never saw such a number of good-looking girls. It was funny watching the boys trying to talk to them, as only one in twenty could speak English. One of the boys had an accordion and led a snake-dance through the town. The snow was about six inches deep on the level and a fine soft snow was falling on the crowd, making one think of a Christmas card scene.  There must have been over two hundred people and they all seemed glad to see us; there is no use talking, the French girls certainly sparkle.  The boys were all regretting their lack of French. The little French bugler had the time of his life.

I had hoped that I could write about our departure in this letter but as they might not let me mail it, I think I will wind up this manuscript as soon as we reach Halifax.

We expect to leave the train today between four and five and march directly to the boat. I feel fine and have enjoyed every minute of the trip and will write on our arrival at the coast before signing off.