Philip A Embury Journal #1

on the bridge with telescopes looking. Gunners were by each gun and shells were laying there ready, but all our excitement soon passed away for soon we could see the smoke of a ship. All the life boats were swoung out ready to lower, and we had our fourth life boat drill. The life boats from now on remain swoung out ready to lower. Had a show in the dining saloon. Auctioned off a lot of stuff at enormous prices. An aviator paid $50.00 for a cigarrette case that was supposed to once belong to a German officer. It was worth about $1.00 new Every body wondered and remarked at the two beautiful American flags that they used to decorate

the stage. Our flags have gained praise from everyone. The show seemed to be very good to those who could understand French. The American skit of two seasick men & one woman who they took to be French & turned out to be English was very good, and the musical program was good. Hank Howard, H. H. Howard, Kiefer, and Wit Write represented the U.C. Corps by singing some college songs and got away with it in fine style. We are now in the danger zone. The Captain is forcing his engines and the boat is trembling all over like the Key Route Boats. We are more than churning through the water, and there is a feeling of tencenous in the air. Everybody is rather nervous but putting on a brave frunt.

It is now 25 mintues to twelve and am about to turn in. Passed four ships today. A good omen, as they got through so there seems to be good chances for us.

Monday, May 28, '17

Clear in the morning, rained in the afternoon, Entered the Bay of Biscay in the afternoon. The Captain posted the following notice.

Important Notice

The Captain has the honor to inform the passengers that owing to the areas called dangerous in the zone we are reaching today it is prudent to always keep oneself always on the alert; He recommends as little noise as possible during the night, and to

avoid even the glows from cigarettes on the deck and in the cabins.

Captain Bordeaux.

The Purser advised everyone to sleep with their clothes on for the remainder of the trip. Went down on the forward deck at twelve o'clock & there was nothing to be seen but the lookouts & six men on the bridge straining their eyes with glasses to see through the darkness. When the moon would come out through the crowds the boat would zigzag.

Tuesday, May 29

Showery. Everything quiet. 5 P.M. small submarine chaser met us and convoied us into the harbor. Went about ten miles out of our way to the

North to get through the mine fields. Droped anchor in the mouth of the Gironne River at eleven thirty. All the sub. excitement over. Last night I slept on the upper deck in Elliot's bunk. Had five hours sleep. Lots of the pashengers stayed up all night.

Wednesday, May 30, '17

Stayed up all night. Wrote some letters. Custom officers & other officials came aboard as soon as we were anchored. Started up the river at 9 o'clock. Beautiful trip up the river. Saw German concentration camp, & prisoners. Many amunition factories. Reached Bordiaex at 4 P.M. After all baggage was checked and passports examined