Then in about three weeks we will be assigned to the section in which we are to serve.
The men at the headquarters treat us very fine and will do anything for us. The first day in, when I signed my final papers, the head man wanted, or rather asked me, to go in for flying, but as I originally intended to drive an ambulance, I stuck to it.
Last Sunday we all went out to Versailles, the old palace of the former French kings. It is impossible to find words to describe it. Many miles of beautiful gardens, flowers, and fountains. The Busch Gardens in Pasadena cannot compare with it (statuary which dates back to 16 hundred). Every inch of space is taken up here- trees line all the boulevards. Everything is spick and span.
The French people are able to spot the Americans at once and they are very polite and always ask, "When are your troops coming over?" It is very important that the U. S. organize as soon as possible if we are to check the "Bosche"- (that’s the French name for the Germans) such is the opinion here.
The French people have very peculiar ways of doing things. For instance there are no speed laws. The cars just tear along. Have seen two accidents myself. If a person is hit by a car, the person is considered to blame for the accident and is arrested. Just as soon as an American lands here the police know all about you. A wonderful system, but a lot of red tape connected with it.
Everything all over the country is very high. No butter at all on your bread and no white bread – all dark-hard loaves. Esther’s 40 day biscuits would go pretty fine here.
Well last Saturday afternoon I slicked all up and rode over to the Hotel Ritz in a taxicab to call on the Cromwells. Had to get by about ten bowing porters, butlers, etc. to get up to the main desk and then I inquired for the Mr. Cromwell. The French clerk informed me that they were out so I sat down and wrote a nice note telling them I was from Plainview and knew the Van Horns, etc. Also left my address. Tuesday morning I received a very nice note from Mr. Cromwell asking me to call again. So yesterday afternoon I slicked all up again and was ushered into the suit of rooms. Mrs. Cromwell was in and I had a very fine visit with her. Very fine people living in luxury, but the old "Dillon" stuff must have been displayed for she asked me out to lunch with them but I declined as we are leaving in the morning. But she said to call on them again just as soon as I got back into Paris.
It is very warm here about like our July weather. One can look out most any time day or night and see aeroplanes flying over the city and big munition trucks hurrying to the front. We are able to get a New York Herald every day so we have some idea of what is going on at home.
Please send the NEWS and write lots of letters. If you hear of anyone who is coming over at this time, let me know and try to send some American tobacco with them. Impossible to buy it here.
Hope you are all well and happy.
Love, Byrl.
7 rue Francois Primier Paris.
(Not necessary- American Amb. Field Service)
June 8, 1917- Mrs. G. F. Sylvester and daughter Marion, Mrs. O. W. Nunamaker and daughter Viva, spent Saturday in Rochester.
Post card
June 11, 1917 Paris
Dear Folks,
Everything is going fine. We are now out at camp. Expect to be at the front in 3 weeks. Please send red book and papers as reading is very scarce. Write often to 7 rue Fran. Per. Red Cross. White bread & spuds are a thing of the past.
Love, Byrl.
From now on send all letters, etc-

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