Letter 49 Vannes Friday AM
My dear Mother,
As you see I am on my way. We left Allerey at midnight Saturday. Most of the hospital was down to see us off. The men of the Unit were working hard to get everything packed to get out on Wednesday so they could start for the coast, so undoubtedly they are on their way. If not ready they would be sent to Beaune and their sailing delayed. The students left for Beaune Saturday morning, so Allerey is off the map as far as the Yanks are concerned.
We had lovely first class carriages and enjoyed the trip reaching Tours at noon on Sunday where we waited over until the following morning. Went to a nice hotel near the depot, slept most of the afternoon, then had a tres bon dinner. Left Tours at seven o'clock Monday in second class carriages. Enjoyed the trip as we made frequent stops and jumped off to buy lunches. Reached Vannes at 8 pm.
There are over a thousand nurses here to go out before us, so I fancy we shall be here at least two weeks. We were posted last night as Casual Detachment # 53. it will probably be posted as such in the sailing list from Brest, so watch for it.
A number of #26 girls who left us at Blois last summer are here-among them Miss Dundas of Duluth. Miss Dunlop went home several weeks ago. Several of the 108 girls who left Allerey three weeks ago are still here.
We are quartered in French barracks-formerly artillery school. Quite comfortable. I have a cot in a big room with 16 others. We have hot showers in the morning from 9-12, and plenty of hot water to do the necessary laundry with beaucoup clothes lines in a partly demolished barracks.
The room I dine in was formerly a horse stable, but it has been beautifully cleaned and whitewashed and the hay racks and mangers filled with wild flowers making it very attractive, and the most popular dinging room here.
Have not seen rain for a month and we need it badly. This is a fair size town, but no good shops and prices high. The costumes of the Bretons are very quaint.
Took a trip down the river yesterday to Port Navalo on the coast. This afternoon we are going for the day to Carnac on the coast where the overflow from here is sent, and hope to have a dip in the ocean. Two of the #26 girls who have been in Germany are there.
Heard from Edith Mackay this morning. They will have a sale next month and break up housekeeping. She doesn't say what they will then do.
Jean Copper has gone up to Paris on a three day leave. I am afraid she will have difficulties with the big subway strike on.
Strawberries are appearing in the market. Have had them once in Tours. I'll be home in time for gooseberries!
Am sending the Stars and Stripes. Hope to get the final issue next week. The demand will be great and I miss out on it. Must dress for the St. Ann's trip as it is nearly time to line up in front of the horse stable door!
Love to all, Jane.