OSU Navigation Bar

The Ohio State University

University Libraries

Journal of James E. Miller

From LibraryWiki

Jump to: navigation, search

James' Timeline

The following is a summary of the Journal of James E. Miller.

Gets orders to depart.
Prepares to depart at 6:20p.m., “Cora Floyd came with her machine to go to depot.”
Arrives in New York at 9:30a.m., at Medical College
Locates two acquaintances at Camp Merrit with his companion, Stuart.
Receives telegraphic orders for extended field service
Begins to work in medical school on ‘Localization,’ has hunting troubles in the machines, write letters home.
Bought gifts for home, as well as needed items for the time overseas. Often talks of a daily routine of drills, lectures, and practice on 'localization.'
Reported at Hoboken
Finished packing and got aboard ship at about 9:50a.m.
James works under the instruction of the medical corps on board the ship. His work consists of making sick calls and caring for the many sick men on board.
James mentions “The class of men on this transport are not up to the average of men in our camps I think. Some are very ignorant and some have criminal faces.”
“All were much rejoiced by the appearance of the […] two destroyers and I think it relieved a great deal of sea sickness.”…“Our destroyers keep to each side and in front. We feel safe with them near but we are always in danger.”
Arrived in a port somewhere in France. The weather is beautiful, and James is quite impressed by the scenery, as well as being very relieved to be on land.
James and the company visit Chateau Blois (located in the Loire Valley, France)
James buys a wash pan to finally “wash with some satisfaction.”
Everyone is carefully watching news from the front, trusting the Germans will not break through. James says the “killing proposition seems terrible thing to me and seems beyond reason”
Evening service at the YMCA, addressed by a man from Kansas “Who was the originator of Basket Ball. Message along the line of bodily care and avoiding venereal disease.”
Receives orders to report to the base hospital in France at Base 15 (located in Chaumont, France).
Arrives at Base 15 at noon, has good food prepared by French chefs and a good night’s rest.
Filled in for the base censor and censors mail, visited x-ray lab at the base hospital.
James is assigned to two Hospital wards. He is feeling unhappy, “ I sometimes wish I could play cards as I do not have the things in common with other men.” (who are a bit younger than him.)
Meets Dr. Steiner and receives instruction in localization.
Very discouraged with work, complains of headaches.
“Twenty four years ago today I packed my troubles in a backboard and started to Perkin to begin my maiden effort in the practice of medicine. Memorable event.”
“Visited the French hospital this morning and observed their x-ray outfit. Saw them remove one piece of shrapnel with aid of localization with x-ray.”
“Went to the French hospital this morning saw them take a spine 3 MA, 6in gap 1 min. Outline a fracture and locate a bullet in the cranial cavity. About the x-ray room in the afternoon…Dr. Drane and 2 went over different methods of localization and other electrets.”
James visits the French hospital again and says “I am impressed with the kind of work they do with very unimpressive apparatus. And with satisfactory results. Almost as with expensive kind. Homemade head rest and tube holder. Which looks good.”
“Finished my cross-section localization and was approved by Captain Steiner, Worked at a pantograph in the afternoon, but could not succeed in getting it to do what is wished. Took a walk in the evening and visited an old church that was built in the 12th century in a village a mile or so away.”
“Major Percy Brown from the H[……] visit, slept in the same room with us tonight. He has been working with the British and is very optimistic as to the progress of the war. English think it will not last over the year and may be ended in 6 months.”
“The busiest day we have had in the x-ray room…a variety of cases. I am trying to develop technique by helping all I can.”
“In evening went with Mr. Duff of the YMCA to a rest camp, he delivered his lecture on the Bagdad railway and something of two years experience in Turkey.”
My first letter today from home, mailed April 27th. So glad to hear from home.” (James had been quite discouraged since he had frequently mailed home and had got no word.)
“We did not work afternoon today as a ballgame between Hopkins unit and Roosevelt unit with a parade and a general good time.”
“Decoration day, attended a service at YMCA hut at 10:30a.m.. Dr. Stone made an address also Colonel Mausell made a few remarks which were very good. I wonder where we will be this time next decoration day. I trust we may be home and this affair properly adjusted.”
“…a fire in the afternoon and destruction of wires current uses off in afternoon so we could not work.”
“Our work was interfered with today on account of a fire destroying the electric supply line. Made a trip down street in the afternoon to see if I could get some sheet lead to line the x-ray room but not very successful but found out where I could get it which is at Paris.”
“It is my home for the present but very monotonous life. I should hardly say that but it is rather lonely when one comes among almost all younger men.”
“Attended opening of YMCA hut at G.H.I. which was a very nice function …a number of French officers were there. An orchestra and Stanley of the Stanley Concert Co. sang several selections.”
“I get a little blue sometimes and feel that I am not doing as much as I should but will keep at it. My plan of life hardly is in harmony with the majority of men. It is no pleasure for me to drink and to indulge in other things that many seem to enjoy. I hope to have strength to raise my standard more to confirm with higher ideals.”
“Our work has been rather plentiful this day on account of the unusual no. of wounded brought in from Chateau Thierry.”
At work this morning I had heard there were some Steubenville companies camped near here. So I started out this afternoon to see them and found Ewing Nicholson, Alex Allison, Montgomery Mulrooney and Hebst. And later located and saw Earl McMaster and found Lt. Hooper in the officer’s pavilion at Base #15. So glad to see the boys.”
“We did more fractures today than any day since I came here. Also did the first removal of foreign bodies under fluoroscope that has been done since coming here.”
“Our Wedding anniversary 24 years ago today. So many things to be thankful for."
“A military funeral of a nurse this morning, was one of the pall bearers.”
“I may have to change my location.”
“President Schuman of Cornell University gave the address to the Y this evening. Not along a religious line but more on the purpose of America in the war.”
“Captain Steiner went on 10 day leave today and left me in charge of the x-ray work.”
“I was interested in Marshall Foch’s definition of war as the department of Moral Force and Battle as conflict of two will’s victory. Moral superiority of the victor and moral depression of the vanquished. This gives me a new idea.”
“Chaplain Copeland and I walked to Lizy and had our evening meal here.”
“The patient Gallagher on whom observations reported on the 29th died this morning from a perforated gastro ulcer.”
"Worked until noon today. And took a bicycle ride in the afternoon to Crancy. President of Oberlin gave the address at the Y this evening on the lessons this war has taught him. Captain Steiner returned today.”
“We are waiting expectantly for a drive to begin at some point not sure where but preparations are being made. Waiting is with some tension”
“Lt. Meleans who died of typhoid fever was buried today. A military funeral”
“Wounded from St. Michael drive began and arrive in today.”
“Went with Chaplain Copeland to an English Hospital 24k from here to bury an American boy.”
“My birthday which was spent at usual, did a moderate day’s work…the experience here has been very pleasant have had my joys as well as otherwise have had a church and think and enjoy the company of other men and see their good qualities.”
“My turn to be O.D. again today. The German place offensive on but with not much prospect of settlement from present outlook.”
“Started on an errand to Cosne this evening for two x-ray tubes…Rather enjoyed the idea of getting away as this is about the first time away since coming here April 22nd.”
“Arrived at Nevers about 6’clock and made good connecting to Cosne arriving there about 10a.m. found supply depot closed which it should be on Sunday. Secured a room at Hotel Serf looked over the town and went to the Y and observed the market day with the geese and other poultry. Not much regard for Sabbath.”
“After a good nights rest did my errand at the medical supply depot secured my tubes and started on my return trip to Base 15. Saw so many USA locomotives which looks good. Left Cosne at 11:40a.m. made fairly good time to Nevers arriving there in the afternoon in time to visit the C[…..] and Barracks where Brison was or had been on duty but found that he was on sick leave on account of an attack of pneumonia.”
Did not get back to Chaumont until a little after midnight.
“John the man where bullet passed through died today, bullet in pulmonary artery.”
“…I will be glad when the ‘war’ with all its horrors cease. Mutilation of human beings as well as killing can be nothing else than ‘horror.’”
“A man who is earnest need not be serious and can afford to be merry.”
“While out walking this afternoon I saw an aeroplane fall in the distance, being about a mile I hurried and found pilot and observer seriously injured.”
“Word of Austria’s acceptance of an armistice in papers today. To James the end of the war appears to be approaching.
“PEACE today. We can hardly realize such an occurrence. Thinking, reading, and talking war for 4 years. Now begin to wonder how soon we will be ordered home. This has been an experience that I hope will be profitable and of course will be happy to be back home…I have enjoyed this beautiful country and the evening walks.”
“Pictures taken today and general preparations for leaving when the time comes, even if it is 3 or 4 months off.”
James begins to prepare for a few days leave.
“While I had expected starting on my leave today, Maj. Steiner wished to go on a trip with his associate Maj. Cole. Consequently I was about the x-ray room during today.”
“Left at 5a.m. for Paris, arrived about eleven, foggy and damp. Met a young fellow from Toledo on my way to Paris. Secured a room at Hotel du Canada. After leaving saw the King of England on his way to some engagement. On account of the rain went to a function in a church of St. Madeline.”
“Looked over the German captured cannon, aeroplane, and Zeppelins. Visited the Tulleries, Bastille, Eiffel Tower, and a painting done in cyclorama form which was very fine. Left Paris at 8p.m. for Nice.”
Arrives in Nice.
“Changed my room at Prest[…..]on the water front. Looked over part of the town, visited an old cemetery and fortifications of a power over looking the sea which is very beautiful.”
Went on a visit to Monte Carlo.
Climbed one of the mountains in the rear of Nice.
“Visited a Russian church in the morning…Began my return journey about noon. Which was very pleasant along the coast but could get no seat at Marseilles and had to stand the entire way.”
“Arrived at Paris at 10a.m. after standing all night was very tired.”
“Visited a Presbyterian Church and visited the outskirts of Paris to see the old wall. Returned to Chaumont at 8p.m. and arrived at 3:30a.m.”
“Found 15 letters awaiting me and some papers…the newspaper record many deaths from pneumonia as a result of the ‘flu’ which has evidently been very serious at home.”
“My letter from CO releasing me from duty was forwarded…”
James happily receives Christmas box from home.
“The chief object of education was to awaken the spirit, and insomuch as literature whenever it touched its great and higher notes, was an expression of the spirit of mankind, the best induction into education was to feel the pulses of humanity which had beaten from age to age through the utterances of men who had penetrated to the secrets of the human spirit.” (Quoted from a speech made by Woodrow Wilson at the University of Paris on this day.)
“The ‘Argonne Players’ gave the entertainment in the Y hut at 1:30p.m. today. Some very good music. Some of the performance was very good. Not elevating vaudeville but interesting and some of it splendid.”
“Preparations are going on in Chaumont for reception of President here tomorrow.”
“President Wilson visited Chaumont today. Reviewed troops at Langres. 7 or 8 aeroplanes acted as his air escort after seeing the crowd downtown took a walk in the fields, my turn as OD began at 11:30.”
Announced that unit would be released January 15. James writes “Request for my classification card in today, looks like going home.”
“The main topic of conversation is going home…anxious to get started back.”
“News becomes more favorable toward going home.”
“BH unit no. 90 arrived today and expect to take over the work here.”
“Lt. Simpson of the red cross invited me to accompany him to the Neuf Chateau today. Chaplain Henshaw and I visited the birth place of Joan of Arc and the shrine and enjoyed the trip very much.”
“Word came today that all officers who had not been over here 1 year would report to B[….] for duty also that unit P was to return to Base 15. Looks as though I would not get home awhile at least. Will try and make the best of it.”
“The developments today are that Sullivan and I are trying to get our orders changed to return with Base 15.”
“Two men “pay for the AWOL by not getting home with unit, the verdict today.”
James expects he will be transferred to Base 18 for the remainder of his service.
“Visited an old church in Chaumont and sepulcher which was constructed in 1471.”
“My order came this afternoon to move to Augers and was very glad to get there. Pleased to move on. A walk this afternoon with Rose from Kentucky.”
“Made final packing of materials today and prepared to depart at 6:40PM for Augers, France. It pleased me very much to move on.”
“Arrived at the Casual Officers Camp at 3p.m.…We spent the night in Tours…our train for Augers left at 11:40. The trip down the Loire Valley was very pleasant.”
“Another convoy of 200 left this morning. Prospects are good for getting away before another week.”
“Orders came today to move to Brest tomorrow.”
“Started to the station at 3:30 this morning, leaving at 5:30 for Brest, going through Le Maus arriving there at 9:30.”
“Arrived at Brest about 9a.m. and glad to see Britanny’s coast. Glad to be this far on my return. Thankful for my health and so many of life’s blessings.”
“Orders came today to board the President Grant. We left camp about 4p.m. reported at assignment office where we recd word to not go to the boat till morning.”
“On account of being on the tentative list was in doubt about getting on the President Grant. We reported at the docks about 9a.m. was the first on the tentative list to be culled.”
Excited to get a choice of eggs for breakfast, boarded ship, but it was likely the men’s luggage was not included, “Began our voyage about 4p.m.. As glad to see the harbor left behind as I was the 19th of March when it came into view.”
“At noon today had traveled 499 mi, 3023 yet to go.”
“We are now on the last half of our voyage and if all goes well we will be in Hoboken in a week.”
“1449 mi to go at noon today.” Started to aid a boat in distress, “The Polar Bear" found their steering gear was out of order and waited until morning to make further efforts after two failed lines.”
Captain of "The Polar Bear," believed could repair the rudder of the boat before noon and by 2p.m. the ship continued on its own.
247 miles left before Hoboken
Arrived in port at midnight
Up the harbor near daylight and thankful to see the Statue of Liberty. Got orders to report to Camp Dix (New Jersey) by noon, spent the night at the McAlpin Hotel.
Arrived to Camp Dix at noon and filled out paper work and got a medical examination; information sent to Washington.
Orders sent for discharge from Washington.
Left New Jersey at 4:20p.m., arriving at Philadelphia at 6p.m., left for Pittsburgh at 9:30p.m. and arrived at 6a.m., spending three days there and finally returning to Steubenville on March 6 in the evening. 
The Rare Books and Manuscripts Library encourages patrons to examine this collection. If you discover important 
details or may have information related to this soldier and his company, please note it below:


James E. Miller

World War I

Retrieved from "http://library.osu.edu/wikis/library/index.php/Journal_of_James_E._Miller"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Toolbox