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February 7, 1918 - Tuscania sinking strengthens American determination

      The sinking of the Tuscania was the center of attention on February 7 and 8. The coming losses of American lives in the Great War became a reality for the country. 
Don Martin diary entry for Thursday, February 7, 1918: 
Had a rather busy day. Did a lot of work in the office. Then went to Admiralty office to inquire about sinking of Tuscania, American transport. Had previously seen Irvin S. Cobb at the hotel. He was on Baltic in same convoy with Tuscania. Told me good story which I cabled quite fully to N.Y.  Also wrote story for Paris.  [Don Martin knew the eminent humorist and war reporter, Irvin Cobb, who wrote for the l2-million circulation Saturday Evening Post. Cobb had covered the war in 1914, including inside Germany, and had now returned to cover the AEF. Don Martin would maintain contact over the coming months.]
[SS Tuscania was a luxury liner of the Cunard Line subsidiary Anchor Line, named after Tuscany, Italy. She was torpedoed by the German U-boat UB-77 while transporting American troops to Europe and sank, sending 210 people to their death] 
Had dinner at Cheshire Cheese with Champion. Met Nuptal, Burke’s friend there. Went to office and then to bed. Got letter from Mother and enclosure from Dorothy.
All talk now is of threatened German offensive on which she will stake everything. Admiral Hall says submarine situation and food very serious.
Weather pleasant. Warm.

         Don Martin hand-wrote a short letter to his mother the evening of February 7, 1918, London, in which ending the war in late 1918—as happened—is mentioned.
Savoy Hotel
London, E. C. 4.
Mother:
       ... We don’t hear about sinkings right away. Today we heard of one which no doubt has caused excitement at home—the Tuscania. I got a good story about it from Irwin S. Cobb who was on XXXXXX which saw the submarine attack. It is pretty serious business. The submarines are very active and no ship is safe. .... 

      The food situation is not good at all here. The world shortage seems to center here because of the dearth of ships. A glass of good rich milk is never seen. Cream is not used at all and good butter and plenty of it belongs to a past age in England. Still everyone gets along. 

     There is no doubting that the world is tired of war and the feeling now seems to be that the war will end late this year after both sides have done everything possible to make sure of a good show when peace conferences begin. ...
                     With love, 
                                  Don


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