December 29, 1917 -- Don Martin arrives in London, England

Don Martin's diary entry for Saturday, December 29, 1917: In London.

Left Liverpool for London at 11 with Russell. My room in Adelphi cost 3/6 – not bad. Shared carriage on train with Russell, an army and navy officer and a nurse returning to France. Arrived London 3:45. Darkness already fallen. Got trunks and other luggage to Savoy Hotel in taxi. Room awaiting. Is very fine one. Has all comforts of N.Y. hotel. Had dinner in Savoy alone. Then went to our office at 130 Fleet Street. Had some difficulty finding it. Saw Champion, in charge, and had visit with him. He seems a pleasant chap. Looks very much like Bennett. London a weird place at night. Fully half the persons on streets or anywhere else are soldiers or sailors. Quite a few Americans. Met Phelps, Frohman’s manager here. He seems to be a devoted follower of J. Barleycorn. Went to my room at 9 to rest up _ fell asleep at once and so at 10:30 went to bed. Don’t know whether I shall like London or not but think not. However there is much to see and I shall improve my time. Shall do nothing till I hear direct from Mr. Bennett who is in Beaulieu.

Weather damp – of course.

Don Martin had reached London and his European adventure would begin!

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