to designated depots.

When the salvage work began to slow down, the regiment found a few days when it was possible to devote time to drilling, athletics, and study. School and agriculture books were obtained in large numbers. Each company organized classes which, though not compulsory, were eagerly attended by the men.

Curtailment of the latest activities was necessitated by instructions from the Advance Section of Headquarters. The regiment was given orders to assist in every possible way in the restoration of French farmlands. The lands needed to be prepared so that it could be cultivated.

This Procedure meant, principally, that the regiment would be filling of trenches across fields. After completion of this work, the regiment entered the March 15 battle with all its strength. With exception, some soldiers were required for the functioning of the railheads which were not yet closed.

Up to this point, the regiment had not acquired a regimental band. At Camp Funston, instruments had been requisitioned. Unfortunately, the instruments had not arrived before the regiment left. Efforts were made to enlist a Negro band at Kansas City. The band members wished to enter the Army as a band and they wanted to be assigned to the 805th Pioneer Infantry. General Wood approved of the plan and took the matter up with the War Department. Qualified consent was obtained, however, subsequent rulings prevented the regiment form taking advantage of plan. The reasoning for not obtaining the band was because of the early date anticipated for the overseas move.

After the regiment reached Europe, there was a rush of events which precluded immediate attention being given to the matter of a regimental band. Meanwhile, general orders had been issued against equiping bands which were not in the Regular Army.

Left to its own resources and without divisional connections, the regiment had to rely upon its own resources for mental diversion from the acts of war. The men needed music after the hard work which they were doing. Colonel Humphrey sent his adjutant, Captain Bliss, to Paris to present the matter to the Y.M.C.A., Knights of Columbus, and the Red Cross. The Red Cross was able to respond immediately. Captian Bliss returned January 1, 1919, with seven cornets, six clarinets, five saxophones, four slide trombones, four alto horns, two slide bass tubas, two baritones, and

J.Linzy-6

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