April 8: Sunday and we think it is Easter. (Found out later Easter was April 1). Up at 7 - ate fine breakfast and off at 9 - stopped after 4-1/2 hours - had tea and three boiled eggs and hit the road again. Arrived at 6 PM after 70 Li that was more like 90. Had peanuts for second day straight. Boys are still jumpy - hop up in bed when they hear running or loud talking at night.

Village wrecked by Japs

We are pretty safe now. Cold almost gone but scab forming on another part of my lip. Still pray regularly. Keep thinking of home, Bette, what I’ll do when I reach India and what I will do after the war. Had feast again - everyone ate too much. To bed hour after eating. Lovell and Fall threw up because they ate too much.

April 9: Up at 7 - big breakfast - off at 9:15. All level - didn’t stop till 2:15. Big town - large market - ate lots of sweets. Arrived Gin Sui Headquarters at 4:30 PM. Two American Sergeants here - on way in as spies - both 20 years old. Got rations - pretty good - lots of everything. Cigarettes and socks are best. First American cigarette in over two months.

Halt for a rest at Hot Springs.

Some of the boys have lice again but not me. Have lice powder. Big meal for supper. Will rest here two days. Read Lincoln then to bed at 10:30.

April 10: Up at 7:30 - woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. Coffee and cigarettes - then fine breakfast. Spring day - sent message to Yenan - bowels very loose. Took pills. Read most of the day and washed underwear. Sure good to read again, chew gum, eat chocolate, smoke American cigarettes and not worry about the Japs. Big supper - guests of Chief of Staff.

Still behind Jap lines in China, crossing river on Horses.

Half dozen got high but I forced down two toasts. This Bi Ga wine is sure strong stuff. Doug very sick with dry heaves from too much wine. One general insisted that we play Combat bridge. Message at 6 PM - weapons carrier will meet us on the 16th. End of trail is in sight. Took baths, mine tomorrow when my underwear will be dry. Expect new pants tomorrow - mine are black now.

April 11: Up at 8 - coffee, cream, sugar, cigarettes, ration crackers. Great life - another Spring day. Ate fine breakfast - took bath and a picture of me in the tub. Got haircut. Sun very strong - everyone burned. Loafed all day - read Time and books on Arabs. Gave General carton of cigarettes and had a chat with him. Will phone Sergeant Harding’s Dad when I reach the States. Radio operator can’t get message. Hope it isn’t bad news. Had coffee, crackers and cheese before going to bed at 11.

April 12: Up at 8 - packed - took some medical supplies and left rest for Double and Morrison. Coffee, etc. again. Breakfast - many toasts. All got gifts - I received fine flag. Off at 10:30 - very hot day. Got tossed by mule and later on he ran away with me so than I changed. Carnicelli got bad fall.	Loading for the crtossing of the Yellow River in North China to “Freedom”!
Reached Yellow River - saw airport - went down river 10 Li and crossed in barge with 12 mules. Good quarters - bullion - wash. Beautiful sunset on Yellow River. We are now in Free China and safe at last. Five days to Yenan and then a plane to we wonder where. Fine supper again. Read a Chapter of Joe Conrad’s Shadow Line. To bed at 9:30.	Rowing across the Yellow River to “Freedom”!