Appreciations of Richard Harding Davis
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Various Authors of Some Repute >> Appreciations of Richard Harding Davis
At times, in our work, we all tried our hands at describing
the Salonika of those early days of the Allied occupation, for
it was really what one widely travelled British officer called
it--"the most amazingly interesting situation I've ever
seen"--but Davis's description was far and away the best, just
as his description of Vera Cruz was the best, and his
wonderful story of the entry of the German army into Brussels
was matchless as one of the great pieces of reporting in the
present war.
In thinking of Davis, I shall always remember him for the
delightful qualities which he showed in Salonika. He was
unfailingly considerate and thoughtful. Through his
narratives one could see the pride which he took in the width
and breadth of his personal relation to the great events of
the past twenty years. His vast scope of experiences and
equally wide acquaintanceship with the big figures of our
time, were amazing, and it was equally amazing that one of
such a rich and interesting history could tell his stories in
such a simple way that the personal element was never obtrusive.
When he left Salonika he endeavored to obtain permission from
the British staff to visit Moudros, but, failing in this, he
booked his passage on a crowded little Greek steamer, where
the only obtainable accommodation was a lounge in the dining-
saloon. We gave him a farewell dinner, at which the American
consul and his family, with all the other Americans then in
Salonika, were present, and after the dinner we rowed out to
his ship and saw him very uncomfortably installed for his voyage.
He came down the sea ladder and waved his hand as we rowed away.
That was the last I saw of Richard Harding Davis.