A Journal From Our Legation in Belgium

A candid diary kept by an American secretary at the U.S. legation in Brussels, this work offers a day‑by‑day glimpse of life in Belgium as the German army swept across the country in 1914. The author records meetings with King Albert, the frantic movements of troops, and the sudden flood of refugees fleeing towns such as Louvain and Antwerp. Through his eyes we see the stark contrast between the orderly ceremonies of the Belgian court and the chaos of occupied streets, all captured in vivid, often stark, photographs.

Beyond the front‑line turmoil, the journal touches on the nascent humanitarian response that soon grew into the massive relief effort led by American volunteers. Brief notes describe soup kitchens, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire, and the early attempts to bring food and aid to a nation under siege. The entries convey both the urgency of the moment and the quiet determination of those trying to alleviate suffering, giving listeners a personal window onto a pivotal chapter of history.