Thursday Sept 23rd/13 Worked 12 hrs. today putting trenches on map sheets. Are working in the schoolroom of L'Ecole à [Tessin?] in a stone and brick building formerly [pensionent?] du [5h] Pourrie Thêtre 1786 - The General Staff are in the Mairie, a composite building, built 1586, restored 1826 - the square clock tower would appear to be older still. Mme Helmate-Ricour name of our landlady Tsar's Vilna Army getting clear away, having escaped Hindenburgs Trap 40% increase in Income Tax 50% increase on Tea, Coffee, Tobacco - expected to increase Revenue £4,500,000 from Tea, Tobacco £5,100,000. Coffee, Cocoa and [Chiemy?] £290,000 [vent?] in orders as of [Sergt?] on Headquarters Staff

BC Archives MS-0392 - Box 1, Volume 4-5/ Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I