Schmidt, Oscar, Rock Island, Illinois to James F. Edwards, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1897 March 22

He made quite a trip to New Orleans to take in the Mardi Gras. He never had such a rip-snorting time in all his life. The officers of the battleship Maine were extremely nice to his party. He struck up a great friendship with Gluardi? the young fellow who distinguished himself as a hero in the storm off Hampton Roads. He was asked to spend a couple of days and nights aboard ship. P.S. He made a big hit with his flute at a musical in New Orleans. :: XI-1-o A.L.S. 4pp.