"September 7—The battle of the Marne has actually begun and the French troops seem eager. The fighting is very bitter on both sides. All day I have received news of what is happening hour by hour. Near Kretzilly the fighting is awful. Our troops are holding the heights, but the French are like demons; they charge regardless of machine guns and seem eager to be killed. I am afraid that their eagerness bodes no good for us."

AUTO DASHES OVER THE RIVER
"Tonight I rode over part of the battle field in a motor, as I had to carry a most important order to Kretzilly. The French artillery had shelled the road, which now was paved with bodies. Heaps of them went lying in the ditches on either side. One motor ran us though it were crossing a heavy Oriental carpet. We were in a hurry and could not help riding over the dead bodies. The feeling of the wheels burying themselves in human flesh and the horrible stench of burning bodies—for there are so many dead that we have to burn them in the open—what an atrocious nightmare!
"September 7—The courage of the French is superhuman and, as if by magic, new bodies of troops appear from every side. General von Kluck has inspected the posts. I met him. His eyes, usually so brilliant, were now dull, and he whose voice was always full of energy spoke in subdued tones. He is absolutely crushed.
"Our scouts have discovered the presence of strong fresh French."  ich forces. 