Letter No. 9 France July 31 1918
My dear Mother,
The letter of July 1st and 2nd received on the 25th, or just after mailing my last one to you, and today I received Fan's and yours of the 6th. You should now be receiving a letter a week from me.
Heard from Uncle Harry today. He is sending me The New Republic weekly much to my delight. Received the first copy yesterday. Also, Lit. Digest and Sunday Times Supplement. Have had three of the weekly 'Daily Mirrors' from Harry. Do no care much for it but the 'blesses' enjoy the pictures. We lack sufficient reading matter for them.
Also heard from Marion Dow and John Skelland. The latter said he was expecting to receive his papers any day. I suppose he meant orders to report for service.
I hope Ben is stationed at Ardmore this winter. Joe is about 200 miles southwest of us.
Frost in Minnesota in July! What are the chances fro a corn crop? The corn here is in tassel. The sun is so hot during the day, but two or three blankets comfortable at night. This is a beautiful evening, not a cloud in the sky and the sun just set. I suppose Mount Blanc is visible if I were to walk to the proper spot.
Had a card from Edith Jackson. Her cousin who came over three years ago is still fighting. He is one of the lucky ones.
I am in a surgical ward and they are splendid fellows to nurse. Some of tem fought under Major Roosevelt and were near him when he was wounded. They speak so highly of him and say he was always in the thickest of the fight. A special ambulance hurried him to Paris.
Last night I had the opportunity of going through one of our Red Cross trains. There are about 14 in France and they are splendidly equipped. This accommodated about 400 patients with a berth for each one. There are also seats for those able to sit up. Have not yet been through a French Hospital train but hear they-------censored-------.
The men tell of German gunners chained to their guns and of German women fighting in the ranks. They are all in good spirits and sure of beating the Huns. The Americans are taking --------censored----------------.
All the boys speak so highly of the Red Cross and of the work of the Salvation Army at the front but I have yet to hear anything but complaints of the Y.M.C.A. Their chief complaint is that YMCA charges more for everything than the red Cross Canteen or even the French shop, so William work fro the Salvations Army in the next drive. Irvin Cobb spoke very highly of them on an article in the June Post.
Hope enough of my allotment reaches you for an October 'Liberty Bond' as I want one from each issue.
Heard today of Dr. Todd's death. Believe a Lieut. Hunt from Minneapolis is a patient here.
Have not seen Charlie as yet and fear I might not recognize him in uniform. Is John Dingman still on the border?
Si Beatrice is engaged! Is she to be married soon and where will they live? Am not making rapid progress in French, not had a lesson for two weeks. Aren't you taking any Kodak pictures? I have one of each of you tacked up on the wall including Margaret in her regimentals seated on the wheelbarrow. How is the garden? Any berries, cherries, or apples. I am keeping an anxious eye on the vineyard but the grapes are still green as grass. You do not go into detail. Your letters are not censored while mine are. I could tell you a number of amusing incidents of non-military value if it were not for the censor-but I might shock him.
I haven't written Mae so give her my letters to you. I usually get your letters on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Love to all
Affectionately, Jane
Received in Clear Lake Aug. 24th