Letter No. 8 France July 24th Wed. Eve.
My dear Mother,
Your letter of June 20th from Minneapolis I received July 18th. Your usual Tuesday letter has not arrived as of yet this week. Glad you had such a pleasant visit in Minneapolis and hope it was a lone one. Yes, I have been intending for some tome to write to Mrs. Hurd and will do so soon.
Was surprised to hear Charlie Bolles was over. He must have enlisted as he is not 21. Wonder in what hospital he is and if badly wounded. Is John Dingman over? Also Charles and Otto?
We have been very busy the last two days. The boys are so cheerful even those badly wounded. The only time moans are heard is when dressings are being changed. Only from Minnesota in my ward. They tell great tales of the front and most of them are anxious to get back into the fray.
Sorry to hear of Quentin Roosevelt's death and now Major is wounded.
According to the NY Herald the Allies are making steady progress.
I suppose you get more in Minneapolis papers than we do here. Only about two thirds of the nurses are here. Those who left us at Blois have not returned and two surgical teams-three nurses and two surgeons in each-went out last week. Fifteen of us, I was one, went to a big city 40 miles north of here last Saturday for temporary duty in a Base hospital but within twelve hours were ordered to return. We enjoyed the trip and saw a little of the interesting old city.
I see James frequently. He said he told in his first letters home where we are located so you undoubtedly know by this. I am so glad we are in the country as it is so much more restful for the patients as well as ourselves and perhaps we will get a trip to the city occasionally. The boys say German women fighting in the trenches have been taken prisoners. Also it is true that German gunners have been found chained to their guns. The first thing the German prisoners ask for is food.
Friday
You letter this week is late and very likely my letter of last week went down on the White Star boat. They will have to be more carefully convoyed on the return trip.
Margaret's letter on June 27th arrived yesterday. Haven't written Emma and Lydia as yet. So glad I saw Mrs. Schaefer last February and she looked better than she had for some time. How we shall miss her! What is Lydia going to do?
Electricity in the Nurses' quarters was turned on last night and how we appreciated it. After candlelight we have had between 9 and 10 pm. Lights out and barracks quiet at 10 pm.
Mrs. P was going to send me a Saturday Evening Post, but have received none yet. If she doesn't, Fanny, I wish you would from St. Cloud or is it prohibited?
Had a French woman do laundry fro me this week for the first time. She did it nicely but used no starch-perhaps they have none.
I wonder if you are getting the heat wave they are enduring in NY at present. How are crops around Clear Lake?
The wealthy merchant I mentioned in my last letter was born in the village I spoke of about two miles from here. Mount Blanc is visible on clear evenings. This will reach you about the time A and F are leaving. Love to all,
Affectionately, Jane
Received in C L Aug 17th.