Letter No. 17 Tuesday evening October 2nd, 1918
My dear Mother,
Almost two weeks have again elapsed since I last wrote you. Have not heard from you in the meantime but received Alice's of Sept. 1st a few days ago.
Have not been outside the camp for some time. We have been having such cold rainy weather and France certainly is disagreeable when it rains. The last few days have been 'brite and fair' but quite chilly and the nights cold with very heavy frost. Good for the grapes I suppose. I hope to visit a wine press next Sunday.
Yesterday the first of the month we had a meeting of the St. Barnabas Alumnae, eight members but only seven present Miss Nyquist being ill grippe, influenza or flu, I haven't heard the diagnosis, but several of the nurses have it also the doctors and corp men. As you know I am immune from all such things.
Miss Carlson and I vacated our room the other day to make room for a Nurses' Infirmary moving into another barracks. We are now in the same barracks as the St. B girls. A party of nurses including Miss Stevens from that unit are going very near the front from that unit on detached service.
Haven't read a paper myself for several days but hear the patients rejoicing over the progress the Allies are making and the surrender of Bulgaria. Two of my patients have the Croix de Guerre, the French decoration for bravery. One of my late arrivals is from St. Paul. There may be Clear Lake boys here but I would not know it unless they asked for me.
Believe I told you o f the arrival of a YWCA worker for nurses. Will tell you more of her later. Mrs. Barr has left our unit. So spry to lose her but fancy I will see her occasionally. Had a long letter from Mrs. Stanley Lyman the other day enclosing pictures of herself and baby. Capt. Arthur is on this side also Lorraine's husband. Alice sent me good snaps of herself, Janet and babe, and of the freight wreck. Received Mirror from Harry yesterday and Life and Digest from you. Many happy returns, Margaret.
This is a very stupid letter but things that would interest you are not permitted. The censor returned one I had written Mack badly cut up and I had written you the same. Have my letter been censored?
An American Red Cross Train is just pulling out. I know it by the whistle.
Doesn't Janet's babe look just like the Thomas family. In my next letter I will send you sketches of our room. You will be especially interested in the latch of the door they have just put on. I must retire as it has been a rather long day for me and fancy a longer one is ahead.
Love to all, Affectionately, Jane.
Emily J. Mosford A N C
USA Base Hospital No. 26
Am EF