France
Sunday, March 04, 1917
My Dear People,
Pen "no bon" as they say in Tommy patois. Your dear letters of Feb. 4th and 8th as well as some earlier ones from Marjorie and Rex brought solace immeasurable as I lay in my "Garret in Picardy" - whereof I hope to send you shortly a versified description - trying to possess my soul in patience during days of forced inactivity. The beastly cold I caught at the Chateau hung on in a sore throat and more or less nasal trouble, and rather ran me down. the conditions in billets were not very comfortable, so the doctor shipped me off to hospital where I am at present - very comfortable and well-looked after. It's a bit of a bore, especially as the company is engaged on some rather interesting work in which I was counting on having a hand. I'll admit I was feeling a bit rebellious until Mother's letter with the Stevenson clipping came, and Father's with his always bracing little sermon on leaving our affairs in the Allwise and All-loving hands. After that I had a wee bit of a weep - not sadness, just tenderness, thinking about you all, - and proceeded to buck up and make the best of it. Now that I'm here I'm prepared to get as much out of my week or so of rest cure as possible. My one trouble is lest you should worry about me; but I know you won't allow yourselves to do that. I'm not really sick at all - just run down- "Debility following sore throat" - my ticket reads. You see when you start from the dressing-station they tie a ticket to you with your name, rank, age, unit, religion, and nature of wound or disease; so that if you lose track of who you are and what's the matter with you, the next people will have something to go by.
The young people of the family seem to be having lots of good times. It is fine for the snow-shoes to be getting some exercise. The Staples family is certainly a great addition to the circle of friends. I shall look forward to meeting them when I get back, and joining the good times.
Your parcel has not yet arrived; but will doubtless do so some time, though my moving may lengthen the interval.
A kiss to each one of you! You know how I love you.
Bun.
