TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ROGERS DEMOCRAT FEBRUARY 6, 1919 P. 1
Bajillo, France, Jan. 6, 1919.
Dear Mr. Funk:
I just received the Rogers Democrat of December 5th. It is the first news I have had for several weeks, with the exception of my Christmas box. The packages and second class matter seems to have the right-of-way. So you can imagine how eagerly I read every word from the date to the familiar Castoria advertisement, just to see who was yet in business. I only wish the paper was eight pages instead of four. I would like to have read four of 'news of the week' and ‘letters from the boys.'
Please, Mr. Funk, won't you tell us every little thing? It is of great interest to us to know who was home on leave or made 'corporal.' who gave a party at home and if our Red Cross is above par.
I have had a wonderful experience ever since I left New York. some days that were so great I wouldn't have exchanged places with the first lady of the land, and others that one didn't much care whether they lived to tell the tale.
We are located in a very pretty valley which is a hospital center and very much like an American city. Our hospital has two thousand beds and about sixty nurses, however, it is not near full, and it is indeed an exalting feeling when we look down those long surgical wards and know when we get these well there won't be any more.
We get lots of patients sent back from the army of occupation--appendicitis, etc.,--but they are not all shot to pieces and it seems like a vacation to them. It is really remarkable how well they get along. One minute they are operated on and after a little nap and perhaps a song or a few of their favorite expressions, they ask for a cigarette. He borrows a match from his next bunkie and asks what company and state he's from. The next morning when you see him, he wants to know if he may have some 'beloved corn willie,' and if they send them back home after being operated on for appendicitis.
Again I will tell you how much I enjoy your paper and hope I get it regular. This is the second one I have received. Several sacks of mail were burned in Paris last month by some explosive being mailed, so I presume we all will come up minus a few letters. Best of regards to all,
Sincerely,
VERA KEY,
Base Hospital 60, A. P. O. 731.
NOTES: Ms. Key was serving as a Red Cross Nurse.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Bajillo, France, Jan. 6, 1919.
Dear Mr. Funk:
I just received the Rogers Democrat of December 5th. It is the first news I have had for several weeks, with the exception of my Christmas box. The packages and second class matter seems to have the right-of-way. So you can imagine how eagerly I read every word from the date to the familiar Castoria advertisement, just to see who was yet in business. I only wish the paper was eight pages instead of four. I would like to have read four of 'news of the week' and ‘letters from the boys.'
Please, Mr. Funk, won't you tell us every little thing? It is of great interest to us to know who was home on leave or made 'corporal.' who gave a party at home and if our Red Cross is above par.
I have had a wonderful experience ever since I left New York. some days that were so great I wouldn't have exchanged places with the first lady of the land, and others that one didn't much care whether they lived to tell the tale.
We are located in a very pretty valley which is a hospital center and very much like an American city. Our hospital has two thousand beds and about sixty nurses, however, it is not near full, and it is indeed an exalting feeling when we look down those long surgical wards and know when we get these well there won't be any more.
We get lots of patients sent back from the army of occupation--appendicitis, etc.,--but they are not all shot to pieces and it seems like a vacation to them. It is really remarkable how well they get along. One minute they are operated on and after a little nap and perhaps a song or a few of their favorite expressions, they ask for a cigarette. He borrows a match from his next bunkie and asks what company and state he's from. The next morning when you see him, he wants to know if he may have some 'beloved corn willie,' and if they send them back home after being operated on for appendicitis.
Again I will tell you how much I enjoy your paper and hope I get it regular. This is the second one I have received. Several sacks of mail were burned in Paris last month by some explosive being mailed, so I presume we all will come up minus a few letters. Best of regards to all,
Sincerely,
VERA KEY,
Base Hospital 60, A. P. O. 731.
NOTES: Ms. Key was serving as a Red Cross Nurse.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD