Folkstone. Eng.
12/11/16.
Dear Father,
I have had quite an afternoon to-day, going up to Hythe right after dinner, went thro a very old Churchyard, and the crypt of the church. In the crypt on shelves, there are nearly a thousand human skulls, and a very large pile of arm and leg bones, dug up around the church, about 300 years ago. From Hythe, we came to Folkstone, had tea at a soldiers club and read a story in quite a modern “Post,” then went to Church the first time since coming to England. The English I wanted to go to was running some special mission campaign, so went to a Methodist, I think with a smaller capacity than at home, and the “honor-roll” they read out, had more than 225 names on it. Some bunch Eh.
This morning I received your letter of the 21st, Nert’s letter with order, and Emerson’s parcel. Tell him that bandage (Red Cross No 7) is just fine, and he can send me this one instead of any other. One every six weeks. Then that fellow Rothwell, brought George Carson over and we went out and saw Fisher and we all had a good chat. Then to-night, I hear the 168th arrived at West Sandling Camp last night but are in quarantine for a few days on acc. of measles. I am writing Happy a note to-night and hope to get up to see them before the week is out. I will sure be tickled to see them. West Sandling is just a few miles from here, and I think the first train stop. They are with the 12th Reserve Bn. there.
I also have your letter of the 15th which I have not answered yet. That is sure funny about Nert’s ring but I am very glad you were able to get it again.
Glad the [?] opened O.K. I think I left set up and text for some odds for them, either on my file or with [?] Law. I think from now till Christmas, you should keep the movie slides working too. [?] plate slide, the fellow at the show will fix up all right, also put on Waterman etc. They sure helped last year.
I am very glad you were able to sell the store to Vance. I think it was a very wise move. What is Coomber doing? Too bad about Warner, I thought he would finish like that, doing so much for nothing. It can’t be done.
I have charge of Ward 5 now, had it all alone yesterday after 10 A.M., only one man all last week, but hope to get another in the morning.
We have had beautiful weather lately and I have been coming down town often in the evening. The “Pleasure Gardens” Theater runs a show twice every week night now 6.30 and 9 P.M. I saw “The Whip” last night (9 PM.) and it was pretty good.
Nert’s posted order is just in time, I had to borrow money for tea, and after giving Church collection, I have only 1 penny, but get paid to-morrow or Tues.
Not much more word about our unit, but don’t think I will be there. They are I believe calling another draft from M.B.C.H., and if I am left there after that will have my mail all sent direct, as now, it goes to London, Seaford and then M.B.C.H. From what the boys in Seaford write, I guess we are better in M.B. No one seems to know whether it is temporary or permanent. But they are, I believe, going to enlarge it, and may take the whole unit. I believe some of the officers are very sore at the Col. for taking it.
Sorry you were not feeling well when you last wrote, and hope you feel much better by this. Also too bad business is getting slacker. I tell you the stores here are getting rich on us. The country needed us, whether the King did or not. They are lending the money to Canada, and we are spending it right back to them.
Everything is high there all right, but eggs here at the stores are 4/6 dz. And I don’t think butter is sold at all, all “Margarine” that is advertised anyway. Just as well perhaps that Miss A. is leaving.
Will keep on trying for the batteries, and will likely land some more.
Writing in a big recreation room at the “Pleasure Gardens” theatre.
Lovingly,
Worth.
[note added to back of page: “Send to Min and Nerta”]
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