Craig-y-Mor
Parrog
Newport
3rd August 1914
My darling husband
We were glad to get your postcards this morning and hear that you were getting on all right. I hope you and Cyril have enjoyed your cycle ride today, it has been fine here though rather cool. By the same post I got a letter from Fanny Walton forwarded from house and telling me that as her mother’s neck was no better when she came back from Budleigh, Mr Chapman advised her to have a second opinion, so Fanny went with her to see Mr Lockwood, a good London surgeon who operated on Mary two or three years ago, and he recommended an operation and it was to take place this morning. I sent a reply paid wire to Fanny asking for immediate news and she wired back “operation over, most satisfactory” so I hope all will go well with her.
Kathleen arrived this afternoon bringing us the latest London news. We knew last night that the Naval Reserve had been called out. The Territorials were turned back on their way to camp and Georgehad to start off again in a few hours. She does not know where he is likely to be sent, but he will try and send us an address as soon as he can. Should England really go to war, he will volunteer for active service. I feel very sad about it though I suppose it is quite right that he should do so. Of course he will not now be able to come down here and there is some uncertainty about Jack as they will probably be short of clerks and may have to lend some to the War Office. Kathleen says if doctors are wanted, Arthur may also volunteer, and in that case, Mary would offer herself as nurse, so that is seems as if there may be a time of great anxiety before us. Don’t you think Germany’s conduct with regard to France and Luxembourg abominable? It is pretty evident that they wanted to bring about war and it would sere them right if they get well beaten. I am so thankful that if we fight we shall be with the French and not against them, but it is all very terrible.
Our quarters here are very comfortable and it is a pretty part and a quaint little town; the Williams arrived this afternoon. I may probably see Mrs Williams tomorrow. I hope you will find Charlotte well, my love to her. With love to Cyril and yourself.
I am your loving wife
Eugénie N Sladden
