22.9.14
My dear Father
I received the copy of Punch today, many thanks, it is most welcome. We are still in the chateau, and dealing with a good many patients but generally sending on to England all who are fit to travel so as to clear the way for others coming. Since the Marne battle there has been very little information coming through and I suppose you at home hear about as little.
I’m rather sorry at the flare-up in Parliament over the Irish bill. I think the offer to suspend operation of the act till after the war is perfectly fair, and there is neither time nor likelihood of settling the question at this juncture or ever, by agreement. Besides, the whole attitude of Nationalist Ireland towards the Empire at large is so much better now, that I feel strongly that on every ground the Unionists should accept Asquith’s suggestions and refrain from stirring up any trace of strife at home. Anyway, I hope that Redmond now will urge recruiting in Ireland with all his energy.
It is distinctly cooler now and we are lucky to be comfortably housed. I expect you will soon have news of George moving. I see from the Times that some of the leading Territorial regiments are coming out. I got letters from Mother and Juliet last week, but think perhaps your last letter has failed to reach me so far. Outgoing letters are not censored, there is no object in doing so.
I see from the Bart’s Journal that almost exactly 100 men are in the Navy or Army Medical Service.
I wonder whether the authorities will utilise the smaller hospital units provided over the country. How is recruiting proceeding in our district – better I hope.
Our fellows are a fine lot as a whole, and one gets a new view of the British soldier in active service.
I shall hope to hear from you soon.
With much love to Mother, the girls and yourself.
Your affectionate son
Arthur F Sladden
