24/12/16
My dear Kathleen
Many thanks for the letters received recently. For ten days or so I’ve done very little letter-writing, now I am up again I must try and make up arrears a little. I am so very sorry to hear later bad news of Mrs Horsman. There can be little doubt there is a recurrence, in fact your statement before the operation suggested considerable glandular extensions.
I hope it will be possible to get her into a suitable home while waiting the inevitable; probably the Guy’s people will be helpful. If not let me know and I’ll see if I can do anything through the Middlesex, where I know one of the cancer people.
I am enclosing a cheque for £2 made out to you, will you please donate it towards Mrs Horsman’s welfare in any way you think desirable. If you think she would be pleased to hear I had thought of her let her know, but otherwise regard it as anonymous.
I am better each day, but not very vigorous yet, and still with a little neuralgia – I have been up today for a fair time, and out for two short walks, there was sunshine in the morning.
You will be a small, quiet party this Xmas – perhaps the best way to spend it. I shall still be a patient and probably very quiet in my tent. Until yesterday I have been unable to read – that is for me a severe deprivation, and I’m glad now to be able to use my eyes again.
I’m still waiting the photos from Mary and hope they’ll arrive tomorrow. Posts have been much delayed again.
I am well pleased at the change of government – we are up against a very hard struggle this coming year, and I’m convinced that the food question is very serious and must be fairly tackled by proper planting and sowing before it’s too late for this season. If only for example I’d like to see all parks, lawns, etc utilised either for grazing or planting, and golf-links especially.
The latest note from America is more than puzzling, it is disgusting. No diplomatic usage need compel a man to state that Germany is as solicitous as her opponents. It is so obviously untrue, even if you adopt the cynical attitude and deny that our care of small nations has any altruism in it. As far as diplomats and governments are concerned there may be much truth in such cynicism, but as far as the British people as a whole is concerned, that spontaneous swerve to war in 1914 when Belgium was touched, was a right fine move of all that’s best in the national heart – and until that stirring, all the diplomats and statesmen dared not make war. I’ve tried to think all the best I could for America, but this last talk has sickened me. Let’s hope it is only some subtle move concealing better motives and intentions.
I had a line from Mr Williams today. He too favours the new government (and even its head!) and thinks Lloyd George’s demand for “A National Loaf” “rather good for a Baptist!”
I must write other letters now, there’s one thing a convalescence gives one some time, though not always the will to write.
With much love to all.
Your affectionate brother
Arthur F Sladden
