English and he read the service of the Church of England. Naturally, all the men appreciated very much having the service in English. I have all HALL’S personal belongings and will guard them until I hear from you. I did all that I could possibly do and trust it will be satisfactory to all. Some of the Section were naturally a little unstrung but the spirit is perfect and one and all assure me they are willing and have every intention of doing just the same as always. I really have a fine bunch of men and am certainly very thankful. I think I could take almost this entire section to Italy if there is a chance of a service being established there.
Sincerely yours,
Ronald Hoyt Pearce
Leaver of S. S. U. 62.
Letter from Red Cross
September 15, 1917
Dear Sir,
I was extremely sorry to have to cable you of the accident to your son, but more than glad to give you the assurance that his wounds are not permanently serious, and that he is as, from the last news, going on very well.
He was wounded at 11 o’clock in the morning while bringing French wounded back from one of the most dangerous and advanced posts in the Avocourt Wood, a name which is doubtless familiar to you from accounts of fighting in the neighborhood of Verdun. His companion Mr. Hall was killed by the same shell which wounded Sylvester. Your son was taken at once to a French hospital close by. I can assure you, from previous experience, that the French doctors take the best of care of any of our men who come into their hands. As soon, however, as your boy can be moved, he will be brought to Paris and put into the American Red Cross Hospital which is directed by Dr. Joseph BLAKE of New York. I need hardly say that anything we can do for your son will give us pleasure.
With true sympathy,
Believe me,
Very truly yours,
Richard Norton.
Post Card
Saturday, September 15, 1917
France
Dear Folks,
Just a few lines to let you know that am getting along fine here in the hospital. Am going to be transferred to the American Hospital in Paris as soon as can stand the trip. After all am very lucky.
Most sincerely, Byrl.
Letter
Tuesday, September 18, 1917
In a French Hospital
Dear Folks at home,
Am recovering fast now and the doctors promise to soon send me to our American hospital in Paris. Of course it is tough to have to lie in bed day after day but the hospital authorities and the ambulance men help things along a great deal. Most every American in this locality has called to see me. Have about a car load of magazines, cigarettes and candy. Frank Rafferty of Wabasha, who has been over here a short time with a bunch of railroad engineers, called Sunday to see me. It was quite a surprise. He had heard that I was "laid up" so he came over about twenty miles to see me. We had a great visit. My bed is number one near the door so that I get lots of air. There are thirty-eight Frenchmen in this ward, all being brought in the same day. Am

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