Dear Aunt Bertha, So glad to hear from you. Thank you so much for writing. I am well and safe thank God. Tho' I've been through a good deal. Will tell you all someday. We are all doing our utmost to fight for the rights of small nations to be left alone. The cause of the righteousness. However much we love peace, when an enemy strikes our friend, it is ours to fight for him. The war is awful. The Germans will not fight according to modern warfare rules. To fire on the Red Cross, to poison well of water, to use gas, and to shoot wounded men is not right. However, we shall fight and in time we will win. If we have to use our last man almost I allow. I hope the USA will not be brought in but at present it looks as if it will. Glad to hear of mother again and of Mattie. Have not been able of late to write to Teddie (Llewellyn) on account of the war censor. Have now written him several letters, sent him photo like the one I sent mother … of me with L. Sorry to hear of Louise. Hope she is strong again. Please give her my love. Remember me to our inquiring friends. Shall hope to see you all again some day. What a lot of stories I have to tell you. Am commanding 1000 men in coast defense now. I spent last month on a tour of England telling people what is happening on the front Accept the photo Bertha with my best wishes. I thought of you about the 19th of this month. We are sure we never forget, thank God. (Mary Zoella Foster was born July 19, 1862) Oh for the time of the old farm …. Remember me and mine before the little alter at the little church in River Falls. Many a little church ruins I have walked through in Flanders. God Bless you all My deepest love to Mother and To each of you.
Turbie
This was transcribed by Cliff Momberg. I added a couple of guesses. JH
