P.S.--It is a good thing that I am always so cheerful and contented. It
happens sometimes that I can make Jeanne and Helene forget, and I give
them a little hope.
"It Is for Us and for France"
[From The New York Sun.]
_LONDON, Oct. 14.--To those who believe, as Germans would have
the world believe, that the French Nation is decadent, fit
only to disappear from the face of the earth, the following
letter, simple as any letter can be, yet full of the
Spartanlike qualities that even a German must admire, will
serve as an inspiration.
It was written to a French soldier by his sister. The soldier
showed it to his officer, who was so pleased that he had it
published anonymously for the troops. One of the men at the
front has sent the letter to The Times. A translation of it
follows:_
Sept. 4, 1914.
My dear Edward: I hear that Charles and Lucien died on Aug. 28; Eugene
is very badly wounded; Louis and Jean are dead also. Rose has
disappeared.
Mamma weeps. She says that you are strong, and begs you to go to avenge
them.
I hope your officers will not refuse you permission. Jean had the Legion
of Honor; succeed him in this.
Of the eleven of us who went to the war eight are dead. My dear brother,
do your duty, whatever is asked of you. God gave you your life, and He
has the right to take it back; that is what mamma says.
We embrace you with all our heart and long to see you again.
The Prussians are here. Young Joudon is dead; they have pillaged
everything. I have come back from Gerbervillers, which is destroyed. The
brutes!
Now, my dear brother, make the sacrifice of your life. We have hope of
seeing you again, for something gives me a presentiment and tells me to
hope.
We embrace you in all our hearts. Adieu and au revoir, if God permits.