Thursday 5/9/18

My Dear Nellie:-

I am tired and discontented sitting or lying in bed with nothing to do but read, eat and sleep. I was never intended to be stationary, I can plainly see that. I have just [finished] reading a French political novel, a story of love and intrigue in the Versailles court of Louis XIV and now I have Winston Churchill's book, Richard Carvel. They fatigue you enough for the stories are always complicated. To affect [sic] a change I switch over to a S. E. Post or the daily paper which must be read at least three or four times a day.

This is certainly a lovely spot and the sunshiny day, blue sky, winding hills and the harbor from which comes the noisy screechings of the many boats going to and fro all call with a power hard to resist.

Lying in bed is, I can assure you, quite a contrast to existing in trenches and shell holes and for once I have had my full allowance of sleep. The Drs. here are practically all Americans and from Harvard; the nurses are either American or Canadian. Going through the operation was quite an experience and going into oblivion under the ether and returning to consciousness are strange sensations difficult to describe. Some under the influence come out with terrible language - others have a whole host of Heinies at their fingertips. Some sing and shout and again others never utter a word. Of course, in the ward patients are coming and going everyday- the old ones away to Blighty and new ones from the line. This morning a gay trio of "Jocks" left our end of the ward. The Scotties are generally a jolly, happy crew. There are a few Canadians in the ward.

The war news continues very good. I do not know what our Brigade is into now. Here is a picture from an English paper of one of the armoured cars used in our Brigade. Our batteries take turns in handling these. It is exciting work for the cars go in advance of the infantry and clear roads etc. of lurking Heinies and M. G. posts.

Today will, I suppose, find you busy once more. I know you will have enjoyed your holiday and hope you will like Mount Forrest [sic]. Don't send me any more parcels or paper ‘till I know where my next address will be. If you write address it to the Unit.

Yours

F. C. Cousins.

[over the page] Don't marvel. It just struck me that my sister really had a degree so why not address her properly [?]