Middletown transcript., 1917-11-03
SOLDIERS KNIT BAGS
Mrs. Clarence E. Pool Received
Acknowledgment Of Her Gift
FROM SOLDIERS In FRANCE

the Red Cross. AS everybody knows
comfort bag" is soldiers kit con-
tanning the two dozen or more useful
things for one who is deprived of the
convenences and comforts of home.
Some of the ladies put in their bags
brief messages of good will and cheer
together with their names and address,
eS.
Among others, Mrs. Clarence E. Pool,
of McDonough did so in several of hers
which finally found their way to hos
pital in France, and two of the grateful
recipients wlote in acknowledgment of
her gifts.
The Transcript gives its readers a
translation of charmingly appreciatlve
letter written on behalf of these two
wounded French sol1ers, by Mother
Saint Zelie IN charge of the Auxiliary
Hospital No. 6, at Coutances (Manche)
France
Her gentle epistle breathes deep
love for her "dear little wounded ones
that must touch the heart of every
reader, and its appeal for little help
for those pitiful victims of cruel war,
cannot fail to open the purses of many.
The chirography of the letter is as fine
as the diction Of the French is elegant
In the letter came photograph OF a
group of Is persons, all wounded young
French soldiers save a French officer
an American gentleman, and "Nother
Saint Zele" and another nun standing
on either side of the group.
The writer Identifies two of the
wounded from the fact that one of
them has in his hand small American
flag, and another is holding the end Of
scroll inscribed "SOUVENIR. F."
On the back of this post card photo
appear two brief messages as follows:
"Henri FACES of the 1st Colonial salutes
his Benefactress; ITO Mrs. Clarence
Pool our generous Benefactress-Le
Legoguelin, of the 9Th Engineers
Mother Zelie adds, ''He has had an arm
roken''-(since the photo)
The letter contains an engraving of
the Hospital No. 6. having LOG beds and
the Convent of the Sacred Heart. some
20 or more buildings with grounds
around them, including the Cathedral
proper.
Above this picture of the Convent and
Hospital ETC., appear these words: "Oh
how love the Surprise Sacks for my
dear little wounded ones. Thanks a
thousand times, Mother Saint Zelie,
Sacred Heart f. A. No 6. Coutances
(Wanche) France" She calls the "Com-
fort Bags Surprise Sacks" it seems.
Here is the letter itself somewhat
literally rendered the better to disclose
the delightful personality of the sweet
face Mother Zele who pens it.
October s 1017
Good and venerated Madam:
You have labored with SO much heart
and generosity for our wounded French
that feel myself bound to join them in
speaking a cordial ''Thank you.
Before leaving the Hospital No. G.,
Leon Legoguein and Henry FACES re-
auested me to send you this photograph
where they all appear. Henry FACES
was decorated with the Cross of War
july l4th last Brave warrior! he re-
ceived many projectles, in tire cheeks.
in the ears, in the lung. in the legs
from the fragments of an exploding
shell. So you see your little protege
ia a hero Simple as child, he it is
who in the photo holds in his hand a
small American flag. for the day when
this group was photographed our little
hospital No. had the honor of visit
from a noble American gentleman.
There are there in the hospitall com
batants from Verdum, and from the
Somme, many, alas whom we cannot
cure.
Leon Legoghelin, marked with cross
has already rejoined his regiment, ready
70 resume the fight. They both sent
yat, MANY thanks for the ''Surprise
Sacks"which have given them delicious
pleasure. Our Frenchmen With tn
thought that the American Ladies are
interesting themselves in them can hay,
no greater happiness. If the group
send YOU could make you hear them
Madam, they would one and all witt
all their forces acclaim our generou
Allies in America, and all the ladie
who sought thru their gracious gifts t
revive their courage. Kindly, Madam
continue your favors to than.
In this group are found soldiers frer
the country actually invaded. For
wears they have received neither none
nor news, which is sad enough. Thos
are vet in the hospital. | cite you onl
two names if you will have the goodnes
to interest yourself in their lot. an
interest some ladies Of means therein
The thing they most need is ittl
money.
Delacroix Leon. of the 25th lnfantr
Battalion, received very large woun
in the right thigh. In the photo he
holding the end of the souvenir" bal
,}er [nis right hand]. 1t is brave Ia
f,oEe the ipv&ded North-without r'
sqYrses At the left in the photo aboE
him who is decorated tsitting down an
wearing a capl, Rene Sayary OF II
lat Colonial, wounded at Fort Douamo'
near Verdum. No hope of cure