The Butler weekly times and the Bates County record. (Butler, Mo.) 1918-1950, 1918-11-07
Tells of Funeral Of Lieut.. J. P.
Arnold,
(Croix Rouge Americaine)

To the Family OF Lieut.. AInolu.
was at -- at the time you
|boy died for his country at the grea
French Hospital Caserne Saint JeAi
There. | was TRANSFERRED to anothe'
station soon after and have not hat
any opportunity to write you betor'
and to send you the enclosed lettel
from the American Red Gross
Chaplain.
The young officer was admitted t.
Field Hospital No. IL on the 2Sth o
May, which you will remember was
at the time OF the fighting at Cantig
ny Woods. Although patients are
usually Kept there only few hours
| he was cared for there two days and
was then sent by ambulance to an
fexcellent French military hospital al
(Vise) on May goth. The
French surgeons at this hospital
agreed with the judgment of the
American surgeons at No. II that be.
cause of his fatigue and weakened
condition it was not possible to re-
move the bullet that had penetrated
his chest. He had the skilled atten,,
ton, not only of American trained
nurses. but also of experienced
French surgeons land in four years,
French army surgeons have had such
experience. that there are none better
in the world). From the time he en-
tered the hospital until his death at
III o'clock the night of June 4th, ev..
cry American in Aeauvais inquired
daily about him. Chaplain, nurses
and physicians were devoted to him
and were continually asking if they
could not do something else for him
to make him more comfortable. lie
did not suffer, but on the other hand,
he did not get stronger. lie gradual
ly became weaker and finally went
to sleep like tired child. He was
so brave and fine and courteous and
gentle that it was a pleasure for the
nurses to care for him. All who took
care of him, both day and night
nurses, said they never had better
patient. Miss Natalie Scott Of New
Orleans, Miss Elmira Bears and Miss
Mary McCandlish, American Red
Gross nurses, all helped to care for
him, but in spite of the good wishes,
hopes and prayers OF us all, we could
not save him.
He was buried with two other
Americans who also came back
wounded from the battle at Cantigny
Wood. The French military funeral
took place at four o'clock the after
noon of June seventh from the hos
pital chapel; the flag -draped coffin
was covered with flowers. have
kept the enclosed flowers for you
from great sheaf of red roses, white
daisies and blue clematis, which were
sent by the American Red Cross Of
ficers at Beauvais. After the ser
vices at the chapel, i'll which DR.. Mel
read the 25rd Psalm, the procession
of the three hearses with their hon
orary guards of blue uniformed
French soldiers passed down the hill
through the streets OF the quaint
French City to the beautiful hillside
cemetery overlooking the sunny
French fields at the other side of the
town. DR.. Mel marched in advance
of the procession. Behind the last of
the three hearses all the Americans
and as many of the French staff as
could leave the hospital, followed the
military guard.
As we passed through the streets,
everybody stopped to salute the
American soldiers and even the chill
drcn stopped in their play to cross
themselves. At the entrance to the.
cemetery a guard of French Prussian
war veterans met the procession, and
with their faded flag as all
honorary guard to the grave. At the
close OF die services. they dipped their
flag in salute over each grave,
french women in mourning, who
were in the cemetery to decorate the
graves Of their men, brought some
to put on your boys
grave.
Your boys belongings and clothing
were lost in the battle, orlelt at the
field dressing station or field hospital.
1t was not possible, therefore, to
make Zip any package TO send to YOU.
! enclose piece OF cedar from
tree near the we'll kept American
grave in the cemetery
send you my sympathy tor your
share OF the worlds present sorrow.
congratulate you that you had sucl,
DOE III SINN i''i olli A'Nliitl ann
send my love, because | know that
he would be sending his il he had not
died so courageously to-r1iake the
world better place to live III.
Loyalty yours for our country,
Maudel Cleveland,
american Red Gross,
Home Communication Service
My Dear Miss Cleveland:
l wish you would tell the family OF
Lieutenant Arnold of the 18th infan-
try, that l saw him twice just before
the end came and that no one could
have been Drawer or shown finer
spirit. -ac fought with fine courage
on the field of battle, but he also
fought noble fight in the face of the
mortal enemy. 1t was an inspiration
to be with him and realize how truly
he represented the best of American
manhood. His last moments, | am
glad to say, were tranquil, and he fell
asleep quietly as a true soldier of his
country, which he honored by his de-
voted and faithful service. At the
funeral service ! read over him the