The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-03-21

The following is translation OF a
letter written by war widow in
France to a resident Of Bismarck who
is a contributor to the fund for the
fatherless children of France:
The "tatherless Children of
France" is an organization which
gives aid to the widows of deceased
soldiers, thus enabling them to keep
their children with them at home,
avoiding the necessity of breaking up
the family and sending the little Or
phans away TO an institution in their
tender years. The money is paid to
the widows quarterly from the CEN
trail committee in Paris.
The writer of this letter is farmer
woman in Brittany. Her husband was
killed in battle in September, 1915.
She Is left with two little children,
a little girl born in July, 1909, and a
little boy born in March, 1913. A let
ter from the little girl is also given
herewith. The recipient OF the let
tiers thought that readers OF The Trio-
une would be pleased and interested
to see the fine spirit displayed by
our friends, the people OF France, so
he has translated them for US and
hereby shares the letters with our
readers.
This French woman also sent a
clipping from local French newspa-
per, giving an account OF the fun.
eral OF an American soldier who died
in a hospital in city in that region
OF France The recipient OF the let
ters gives US also his translation of
the clipping.
....., ....., r rance,
February 3, 1913.
Monsieur:
How can thank you for the boun.
ties and delicate attentions which
you have for my children and me?
IE October another sum Of Is francs
was sent me by the American com.
mittee. At Christmas my little Gcor.
ges received a pair of trousers and
little horse And you sent to my
address at the same time as your
friendly letter Of Dec. s, your portrait,
q flag OF the United States and a bank
note. am profoundly touched by all
your kindness, and express to you my
very lively gratitude. | am happy to
have the photograph Of my benefa"-
tor and before it shall teach my
children to pray for him and for his
generous nation.
You ask me where and in what cir
cumstances my poor husband was
killed Alas! In war these sorrow
full things occur 50 quickly there are
not many details. But here is what
one OF his comrades reported to me.
The 18th Of September 1915, in the
neighbOrh0od OF Cahure In the depart.
ment OF the Marine, the 18th regi.
ment OF infantry, in which Alcidc
Malec0t was a soldier, was in process
OF encircling a wood occupied by the
Germans. A shell fell very near to
my husband and tore open his abdo'
men. The unfortunate man sue
cumbcd Immediately. His brother,
Emile, a soldier in the 93rd infantry
OF La Roche sur Yon, the chief place
of Vendee, persisted In marching to
the attack OF the sugar factory OF
Serigne. He was crt down by a
shell, OF which the fragments covered
him with wounds he survived only a
few moments This information we
have had furnished by their comrades
in arms, because the administration
Of the ministry Of war gives none.
They give information only of the
date and place of dccease. One finds
this note upon the register of the gov.
eminent certificate; there Is placed
on the margin: Dead for France"
Sometimes the officer commanding
the battalion or the company writes
few words to the family for the
purpose of consolation. But what
ever the circumstances they are
cruel and painful, and always SO. We
understand that war Is war; we know
that It must be that to save the coun.
try some soldiers shall die; but when
the fatal notice comes, ! assure you
that It is terrible blow. For each
one holds to the hope that his own
shall escape and return safe and
sound. My own sacrifice has con.