The Natchitoches enterprise. (Natchitoches, La.) 1888-1965, 1919-01-02
Letter From France
BASE HOSPITAL, No. %, FRANCE,
November 80, 1918.

DASE F1OSfI1AL, NO. 20, nANNc1
November 80, 1918.
The following letter from Harry
Viner to Mr.. C. Inter will be of double
interest because of the beautiful tribute
| to Ebbie Harrison:
Dear Cousin Charles:
l am certainly lucky boy. First
! of all, for some unknown reason, had
the opportunity to go to the front as q
member Of surgical team, and tho
we didn't get in the trenches, we were
close up enough to appreciate the war
in its full aspect, while travelling from
one sector to another. We had the
privilege of going to Paris twice, and
the visit to this "World Capital" was
well worth the hardships we have
undergone. Having been a resident of
France, it would perhaps interest you
and recall many pleasantries if l were
to mention some of the places we
chanced to visit NANCY, FOUL, Chau-
mont, Chalons, Chateau-Thierry, Dor
mans and many others too small to
mention. The last two named cities
are famed places, and are considerably
shot up, but net near as much as the
towns on the Champagne front. Some
Of these have only few pillars remain
ing of what was once a fiourishing
city.
1t was near the Argonne Woods that
We had the extreme fortune of visiting
trenches and dugouts. Really, | was
amazed at some of the Hun .dugouts.
They were fitted out in great style.
Stoves, electric lights and many con-
veniences which one would imagine
foreign to battle field. Could have
gotten some nice souvenirs, but was
handicapped as to means for carrying
same, so had to content myself with a
few caps, taken off of good Germans
dead ones), which remembrances am
going to take back to the children.
This world is terribly small, isn't it?
Edible Harrison, one of my old play
mates, was one of my first patients.
Of this fact l was totally unaware
until my return, and then to discover
it only thru the medium of Suzette' 3
letter. at once made inquiry, and
found to my utmost sorrow that the
poor boy had passed away. 1t is too
bad that didn't know that Edible was
here, e ! might have bssp ehlesse
lgrieyes me worst Is to know that
stood by his bed several times when
the surgeon was dressing the wounds,
and all the time did not know that it
was one of the boys from my former
home town. Edible was admitted to
this hospital either late in July or early
in August. He had been hit by high
explosive. causing compound COM
municated fracture of the leg and 4
bad wound in the back. Every one
here knew him by the fine courage
and spirit he showed, fighting to the
last minute. Tho in a serious con-
dition at all times, he hung on for
grim death. He died, showing as true
colors as any man could have, and tho
it is bitter tor his family and friends to
have his young life blotted out, it is
considerably lessened by the way he
died, and the cause for which he gave
his all. am proud to have come from
a town that gave such a noble soul to
the cause of humanity.
l had planned to tell you little
about some of the hospitals we were
attached to while at the front, and also
about the work; but must be getting
back to the Office, as there is a little
more work tonight before can call it
quits. Best love to you all and kindest
hopes that all of you are enjoying the
best of health. ..s
Sincerely,
HARRY VINER,
A. P. O. 753.