Item 02: Arthur Henson Smith letters, 8 January 1917-19 August 1919 - Page 342
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[Page 342]
War, 9.7.18
My dearest Mater
It is a fearfully long time since I have written you, I know, and no doubt you've been anxious on that account. But you know it hasnt been neglect or forgetfulness so I wont attempt to apologise, knowing full well that I am already forgiven. Fact is Mater dear I've been rather up against it in various ways for some time now and on top of it I was "downed" by an attack of fever which took it right out of me for a while. We've had some very severe fighting hereabouts lately and I've been compelled to resort to Field Service post cards to a great extent but I think things may be a bit quieter for a while now and so I will try to atone for my shortcomings. There is a peculiar disease going right through the Continent at present and I unfortunately collected an issue. It takes one very suddenly and within an hour one is absolutely prostrated with a temperature of about 103 or 104 and a high fever and no cause can be found for it. It only lasts for a few days but it leaves one terribly weak for some days afterwards. During the few days of fever one gets excruciating pains in all one's bones, absolute lack of