16/8/16
My dear Father
All our mails inward and outward have been much upset just lately, so I’ve waited until hearing from you. Your letter and several from Mary came this morning and I was very glad to get some home news again. Please thank May for her letter from Eastbourne.
I expect your little holiday did you good, it happened to be very hot then. This month has been rather exhausting for me, the work is steadily increasing and although I can get some additional help in the rough work and the clerical part there remains a tremendous lot of detailed skilled work which I have to do myself. August and September are favourite months for infective diseases such as typhoid and dysentery and that means extensive laboratory work. There is no prospect of leave or holiday yet I think.
News is certainly good all round but I certainly agree that to expect a sudden collapse of the Germans is asking too much, their power is not a bubble to be burst, but nevertheless it’s going to collapse ultimately though slowly.
I wish Mela could get news of her brother officially: that he was seen alive after being wounded is ground for hope.
Is George able to send you much news?
I expect you find Baby very much grown and advanced, I hope the journey down didn’t tire her too much.
What sort of apple crop have you, I hope recent rain will help them on a bit, I see it stated that prices are good this year.
Did Aunt Fanny give you much news of her sons, I hope she was better again.
With love to all at home.
Your affectionate son
Arthur F Sladden
