DIVONNE-LES-BAINS, FRANCE, August 2, 1914.

DEAR MOTHER:

The awful war we have all been dreading is upon us---France is Mobilizing. At five o'clock yesterday morning the tocsin sounded from the Marie (village hall) and men, women, and children, all flocked to hear the proclamation which the Mayor of the village read. It called upon all of military age---between twenty years and fifty years---to march at once, and inside of twenty-four hours five hundred men had gone, they knew not where. The bravery of these villagers---men and women---is remarkable, and not to be forgotten. No murmuring, no complaining,---just, "Ma Patrie," tying up the little bundle---so little--- and going; none left but old men, women and children.

We have started teaching the women and girls to make bandages, sponges, etc., for the hospital which will be needed

From: My Dear Poilus, a collection of letters home from France by a Canadian nurse during WWI