October 22 1918 FROM NELL

New York City

Oct. 22 /18

My Dear Hilda,

    Your letter and check enclosed received today and will answer at once to let you know it arrived safely.  I will go down town tomorrow Hilda and get your dress and will mail it parcel-post, also mail you a letter with bill enclosed and if it is more or less will send you change by money order I think a 16 yr size would fit you but think I shall ask Gertrude to go along and pretend it is for her and she is my sister as they don't like to sell wholesale to anyone else but the company's families.

      I was sorry Hilda to hear you have had so much sick-ness in your family and hope they will all get well again, also yourself, you better not try to go out to soon as you may get a relapse and that is how pneumonia developes.  We also have had a death in our family from Spanish Influenza, Louis's sister's husband a young man 28 yrs old and leaves a wife and two children, perhaps I told you about him when you were here, he was studying for the ministry and had completed two years and had just gone back to school to finish his last  yr. when he would have been ordained next fall, but I suppose it was not to be at least we must feel that God does all things best even though sometimes it seems hard and we wonder why I am glad Clarence is well and know that is comfort to you.  I read the casualty list every day to look for those I know are over there and think of Homer Beck every time I pick up the paper, poor Aunt Emma know how she must feel and hope he will be spared to come home to her.  I had a sailor lad here to dinner the other night who just cam back he is a friend of Louis's and has been over eight times, he is on a ship which convoys the transports over and he predicted that it would be at least another year before it is over and settled.  Tell Laura I think of her real often and was sorry to hear she was sick, but glad she got over her operation successfully, how is little Earl suppose he is quite the boy by this time.  I am cleaning house just now and will be glad when I get through as I don't enjoy the job.  Tell Elise I will write her later and you better both try and come for another visit this winter even though you have to say it is a case of sickness as we here it is rumored here that they are going to cut out all passes, so while you still have a chance to get one don't miss the opportunity.  Will close for this time with love from Louis and I also the kiddies they speak about you both very often.  As Ever

                                                                                    Very Sincerely,

                                                                                        Your Cousin

                                                                                                Nell