May 29, 1918

My Dear Mrs. MacDonald,

The requests of Dr. Phillips cablegram have been taken up with all the authorities here and all possible is being done.

I personally wrote Colonel Seaborn on No. 10 Canadian Stationary Hospital and to the Senior Chaplain of No. 1 Canadian General Hospital asking their cooperation. My interview with our APMA at headquarters here resulted in his taking the matter up with the commanding officer of No. 1 Canadian General and the Red Cross authorities. Colonel Miller, our headquarters here, who is a Brantford man, has wired to the General Headquarters in France to secure their aid. He states that it will be impossible to have the body removed during hostilities, but that the site of burial will be accurately marked for future reference and removal if desired. Therefore, Mrs. MacDonald, I have done all possible at present, but I shall not rest content until all possible has been done for one whom I loved.

Today, I received a personal letter from Sister Forman and I am sure its contents will bring you much comfort. I shall copy the non-personal portions. She, Sister Forman, read a letter to Miss Delmage from the matron of No. 1 Canadian General Hospital which gave a few important details.

She, “Christy”, was wounded by a piece of shrapnel and the femoral artery was severed and she died from shock. Death came a short time after so her suffering was not long. Her funeral was wonderful. Her grave was lined with white and purple lilacs and pink peonies by the Sisters. About a hundred and ten Canadian Sisters, with British, American…officers of the staff and area all attended.

I do not know whether she was conscious or left any requests, but I am going to write the matron and inquire.

The message conveyed above surely is comforting, for it shows the high esteem in which she was held by her fellow officers.

I can scarcely realize that all this has come to pass and that I am not to enjoy her companionship again. She was everything to me and our hopes were for the future.

Rest assured that I shall give all my personal time to your cause and I shall forward all information I receive.

Sincerely Yours,

J.W. Ballantyne