My Darling Mother,

Just a few lines to let you know I am still here and O.K. I was operated on the 7th for an abscess on my hip. I came through fine and feel O.K. only have rheumatism in my knee pretty bad yet. You will have to excuse the writing as I am lying flat on my back holding the pad up in front of me.

It was some funny sensation taking ether but the first thing I knew I woke up in bed all bandaged up. It has not caused me any pain only when they are dressing it. But it makes you set your teeth when they dump the peroxide on you. They opened me up about five inches long in one place and then up higher connecting same with a rubber tube. I feel much better since it has been done and if nothing happens, I will be out in about three weeks.

Now Mother, don’t worry about the operation as it had to be done and they took a lot of puss away from me.

Your loving son,

Cliff