Hospital Ship
“Donga”
Malta
15/7/1915
Dear Everybody
I have no doubt but what you shall be a good deal surprised when you read the heading of this, but I can assure you are you will not be more so than the one that happens to be here. It comes about in this way, for some weeks on the Penninsula I had had Diarrohea pretty bad, & at last had to report the matter to our own Dr. who straight way started to treat me, but to no purpose, the upshot being that I was sent off to Lemnos. From the firing line this is only a 5 hour run, so of course was not long in getting there, & it is where the 1st Aust Stationary Hospital is established. Arrived there all right, & feeling not too bad, & had a pretty fair day the next day, although the flies are pretty bad & the heat very trying. At night however my temp started to go up & by the morning I was running 103° this was on the 10th. Well for 3 more day they kept me there but they could do nothing with it, it range all the time between 103 & 100. Ultimately on the 13th they sent me off to this hospital boat to proceed to the base. Naturally I expected the base to be Alexandria, & great was the surprise when I found we were bound for here.
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Greater still was the surprise when I was told this morn that I was being sent on to England. What has made them come to that decision I do not know unless it is that I have had a slight an attack of interric. At any rate I am still batteling away with my temp., but think I have got the upper hand of it now. I can tell you nothing to eat for over a week does not agree with my healthy appetite, & I should say that since we left Alexandria over six weeks ago I have lost a good stone at least. What am I going to do when I arrive in the (Old Art) I have not the slightest idea. However I have long since learned the the lesson of living in the present & gazing at the future; & so far as I can see it is the only thing to do just not. In regard to my letters just keep on addressing them the same until I shall direct you otherwise. I suppose it will be some time now before any of them catch me up. Well now as I must get this off this afternoon if it is to go from here I will have to say Au rêvoir. Will write as soon after landing in England as I can & let you know how things are in the village. Trusting you are all well & in the best of health enjoying a good winter. By jove we would give a good bit to have a we taste of the cold here sometimes. The boat is most splendidly fitted up, & attention is the very best.
Yours Sincerely
E.S.McI.
