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Halifax, N.S. January 23, 1918.

Brig. General Geo. McG. Presson, Adjutant-General, State of Maine, Augusta, Me.

Dear General Presson.,

In the rush of work during the past few weeks I am afraid many of the little courtesies and many of the necessities have been overlooked, and it is just now that we are beginning to get an opportunity to do what is right and fair towards those who so nobly assisted us during the Halifax disaster.

The State of Maine Unit under the capable command of Major Elliott, as you already know, opened up a hospital in the Halifax Ladies' College within [two or crossed out] a few hours [inserted] [three days crossed out] after their arrival in Halifax.

I wish to let you know that they did very excellent work and that they ran an institution which was a credit to the State of Maine and of which you may feel justly proud.

Major Elliott and his Officers stuck to their work and did excellent service under trying conditions because, as you are aware, this building was not suitably designed for a hospital and was cut up into dozens of small rooms, which were very difficult to manage. In spite of this handicap they showed that they were well able to organize, equip and run a Military Hospital, and their surgical work has received great praise.

I wish to thank the State of Maine and you on behalf of the Medical Relief Committee for your very great kindness in permitting this valuable unit to come to our aid.

The kindness which has been extended by our friends and allies of the United States has done much to cement even closer the already firm bonds [inserted] of friendship between the two Nations.

I trust that you will convey to the Department and to the citizens of the State of Maine our very deep thanks and heart appreciation of all that they [inserted] have done for us.

If this letter is somewhat belated I am sure you will understand the circumstances and remember that our gratitude is very deep for all that has been done.

Most sincerely yours,

F.McK. Bell Lt. Col.[signature] Chairman, Med. Relief Committee