Letter to Henry Barton Jacobs from William Osler, 13, Norham Gardens, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. Civilities. Expresses freely his opinion on the war. Sure it will be long. Finance may stop it and leave the issue undecided, which would be unfortunate. England or the USA has to smash Germany. The Navy will decide the war. Mentions the problems turning a democracy into a fighting people. Derby has done a good job in recruiting but lack of proper organization is sadly felt. On the whole the country has done wonderfully, but wishes to muzzle the politicians and the editors. Details of the fire in their dining-room. Lost only the Vernon plaque which melt. Revere is well, but because he did not have enough to do at the McGill Unit, is joining a field ambulance near Poperinghe. He longs to be back at Christ Church with his books. Many friends have lost their sons : Rolleston, Garrod, Moore, Harringham, Schäfer. Admires them in their self restraint. Grace is working with 120 women in a big laboratory. He sees all sort of wounded and sick. Mentions the visit of the Harvard Unit. Cheever seems a pivot. (attached is the program of their visit). Words about the growing of his library. A man from Bodley comes in the afternoon to work at the catalogue.