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"I am Mrs. Wilcox," she said in perfect American. Neither of us replied. I remember thinking to myself: "Well, Mrs. Wilcox you shouldn't be talking to strange men in restaurants." "Ella Wheeler Wilcox" came next, with a very sweet and disarming smile. We were both on our feet, sputtering apologies.
The Poetess was very gracious.
Mrs. Wilcox said she had been depressed with the appearance of the men, the actions of everyone and the air of gloom she had found in Paris since her arrival. She said our appearance of fresh, healthy, crusading youth impressed her so much that she wanted to tell us so. Were we both mortified and proud! After a short chat she left, stating she was bound for England. Later I wrote to her from the front and received several very interesting and highly treasured letters.
H. L. REESE Philadelphia, Pa.
Soldier of Fortune
Sirs:
I read with great interest the article concerning Charles Joseph Stehlin and myself in the issue of Jan. 22 of TIME.
For your information, I am advising you that my name is spelled "Joseph," not "Josef," which might infer that the person referred to could be a foreigner. This unquestionably is a typographical error. However, TIME, having the reputation that it does for accuracy, I thought you would like to have this brought to your attention.
In addition, I note that you refer to me as a "soldier of fortune." Usually, as I understand it, such a term is generally applied to a mercenary soldier, or one who has sold his services to any government for compensation. You may be interested to know that I never sold my services to any country, and that I always served as a volunteer, receiving the same compensation as officers of similar rank in the respective armies. And further, I never volunteered for any country unless I was sincerely in sympathy with their particular cause. It appears to me that the average American would like to know the difference between a soldier of fortune and one who has served as a volunteer.
COL. JOSEPH C. STEHLIN North Miami Beach, Fla.
— Webster defines soldier of fortune as "one who follows a military career wherever there is promise of profit, ad venture or pleasure." To Adventurer Joseph C. Stehlin, thanks for clarifying his record. — ED.