Rev. W. Benton 215 



to write an anonymous letter to Mr. Benton that they went 

 about trying to find the author of it, meaning if they captured 

 him to cool his malice in the village duckpond. 



Many who knew Benton in those days have written and 

 spoken to me of his goodness and wonderful work, how every 

 waking moment he devoted to working in some way for the God 

 he so truly loved. His personality and sympathy with human 

 frailty enabled him to reach many hearts hitherto untouched, 

 or only lukewarm. No one could remain lukewarm where Mr. 

 Benton was working, his earnestness and enthusiasm were too 

 real and infectious. Many to-day write and speak of him with 

 affection, and a thousand regrets that he will return to them no 

 more. 



In August, 1914, the declaration of war was just another 

 glorious opportunity for his adventurous spirit, and he was 

 restless until in the same month he joined the forces as chaplain 

 in France. His first letter home was written on September 

 14, and addressed to his wife. He tells her he will try and 

 write regularly, but has not much time, as he is very busy 

 " buzzing about in motors, and a lot of wounded are being 

 brought in." 



The following extracts from his letters to his wife give some 

 idea of his life : 



September 17, 1914. — "I am hard at it now. We have 

 about six hundred wounded here. Some are in great pain, but 

 all are very brave. They seem glad to see me and enjoy a 

 friendly talk. I went across and saw some German wounded 

 this morning. Some of them have terrible wounds. Our 

 fellows are very cheerful, and many are anxious to get back to 

 the front again. The Army Medical Corps are doing splendidly. 

 They work like Trojans. I like them all, from the Colonel 

 down. I am busy round the tents and marquees all day long. 

 Am just called away, so must stop." 



An undated letter written a little later says : 

 " We got in a Celebration on Sunday and an evening service 

 for all kinds, but were hard at work all day pitching more tents 

 for the wounded. They are coming down in droves now, and 

 our hands are full up. Some of the wounds are awful, but our 

 fellows are simply marvellous in their pluck. We have a 



