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Pápa, December 9, 1914
Dear Professor,
The external reason for the—internally determined—long silence was this time a rather serious cold, which I contracted during night maneuvers—which I participated in without being asked. Now I am again very well. The work relating to my transfer won't make any speedier progress than that of the Germans in the Argonne;1 mines have still been laid, although some have exploded without effect. (A year ago this military mode of expression would have been nonsensical. I fear that the entire intellectual life of Europe will be dominated by the war for years—even if peace is made earlier.)
I am very pleased that I won't have to give up hope of seeing you here sometime. I will get the valid train connections by letter from Györ tomorrow. A new, stricter commandant has simply forbidden us to make the usual Sunday excursions, so my trip to Vienna is questionable. Perhaps I will bring it about, nevertheless.
After getting to the point where I have made friends with all the ladies and gentlemen of the garrison and also satisfied my superiors as troop physician, I feel as though I have accomplished my task, and the wish to return to Budapest to normal work becomes more and more alive.