20/8/1916
My Dearest Mother
Thank you very much for your letter of the 17th which reached me this morning . The posts are quite regular again now; it was only during the suspension of boat crossings that they were held up. Tim arrived last night much to my relief and pleasure. I have been rather a lost dog while she was away, although, the others have been awfully decent to me ; still it is not the same thing , and her presence will make to-morrow a happier day for me. Of course it goes without saying that I would rather be at home with you and Father: nothing could be nicer. However I shall instead be feeding weak muscles and wounded nerves and bones and such like to the tune of 300 with their daily dose of electricity in its many forms. I shall return you the £1 and ask you to get me a book of War loan coupons and Father’s birthday present may go to that as well, as I don’t want any money.
Please thank Granny very much indeed for her kind gift, and good wishes and Bessie too.
You needn’t worry about my not having a present on the day: if you knew and could see how delightful your presents are and how much more pleasant they make life, you would be pleased I am sure. The camp-bed is top-hole. Tim has brought one out but left it behind at Havre, silly girl. However we shall get it all right I think. I got Mrs Walcott’s letter to-day with enclosures – I saw George in the Times and also Cecil Tennant. Poor Mrs Tennant. I’m so sorry for her. I got Mrs Mackenzie’s parcel the day I posted your letter so that is quite all right. I got your things by Tim all right: the gloves are simply ripping thank you very much and will be most useful.
You cant strafe anyone about the Times except the Huns! However they are coming quite well now.
The Campanula Pyramidalis was one I bought out here. I call it rather rot giving Ford a comm. in the 1st Lincs. However I suppose they must take what they can get. I must stop or this will miss the post.
Best love to you all
Your loving Dorothy.
About Alford 