1 D633/1/1/108 Dec,18 My pr. Going to turn in in a few minutes but will begin a few lines
to you first. Very wet all day & the trenches must, I know be
really awful so that we are lucky to have escaped them for so long
& I hope the worst weather may be over before we take our over some-
day, tho' this sounds shirking. Today I went on with my Village defence scheme, Fanny
taking me out. She really is a game old beast for she dislikes
the rain intensely but when we had gone 200 yards & she had
shown clearly that she did not approve, she just scampered all the way
& I have never to use a single whip or spur to her; it is
all will — a true British lady. — I am afraid I shall shirk my usual Xmas letters except
just the family. 18.th My birthday letters from all your family turned up today
& were by no means the less welcome for being so early, tho'
Why did you say they must be posted on the 16th to reach
me in time, & why in that case did you not write them
yourself? I hear the General intends coming on the 31st & it is
barely possible that I may come over that night too !!! I feel
sure something will turn up and knock the whole leave on the
head. Meanwhile Richardson expects to get off on 22nd & will 2
look you up, so warn the family. A huge mail today with letters from Sir George & Craig
the latter reads rather like an old man's. The former says that HP has
got command of the Reserve Brigade. I wonder if Gen' Powell put in
for it; if so it is too bad. If not he has himself to blame for not
taking my advice. Sir G says I think the Gen' has a special
down on 3 of us himself Mc Cammon & me. I wonder?? If so it
really shows extraordinary penetration on their part, tho' I says it
but not for repetition. I hope to write to the family for Xmas but meanwhile give
them my best thanks. I am so sorry about the house. I'm afraid there is no chance of
its being reduced to meet your wishes. I don't know how you stand
in regard to dates nor when you expect Maggie & Sarah to return to you. Poor thin little FA as the WR calls you. I think I know
what it FA means, in fact I'm sure, but it ought to be Funny Apology
for an animal (FA) 2 in fact in algebra, but then WR may not agree. Most certainly NO grants for Xmas dinners from your funds. It
is a most outrageous demand. Please let your committee understand that
there will be countless real demands upon all their funds later, when
wounded & others get back. I should be furious to think that our
gift was frivolled away on Xmas dinners for which the Canteen funds
can pay without difficulty. You can let the Committee know my
views with which I am aware the General fully agrees He is
is all for accumulating funds for future requirement. Richardson & I were out with him this morning. Off to a
lecture of Boylan Smiths. All your letters arrive a day late. The
Family's letter posted the day after yours arrived to time. Can you explain
Perhaps you ought to put on post earlier? Your
BW