The letter is a love letter from May (1897-1976) to her fiance James (1877-1922). In the letter, May promises to give James a present for being 'good' and writing often. She also refers to a broach or bracelet, a gift, and sizing her wedding ring. She discusses a neighbour, Josie Casey, and mentions that she is going for a wedding dress fitting. The letter finishes with a reference to a man talking about the French being beaten at Verdun: the letter was written while the Battle of Verdun was still underway between German and French troops, but it did not end until December 1916.James Finn was a civil servant, working in the National Health Service Commission on Mount Street. May Fay became engaged to James Finn in January 1916. Despite the twenty year age gap their letters show a very personal and private insight into courting in early 20th century Ireland. While neither James nor May were politically active their letters provide a very unique insight into the affairs of Easter Week and its aftermath. James died in 1922 as a result of the flu epidemic, May was pregnant with their fourth child at the time. She held on to his letters as her reminder of him. May never remarried and focused her attention instead on her businesses in order to provide for their children