1 July 17-1916 My darling boy, It seems strange to write to you as you
are; but thank God you are cheerful & well & no
matter how you are situated you will always remember
you are a gentleman & act accordingly. Father has
told you every scrap of news, so I must confine myself to
strictly business matters. We have settled that small
account with your late Landlady, & have recieved all your
belongings. They were all carefully packed, & arrived safely.
I got no books except some publications of your own.
I have been troubled over the books & then fancied you
might have left them at your office; but Langford does not
mention anything about them. I believe ha has got your
'Bike' and is trying to trace your watch and chain, & silver cigarette
case etc. I got from Portland your grey navy suit, boots, socks
& hat. I have got some of your clothes cleaned, & will get
every thing in order for you in your room against your
return. I am bearing up well, & find my garden
& greenhouse a great comfort. I have had a most
magnificent show of roses this summer, & everything else
has flourished as will in the garden & greenhouse. We
are expecting Langford for his holidays on Sunday next
& father is going to Bray on Uncle James invitation,
I could not go for I have to meet Lang. They are
expecting Charlie O'Callaghan home from London next
month and his mother is seriously ill. Frank crosses
over often from Dublin. Things are awfully quiet here
now so many people in mourning, no one going
away for holidays. I am hoping to see the Murphy
cousins one of these days before Norah returns to
college. A great many friends are interested in
you, & are always enquiring about you. Of course we
have no fresh news. God bless you son my darling boy! Keep
your spirits up! The time won't be long slipping by and we shall
all be happy again at home. With my hearts love, yours fondly Mother.