This letter is part of a series of correspondence from Sir Wilfrid Bliss Spender to his wife Lady Lillian Spender. The letters date mainly from 1915 to 1918, when Sir Wilfrid was serving in France. The letters concern politics, the Irish question, personal life, and Wilfrid's experience of the Great War. In this letter Spender is writing to his wife, Lady Lillian Spender, née Dean, (1880-1968). Sir Wilfrid Spender (1876 - 1960) was a member of the British Army until 1913 when controversy surrounding his signature of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant resulted in his resignation. Spender was called up for military service in 1914 and from 1915 served in the 36th (Ulster) Division. In July 1916, he was temporarily transferred to a Corps HQ on a separate section of the front. Throughout the war, Spender remained in contact with the Ulster Unionist leadership, and consistently opposed Home Rule and the six-county solution. In this letter, Spender discusses his qualms about leaving his old Division and the welfare of his brother Rex. He gives an account of his current position, mentioning its distance from the fighting, the lack of opportunity to ride one's horse, and the early start of the working day. He commends Lillian for her postponement of her time off from working with the wounded, noting that July (because of the Battle of the Somme) has been a particularly bad month for casualties. Spender suggests that it will be a very long time before he himself can go on leave, as he is currently 'on trial' in his new position. He discusses mutual acquaintances and financial matters. Finally, he declares that he is not a pessimist, but nevertheless believes that the war will continue for a very long time - and will not be won by military means alone.