1 J2/83 (25) Bandon 11/2/'16. ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS
8th (SERVICE) BATTALION. My dearest Mai, I can only
send you a hasty line
to thank you ever so
much for your long
interesting letter as
we are under orders
for the Front and
march next Wednesday, 2 though I shall probably
not get away till
Friday night with the
last regiment. We
sail from Southampton
and expect to be in
France on Saturday.
I have sent the Father
two letters, giving all
particulars, which will
reach you in a few
days. While I think
of it would you mind
sending Sr' Anthony some
of my letters as I 3 know she would like
to read them. I was greatly amused
by your fight with
Sr Philomena; as usual
you came off second
best. In order to prevent
any more disputes, as I
have quite enough on
my conscience, I am
going to say Mass
for each of you — on
Sunday next for the
sheep & Monday for the
goat (you can settle
which is which!) Did you hear that 4 ItaKennedy, the saintly girl I often
spoke to you about, is entering the
Colattines at Cork today? Her going
there is quite a miracle which I
will tell you some day. I have
four of my spiritual children there now,
all little saints and three Colettienes
elsewhere, so I shall not want for good
prayers. Au revoir, dearest Mai, and
may our dearest Lord bless you
with His grace and love. Ever your own brother,
Willie