1 5 Dec My x the p r. I did not expect a letter knowing you were probably en route to Belfast, so I
was not greatly disappointed when the only scrawl was from Gen' Powell.
He has still no job, & if HP gets one before him it will be too bad for words. We have got quite a lot of work in hand just now but I like it
better than doing nothing but old Heavy weather S still groans over his fearful
toil & doing precious little except impress the Gen' who seems easily taken in by
some people including Leader I think. I wish to Heaven I could get away to a quiet place to write as people
keep on coming in & seeing me at letters get the idea that I am always writing
letters when it is usually a brief snatch at the same old scrawl! The political situation is very black. The Radicals are still carrying
on as a party & are as unscrupulous as ever. It makes me sick at heart,
but I still hope to see some of them hanged in this life, as the deferred
punishment they will get is of little value in educating the Country. I think thischanges will come & that kindly Providence may defer the end
of the war until we have learnt to improve. As regards the new loan I am in no hurry to do anything until
the Government sets an example. I must write to Gen' Powell, so will end, but I shall be
an uneasy W till I hear you are safely back. Can't you see the b w
pacing up & down outside the lair waiting for news of the little p r. I went to early service today but do not expect you were Ever your b w Wilfrid B Spender