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being terribly cannonaded & a large part was burning. It looked such a beautiful
little place all tattered to pieces. I viewed it through a telescope - it was only 1 mile
off - & I could see the trenches on the Klein Zillebeke ridge & the spire of Gheluvelt &
the place where we [fought the poisoned?] gas. We motored home to General French's
headquarters at Cassel - a fairytale little town set on a hill. This country in
Spring is perfectly lovely &, except for the roads & the actual front, unchanged by
war. I found in a little village the 6th Black Watch with Pat Haldane.

On the whole things are going well. Sir John French is very optimistic, &
our only lack is shells & heavy guns. We may have to relinquish Ypres, but
our line is perfectly firm & the French are doing wonders in the direction of Lens.

I am exceedingly well & tremendously interested. I must try to write my
first dispatch to-morrow. I do hope you are keeping well. Much love to the
blessings & to Gerald & Marnie & to yourself

Your ever affectionate

John

Just had your two letters. So glad you are well. Don't send on any
Messines stuff.