2110-2-15-25

FOREIGN OFFICE [STAMP]

Aug: 21: 16

My dear old John

I was very glad to hear from you again. I shall be here I expect right on now except for 5 days runs to the Front every third week. I am on Haig's staff in France, as well as a slave here, so I have my hands full.

I wish to God I was with you in the hills, but holidays won't come my way till the end of this bloody war. Thank God the end is coming nearer. It would be good for the world at large if the Black Edgar, the False Dick & the Bloody Buchan could foregather again in the Glenkens. I have got mixed up in so many battles now that I am

really beginning to earn my soubriquet.

I hope your wife's health is mending. Remember me to [?Marina] & give my best love to old Charles. I see his masterpiece is on the eve of birth. I have as usual far too much work to do, but I like it, and I think I have got the most interesting job on the globe, for I live at the heart of things here and in France. All the same, John, if I come through the show, I am going to retire & farm black-faced sheep and make my peace with my Maker. I have had quite enough Sturm und Drang in life - Boche words suit a thing which is the fault of the Boche!

Much love

Ever yours

John.