2110-3-1-16

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.

May: 23: 17

My dearest wee Mother

I was glad to get Nan's kind letter last night. My poor wee body, I can't tell you how sorry I am for you. Try & not torture yourself by thinking what might have been, for vain regrets are no consolation.

Try & get your head raised, wee body. Alastair was the soul of courage & cheerfulness and it behoves us all to try to follow his splendid lead.

I saw Henry Dalling's death in the Peebles paper & I wrote to his mother yesterday.

Tell Nan I will send her the signed copy of my poems whenever I get

some, & also send one to Caddell. The address of the typing lady is

Mrs Candy

18 Cambridge Terrace

Hyde Park. W.

I had a very busy day yesterday, a good deal of it spent at Buckingham Palace. I have had many queer jobs in my life, but this is the queerest. But I am very well.

and so are Susie & Alice.

The wee Wozer [ST substitutes 'Alice'] practises every morning just as I used to do in Fife. She plays the same tunes & exercises.

Try & lift up your heart, my dear wee body.

Much love to all

Your ever loving

John