2110-3-3-8

76 Portland Place W

Oct: 23: 17

My dearest wee Mother

I was very glad to get Nan's kind letter this morning. This is a sad time for you all. About a week from now last year I first saw the old laddie in France. I remember how anxious I was. I shall never forget that little

village, which I visited the other day. We have a terrible lot of sad anniversaries to remember now.

My cold is getting better & the chill on the stomach is wearing off. I am having a deuce of a time with the P.M. I think my duty is to hang on & prevent Carson making a crisis which might lead

to his resignation. Besides, if I go, most of the department will resign, & it couldn't be reconstituted. So in the public interest I think I may have to pocket my pride. I am going to talk to Milner about it this morning. But what a little sweep we have got for P.M! If it weren't war-time I would make a first-class row.

The children are all very well. It is so kind of you to send a parcel. I am glad Nan got the chocolates safely.

Much love, my wee body

[illegible]

John