Transcription
Dear Papa,
I received you letter of the 6th April on Friday last. It seems awfully queer that you do not get my mail sdI have written you every week since I left, except two. About 15 letter in all. I think it have received all of yours to the date of the one above. I recieved word from the P.O. in London that a parcel was there for me asking for instructions, so that will be yours with the tabacco in it. I have not yet received it. The P.O. is very slow as they got my instructions a week ago.
I was very glad to get news of the [?????] Over the lake. I feel ashamed for not writing them but it takes all my spare time to pay my debts of correspondence. But if I am lucky in paying out from here in another week and a half I will have ample time on my hands and will write them all then and will be able to give them a complete history. Four or five of us are planning to keep away from London and get into the country where living is much cheaper and live great and healthier. We have packed our [?????]shine. Speaking at dinner one night with another lad who [?????] In Devon, I got some information about the country and have picked out a little village to make our headquarters at, about 10 miles up the river [?????] From Plymonth which is beautiful farming country. We can go from there down to Plymonth [?????] By left of the sea to Plymonth the about 20 miles and up another river though [????]s moorland to the mountains where all the rivers of De[????] Have their source in an area of about 1 mile squared. We can then proceed down any valley we like and will thus have a great variety of [???????] And different modes of living - with plenty of milk + fresh eggs! That may sound expensive to you but just compare keeping oneself for two weeks in London without spending anything beyond bed and meals! The other way will cost us not more than half.
I got word from Bauk that they had received another cake of £5. [??????] Awfully papa as I now e full of worry.We all have got used to being broke but them being broke in barracks and broke after being turned out for two weeks at your own expense and with no home to go to is a trying different thing. I think I would have managed all right for beds and meals at 32 [????????????] St London or at [??????????] Untill my allowance was due - but I would have been fearfully [???????????].
Nothing has happened this week in the way of news we had an exam on work with the "[?????????]" An instrument which measures angles between any two points and the "angle of sight" etc I got full marks so that will help some. I am anxious about getting ut of here without repeating the full week course, as everything depends on the opinion the instructors have of one. You know it often happens you know alot that you are never given the opportunity to show. I have done all right I think. I have done everything as [????????] As I could and have never relaxes in [??????] [?????????]. But when we have "Battery Staff" work and have to act as captains and mayors doing stunts we never did before and consequently making bad tactical mistakes, the instructors may have formed a bad opinion that that marks on an exam will not take away, and consequently order a "repeat" course. However I am hoping for the best. The work here is very interesting, especially the [???????] When we go out as a battery each one having special duties to do as if we were in action, all on our own, and taking the matter just as seriously as if we were advancing under fire. We are learning a whole lot and I have infinite respect for our instructors, a capt. Burke and 2nd [????]. Kirkman.
I have located other parts of historical intent on the Pla[???]. We did battery tactics around the famous old river "alon" it is beautiful there, and a village there called Figheldene is the place of "the village Blacksmith" by [????] Bellow. The old Smiths still still stands there.
It is wonderful news about United States isn't it? I am so glad they came in to redeem themselves. I could never have spoken a word of respect for the country if they had not. But I guess they are going to do all they can now for us, and the [?????] [??????] Any to - [??????] Will be welded anew. When you come to think of it what this war is doing to enable nations to find their soul! I despite of all sufferings I think infinite blessings will result. "Happy[??]iss comes through suffering." - is that the quotation?
I am glad you are getting on all right. I am very optimistic and think all the boys can go home soon. I wish you had companionship, and please don't let a good opportunity slip. I know you are like me in that with the mind free it is company itself + it makes me feel easier to imagine myself in your place. But at the same time I think somebody quiet, thoughtful and efficient in housework could give you more freedom and when you wanted it, somebody to talk to.
I got a letter from Blanche this week and one from May austin. It is perfectly all right about the course if it is sold, but if it isn't I [?????] Or think I would like to keep it, I have had it so long and it is tested in all respects + has never failed. So if Harry has not sold it I think it might as well be kept in [????????]' farm or some such place.
Yours affectionately,
Harry.Transcriber
Victoria StewartLanguage
English
