Transcription

142556,

B. E. F. France.

Dec 14. 1916.

My Own Darling Minnie.

I received your ever welcome letter safely today, and, was glad to hear you got the little handkerchief safely. I guess darling you will have received the parcel I sent off the other week. and only hope my (own darling girlie) likes it alright. I hope by now that you are feeling better and are quite well again, as I'm always thinking and hoping that you are well all the time, so darling do take care of yourself. won't you, as the worst of the winter is nearly over, and the nice weather will soon be coming. 

The weather has turned rather dryer since, altho there is still lots of mud around here. Which makes it rather difficult getting around You will notice that I haven't put my full address on the first part of this letter, but we had an order the other day, telling us not to put the name and number of our division, and regiment; but we are all well and happy. 

The peace talk seems rather good these days, doesn't it dearest, and it certainly shows a decided weakness on the Germans part, and I don't think it will be very much longer now darling, before I'm back with my own dearest girl again. The news we get is always a day old, so we are looking forward to tomorrow's paper. Of course dearie we are all looking forward to getting back home, to our loved ones and I'm just as anxious to get back to you as ever I was, and when I do, I'll have the inward feeling of knowing I've never broken any promise I made you. I often wonder dear if you remember, the few words you asked me, about being good to you after we are married, well darling being away from you so long, and having nothing to do with any other girls, has made me already, think of how best I can make our home, comfortable for you, and you need never be afraid, of me ever going away from you unless you either come with me, or I have a return ticket in my pocket. and I'm looking forward to my holiday with you next year. 

Well Darling there isn't much more to say so will close for this time, but will be writing soon to see how my little girl is, so good bye with fondest love and kisses, from your ever loving and true

Paddy¹ xxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxx

¹  *Archivist note:* Signed "Paddy" — likely a pet name for Dudley; same hand and correspondence thread as surrounding letters to Minnie.