8 The Fosseway
Clifton
Bristol
8th April 1915
My dear Eugénie
I wonder whether you will be able to leave today; since yesterday it has been blowing so hard and it is just as stormy now, but not cold.
Yesterday I found, on arriving at the Midland Station, that the 9.40 did not run, but I got a train from the Great Western to Stratford and waited there three-quarters of an hour, then picked up the Birmingham-Penzance express which got me to Bristol at 1 pm, so I was back in time for dinner, and found Florence and Selena well.
I was so glad to be able to see your home again. Badsey is a very interesting place, one sees on all sides that the ground is made the most of, the people all seem to be prosperous; if agriculture could be more encouraged in England, the hopeless poverty of the great towns might be much diminished.
We have not yet settled when we shall go to Richmond but I think most probably it will be some time next week.
We see in the paper today that Robert Gardiner’s eldest son has passed for Sandhurst. Robert will be pleased for he hardly thought he would get in this time.
I hope you will continue to get good news from George; the war news this morning is encouraging. What I am most anxious about is the Dardanelles, that is a very tough job, and we must have so many troops, too, to be able to take Constantinople, it is however very important for Russia to have the Straits open, for she wants money, and can’t export her produce as things are at present.
I hope you will have a very pleasant visit and that you will keep well. Florence joins me in sending much love, she was so sorry not to be able to accompany me.
I hope Julius’ cold is cured; tell Mary when she returns that I was sorry to miss seeing her. I was so glad to see Cyril, he looks so well and strong.
Your affectionate brother
Fred
