Читать книгу The Times Great War Letters: Correspondence during the First World War - James Owen - Страница 44

EXEANT SWEATERS

24 March 1915

SIR,—MAY I INVADE YOUR columns, for the last time, to say that as I now have enough sweaters on hand to fulfil all promises made, and as we are within measurable distance of warmer weather, I propose to close my work? Your readers should on no account take this as any kind of ex cathedra statement that no more warm clothing is needed. I only state the fact that I have enough to carry on my small venture till the warmer weather comes. There are, however, some things which are wanted throughout the year—e.g., socks, shirts, and all cheerful little things like cigarettes, packets of tobacco and sweets, writing-paper, other personalia, and small medicaments. Any of the above I am willing to continue sending weekly throughout the summer. I venture further to suggest that it is a pity for ladies to let the “knitting habit” die down. Should we not do well to begin forming laagers of warm things for the autumn and winter? It is neither difficult nor pessimistic to prophesy a revival of the need for comforts towards the close of the year. When peace is signed, Israel cannot return to his tents in an afternoon.

I render account of my sweaters:—10,443 is the number to-day, the miscellanea kindly sent to make filling for the sacks bringing the figures close up to 20,000. We are told that this supplement of sweaters, &c., has been of some sort of use and comfort to you, soldier and sailor too, while you have been training, watching, fighting, and dying for us, the long wet winter through. E superabundantia cordis os loquitur—we are honored indeed that this should have been so. I thank my helpers for much unlooked-for kindness. They send me the sweaters and pay for the dyeing. I merely win the wager and get the credit. So no more of sweaters—till the autumn.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN PENOYRE