TCD MS 11274/22 folio 1 recto
Friday 17th March [?1916]
My dearest Mary. I got your letter today. Im awfully sorry I havent written more regularly anyway I will now. I was very glad to hear of your trip to the zoo. I am very fond of going to the zoo too but I havent been for a good long time not since 1913 I think. I dont think it would be very well to write to Dawson It would be ok if I knew him but you see I really dont know him. In fact I think it might be rather a breach of etiquette And I dont think one can consider that there has been any undue delay as these things go. I will let it go for a week anyway and see what may be then. I havnt been able to get to see Evans yet. All this week I have been mess corporal a job that entails my being at the Camp a couple of hours every midday to inspect the rations. This has prevented my going any distance even when on night-duty.
This is St Patrick’s Day I have my shamrock allright; it is a little faded. When I arrived at the Garage I found my bicycle all decked in palms and chalk writing on it such as “Phwat the divil” “Erin go the bragh” “Home Rule for [illegible]. Some humourist has been at work