TCD MS 10247/1/840 folio 2 recto
[26 May 1917] quickly – no confusion or hurry – it’s a pleasing variety from the utter confusion and lack of organisation elsewhere, but I suppose doctors can’t afford to do business in that kind & way. Then everything is of the best – it does your heart good to see the magnificent hospital <trains> – English engines & coaches – looking such a contrast to the filthy French troop trains. I wonder where Willy Taylor & the rest are – he was a great chap, wasnt he? – He’s the sort they want out here – would stand no nonsense from anyone. Thats what we want – never mind the military knowledge – there’s plenty of that about; what we want is a few business men; who know how to get things done, and then chuck all these well dressed scoundrels into the front line where the[y] can learn to soil their clothes a bit – they’ll be able to get all the red they want there (27th) I was to lazy to finish this yesterday so will have another attempt today – The weather is still heavenly & I’m in the same position as yesterday. I do hope Jack is having the same – but don’t let him be spoilt altogether – I’d really be quite more or less content for a week in this realm of peace if only I could get a letter from home – it must be a week or more since I got Em’s and goodness knows when I’ll get the rest – still I hope there’ll be a good budget when I do get back to the battery. But the day here seems so pointless with no post to look forward to. I suppose you will be back & [in] Tigroney again by now – so I’ll address this there – I wonder how the Olivers will get on at Avoca Lodge. I suppose the battery’s rest has come to an