Letter from a Mother to her Son

We do not know who wrote this letter or who Patsie was.

Monday

Dear Patsie

I was on the road the first thing on Sunday morning, but couldn’t get in any way, the military are on Dolphin’s Barn Bridge and all round Crumlin, no possible way of getting near at all. My Darling, I hope you got all the things I left for you on Friday evening, your knickers were in it too, your clean clothes. Whatever you do never come near this place. I trust in God yous are not too short of food, tell all the boys we delivered all the messages and did anything we could all the week. We are very much watched here and you can’t get into town at all. If ever you make a dash go to your aunt Kates or your cousins and as soon as ever we can we will leave word there what we are going to do. We will try and get out of this place if we can.

I was beside yous on Friday evening at six o’clock and was turned back by a friend who was after coming out from yous. This is what I brought you – your clean clothes and your dark knickers, handkerchiefs, toilet soap, cigarettes, bottle of Holy Water, 2 tins of condensed milk, tin of coffee and milk, a bottle of Camp coffee, tea, sugar, butter, sardines, a large bottle of Bovril, 2 bags of biscuits, candles and matches and a prayer book and a tin of salt. The friend delivered your message all right on Sat.

My darling, don’t worry about me or your sisters. You know I am a brave woman, I never dropped one tear yet about anything or wont. God has been very good to us, my dear child. I have placed you in the hands of God, and what need I care then and God is with yous. If we don’t meet anymore in this world we will meet in Heaven. Your mother’s constant prayer is may the Divine Heart of Jesus bless you and all that is with you to-day. I trust in God you will get this note.

From your loving Mother and sisters – love to all the boys your gallant comrades. We have plenty to do here and we are all right everyway.

Best love to you and all the boys. M & Pegy