From : 28th County of London Battalion

December 31, 1914

My darling Millicent,

There are only minutes left to this year and until the arrival of your fifteenth birthday. Happy New Year and a happier birthday to you. I am sorry that circumstances have not allowed me to find something that I would have considered more appropriate for your birthday, but I hope it is something you might like regardless.

I am very glad to hear that you are getting better. As hard as it is not to rush things, try to take things slowly and allow your strength to build back gradually. Of course, had you ever seen me ill myself, you would know that I am far better as issuing this sort of good advice than I am about following it myself.

Please never concern yourself with the length of your letters. They are greatly welcomed regardless and I hope you do not mind brief letters either. Neither time for writing and writing materials are not easily found.

My pocket watch tells me that midnight has arrived and the clouds have parted enough for our star to peep out. I pray for you to continue to grow well and strong. I also pray for this war to be over by the end of this new year given to us.

As a final note, your present to me is keeping me pleasantly warm on this very cold night, so thank you very much once again.

With all my love,

Alexander