Sidon, Lebanon
16 Jun 1941
Alice—
Quite a bit has happened since my last letter, unfortunately I can't get into much detail, but we have seen some action outside of training or garrison duties. I'm safe, we're all safe, just some scrapes and bruises, and we're not through yet, but I did want to answer your letter while we got a bit of a break.
If you're not used to getting gifts, that just means I'll just have to send more (thanks for the camera idea); though, maybe not in such an exciting way since I can read between the lines that you were uncomfortable about a show at breakfast. As for gift ideas for me, books and biscuits and news from home is all I really need right now on the campaign trail, can't have too much weight to carry and all that.
Oh, and advice on how to raise a kitten, because we've got a little mite of our own out here. (Couldn't include a picture, but I've got a few somewhat decent drawings, I hope they're legible). We're still figuring out what to actually call her, but she's definitely a spitfire and keeps us on our toes. Dratted thing darted out into the road as we marched, I barely had time to snatch her out of harm's way; and now it seems she's decided I'm her favorite. She's spoiled by all the boys, but refuses to go far from me… we'll have to see how trainable she is, can't have her running out in a battlefield.
I promise I'm being careful, as careful as you can be in a war; I have to be if I'm going to somehow convince you to go to the cinema.
You've been helping around the house? I know cooking and mending aren't what you like (though I'd be happy to sample said cooking if need be), but what do you enjoy? You mentioned something about the car? Learning to be a mechanic?
Your friend, who's safe and suddenly in charge of of a very feisty kitten,
Matthew
[On the second page of the letter is two drawings of a kitten - in black and white, but Matthew's handwriting describes a calico of orange, black, and white - the first drawing is her with her wide eyes (and a note that her eyes are an amber brown), looking up at presumably Matthew with an innocent look, and the second is her caught in a yawn]
