Ifor sends thanks for postcards sent the 26th February and 4th, 5th and 9th March; he observes that postcards seem to take a day longer coming from Geneva and recommends trying through Holland. Mr Heck has written to Ifor offering to act as a middleman for his correspondence; Ifor hopes that sending money through him will result in a better exchange. He pledges to write a letter in a day or so.
Informs that Mr Ifor Leslie Evans is a guest of the citizens of Leith upon his return from Germany. Smith's Restaurant and Rooms, Duke Street have been reserved as a "Hospitality House" where meals will be served and railway tickets issued.
He writes that he has been in Ruhleben for just over a week. Ifor would be very grateful to feel that his parents do not worry about him. He has Messrs Dale and Heyhesdon(?) for company, they are all beginning to settle down. Ifor writes that he has purchased some materials to make some clogs and a sleeping bag in preparation for the coming cold.
Acknowledging the receipt of parcels. He expresses surprise that one contains meat and that such variety is possible (if little imagination shown). Ifor writes that Dale has moved away; J. F. Evans and a nice old Frenchman have come to live with him. He is pleased to have received a letter from Mr J. James and asks his mother to send £5.
Sends his usual gratitude for the parcels he received. He writes that he much appreciates the parcels he gets that meet his requirements. On the other hand he takes a very dim view of "expert advice" and "regulation parcels". Ifor says that those giving out such advice should spend a little time actually living in the camp first.
Ifor wants the order with American Express Company to be cancelled at once. He finds them very expensive and they are unable to supply what he needs. He provides a list of food stuffs he would like to be supplied with. He writes that bread may be sent if packaged in a cardboard box.
Notes on items received; parcel on 01 September 1915 dated 17 August 1915 from his mum; a parcel from Mrs D. Philipps (Llwydcoed) and Miss(?) M. Jones (Victoria Square); on 02 September 1915 a card from mum dated 27 August 1915; on 03 September parcel containing baked beans and bread (rotten) and a postcard of 26 August 1915. Ifor is still keeping in good health and fine spirits, is able to get work done and fit in a lot of reading. He hopes to see his mother in 12 around 12 months.
He once again sends thanks for the regular postcards and parcels she sends. However he explains that the last 3 loaves of bread send were mildewed. Therefore he made arrangements with Mr Heck in Holland to send a weekly parcel containing bread, butter and cheese. He asks that all future arrangements be made through him and not through Mr Gaston. Ifor expresses his pleasure in hearing about his parent's trip to Bideford, wishing that he had been there.
Ifor sends his thanks for the parcels she sends. Bread comes perfectly from Whiteley's. He asks that she not send eggs(?) again, they have all to be thrown away and they can buy them there. He also requests that his mother sends Bird's or Eiffel Tower lemon powder and baked beans (Heinz).
Acknowledging 2 parcels he has received, listing the contents. He writes that all the goods were of good quality but difficult to live off for a week. His father misunderstands him; his father has said he should be difficult given the circumstances. Ifor on the other hand feels Selfridges should not be permitted to profit from the situation.
Confirming receipt of a parcel containing booker. The bread he receives is bad again and he asks her not to send any more, it angers him to have to throw it away; even Whiteley's bread is bad. Around 4 months ago he received a parcel from American Express but has not had anything delivered since. He asks his Mum not to send anything via them again. Ifor is resigned to being kept detained until next August and asks for plenty of biscuits (plain and wholesome) which he depends on.
Lists the parcels he has received; a 2nd bread parcel from Switzerland; 2 parcels from his mother dated 25 September 1915 and 05 October 1915; 2 parcels H and P. Ifor describes that they woke up two days ago to discover snow several meters deep had fallen. It has since been very cold. He then expresses his hope that his parents have sent him a warm pair of gloves and a woollen helmet.
Ifor is distressed to learn that she has not received any news from him lately and wishes this form of communication could be discarded altogether. He has received parcel no.18, their quality is improving; bread has arrived to the letter R but he has in hand only 1 tobacco package. He especially appreciated receiving a package of clothes and boots.
Mentions that it has been 2 weeks since he last heard from her, but acknowledges this may well be down to the postal system. Ifor sends acknowledgements for parcels received but regrettably some have been inadequate. He asks his Mum to send him some coal tar soap and Kolynes.
He sends thanks for her postcard, but reports that he has not yet met the people she mentions. Ifor fears being stuck there for Christmas and mentions that Xmas parcels are expected after the 5th of the month. He requests that his mother sends him some pudding, mince pies, cake as well as listed selection of books. He is keeping well and is quite comfortable having purchased a sleeping sack. Ifor finishes by sending best wishes from Dale.
Thanking his mother for regular parcels and her generosity. He has received books from Smith's and is very happy to have Marshall's Principles of Economics which he works on each day. Ifor sends special thanks for the Welsh language books; he manages to find the time to study the language.
He writes that he is always glad to receive word from her and laments that their correspondence is limited to postcards. He states once again that he will write each Sunday and Wednesday in future. Ifor says that they had a quiet Christmas and that none of his parents parcels have yet arrived. However, they received some nice things from a store in Berlin and were treated to music from a male choir. He wraps up by expressing curiosity as to how his parents spent their Christmas.
He thanks her for her postcards and the postal order she sent. He goes on to state that he has not received the parcel of clothing sent by Mr Gaston. Ifor writes that Mr Dale and he are well but work is not possible; his quarters are heated and provide a degree of comfort. Evans finishes by explaining that he had hoped to be home for Christmas but feels it is unlikely.
Sends thanks for her parcels and asks that his gratitude be passed onto his grandmother also. He much appreciated her last parcel containing baked beans, fruit and cheese. He is also gratefully for the lemon powder his mother sent. Ifor will send a letter soon detailing his recent news.
