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Glad to hear ILE's news after these last five years. His French is excellent. He addresses ILE with tu as this is common usage amongst comrades, especially in the army. He is glad to hear that the political debacle gives ILE no pleasure. The military debacle neither. The writer and his fellow soldiers were en route to the front towards Nachy for the 'famous' attack that never took place because the colonel came past in his automobile crying out to us the good news. The last three months of the war under the command of General Mangin have been hard. Perhaps ILE knows that the general has a bad reputation. The writer does not know whether the German army deserved its defeat. Perhaps all that happened was deserved. In the army we have always considered that the enemy troops defended themselves tenaciously until the very end. We were, after three months of pursuit, in front of their famous Hermann Stellung at the end of last October and the Prussian Troops defended it with their usual courage and their artillery gave a good and precise account of itself. As for the writer, he will not be demobilized until June or July. Meanwhile they are having a capital time in the Alsace. If ILE is in France in six months perhaps they could meet, but in these times nothing is certain. The writer ends by speculating whether in the future he will go to study in Paris or Edinburgh.

Quitclaim by Griffin, son of Caradoc, of Tyriarth, to Margam Abbey, of lands called Tanguestellond, Gistelardeslond, and Kederekeslond, for (one ?) annual amount of seven and a half crannocs of wheat. Witnesses: William ab Yoruerth, Traharn ab Rees, David ab Grifith, Yoruerth ab Grifith, Rees Voyl, Wronu Seys, Grifith vachan, Yoruerth Couth, Oweyn vachan, Rees ab Cradoc, Kederech ab Cradoc, Rees Vachan, David ab Rees. Latin. Round seal, green wax, 3/4 in. diam. A rosette of eight points. + S' Grifini F' Crad'.

Thanks ILE's mother for her card, and taking an interest. ILE states that his mother speaks French, so he can use his maternal language, forgive him the momentary lack of his paternal language. ILE sends his love.

He writes that Sir Alfred Moud has been making enquiries regarding the payment of "Caution Money" to obtain Ifor's release in Nuremberg. He reports that the Foreign Office is strongly opposed to such payments, fearing it will lead to all British prisoners held in Germany being blackmailed. Mr Evans writes that while it is difficult not being able to help Ifor, he agrees with their view. Mr Evans is under the impression (from information given by a private source) that Ifor is the only British person still imprisoned. He is at a loss as to why this may be so; he has not heard from Ifor for over 3 weeks. He has also not heard of the Germans asking for such payments for either B. J. Dale or Dr Haufse's(?) son. Furthermore, he writes about the plans Ifor had to try for a modern language scholarship at Cambridge but fears that his plans will be upset by his detainment. He suspects that without this any prospects for a University career will have to be abandoned. However he hopes his experience will prove useful in any future career he might undertake.

Ifor is letting his parents know that he feels that it has been a long time since he has last heard from them. He notes that sent parcels are still missing, however he states once again that the birthday parcel and the biscuits were most acceptable. Ifor is asking for 100 marks to be sent each month; he apparently spends approximately 15 marks each week. He stresses that his time is not being wasted and briefly outlines what he is learning. Ifor hopes his parents are well, asks after Willie and asks that they write to him as much as possible. He asks how Prince is, then requests that they send him a dozen handkerchiefs and knitted stockings.

How is ILE? Writer has gone to war and has been at the frontlines since the beginning. He has experienced great misfortunes, having lost his brother, mother and little daughter. The only person left to him in the world is his wife. He asks ILE's opinion of the war and states that England has good reasons for pursuing its participation in the war with vigour. Morale is excellent. He awaits ILE's letter impatiently.

Mary is once again writing about the situation surrounding the parcels they send to their sons in Germany. She also asks if Mrs Evans has received any letters asking for money for cash given to her boy. Mrs Harold and a number of other have received such requests. She also mentions that they currently have 600 soldiers in the area this weekend; 2 are staying at her house.

Writer has received news with joy. ILE was never forgotten during all the terrible years of the war now gloriously terminated. ILE was often discussed. He wonders how ILE survived captivity. He looks forward to seeing ILE some day. In Beauvais, close to the front line, there was much suffering during the war. It was nearly overrun by the Germans twice and suffered terrible bombings from the air. At one point they had to hide in their cellars for a period of 3 months. They will overcome this all thanks to this glorious and lasting peace, but poor France has been left devastated and enfeebled. It will take many years for her to rebuild its strength, health and prosperity. The French hope to remain good friends with Great Britain, who has done so much for France, and that the excessive idealism of President Wilson will not deprive France of the legitimate spoils of her victory. If ILE comes to France to settle his affairs, he should not forget to come and see the writer. As your ILE's young friend - she can become an English Assistant in a girl's schools in France, though it might be difficult to find such a post in these times. She will need to send two letters giving her diplomas, references, grades and age, one to the Ministry of Education (Department of Secondary Education) and the other to the director of the girl's school she wishes to work at, either in Paris or another town. She will definitely get a response, perhaps a favourable one. No doubt she will be successful in the end.

Circular re ill-treatment of conscientious objectors. Enclosing letter to the Prime Minister. Typescript.

Deed of exchange by Dominus Gilebert de Turbevile to Margam Abbey, of 2 a. land in the fee of Newcastle, near the road leading from Kenefec to Cardiff, for 2 a. in the same fee. Witnesses: Robert de Cantulupo John, son of William; William Le Deneys, Richard Le Noreys, Wronu ab Cradoc. Latin. Round seal, green wax, imperfect, 11/2 in. diam. A knight with surcoat, flat helmet, sword, and shield of arms, a chevron (?) riding on a horse galloping to the right, and blowing a horn. + Sigi ....... Berti .....

Ifor is sending his gratitude for the parcel sent on the 29th January containing breeches; his knickers were in a terrible state. Now he is asking for a matching coat (half Norfolk); his coat also being in a sorry state. Ifor goes on to ask for the parcel to be made 'a weekly institution', asking for Potatoes, onions, nut meat and biscuits. For his next parcel he would like a few tins of cocoa, coffee, milk and marmite extract. He has received his money the same day. He is getting a good amount of work and reading in. He now writes every 10 days as they are permitted 2 cards per week.

Writes that he understands Mr Evans'reasons for not paying out the bail money demanded of the German authorities. He suggests that if they send word to Ifor that they cannot send payment without saying why, the authorities may see that money won't be sent and release him. Like they have done with the other prisoners.

Demise by Ketheréch, son of John Du, to Margam Abbey, of 15 a. of land of his free tenement in the land of Peiteuín, adjacent to the 5 a. lying on the south of the highway from Kenefec to Cardiff, along the vill of Walter Lupellus, or Luuel. Under seal of the Prior of Oweni. [The Priory of Oweni, or Ewenny, was known at this time as the Priory of St. Michael the Archangel of Uggomore or Ogmore, being situate upon the bank of the river of that name.]. Witnesses: William Killemichel, Eniawo son of Richered, Breuel, Ketheréch son of Caradoc Dv, Grifin son of Keneithur ab Herebert, his kinsmen ('nepotes') who have sworn to observe the conditions of the deed, on the holy relics at Margam Church, together with Tanguistell his wife; Conan Abbot of Margam [c. 1170-1180]; James, prior; Roger, cellarer; William, porter; Godefrey, monk; Jordan, conversus; Roger, hospital conversus; Gregory; John, master of the Grange; Aithan the clerk; Robinus, priest/servant ('famulus') of the hospice; Ithell son of Ruwel. Latin. Fine pointed oval seal, chipped, red wax, 23/4 x 13/4 in. A prior standing, turned to the left, tonsured, holding a scroll and book. + Sigillvm : Prioris : SCI[ : Mic]hael' : De : Vggomor'.

ILE's family is remembered by the writer and his family and they take part in their anguish over ILE's fate. He thanks ILE's mother for her letter and her concern over Georges [the writer's son]. One must be indulgent to our soldiers and forgive them faults that would otherwise be inexcusable. Georges left for the front 21 February. The start was not too hard, but afterwards he was sent to one of the most dangerous parts, from which he emerged unhurt. Thank God! Now he is again in a region with frequent battles. The courage of our brave soldiers is marvellous and they will win in the end. Do not doubt this. But how sad all this is at the same time. So many sufferings, so many chagrins. One must have confidence. The enemy is a coward, once they feel themselves beaten and only the fear of retaliation prevents them from hurting their prisoners. Send best wishes to Leslie and that he may preserve his courage and good health during his captivity. The writer's daughter will pray for him. All need God's help during this time.

Regarding a letter Mr Hoyle had sent to Professor Fungersen, requesting he contact Herr Leister in Suhl to find out any news he has on Ifor Leslie Evans. Attached is the reply from Herr Leister of 16 September 1914 (attached), which gives details of Ifor's situation.

Mrs Harold is sending thanks for news of the bread Mrs Evans has sent to Germany. She also mentions that some of the boys are studying German and she has had requests for books to be sent. Apparently the detainees hear very little German and fear forgetting what they have already learnt. Mary also writes that her youngest son has enlisted.

The writer has received ILE's letter of 30 March with great pleasure. The writer did not do military service during the war, because of his extreme myopia. His health was very good until May 1918 when he caught the flu, which whilst not serious, was very persistent and annoying. He caught the Spanish Influenza when it was at its height in Cerignola. Now he is better, but still somewhat feeble. He hopes to recover fully soon. He understands that ILE was in captivity in Germany during the war, and that this has released him from his sympathies for his German cousins. Does ILE remember his project in Tours for an Anglo-German alliance? Could ILE relate his experiences during his long stay in Germany to the writer. As regards the writer's plans - they are still the same. He hopes to join the consular service. Subsequently he remarks that there are a lot of opportunities for an import-export company in Italy. There are good opportunities here for ILE. If he comes to Italy, he hopes to meet ILE again. And ILE should not find it difficult to learn Italian.

The writer's experiences in the Dardanelles campaign.