The 'Correspondence' Affair #47 - August 5, 1914 (Alexander to Millicent)

[avirra.livejournal.com]

From : London, England

August 5, 1914

My darling Millicent,

First off, I have received and read the letters that were awaiting me when I arrived home. Let me assure you that I was quite pleased to have been given your photograph and any awkwardness that anyone else is trying to make you feel over that matter is sheer nonsense.

Slippery slope is indeed an appropriate term to use for these days. As you know, I was sent to Belgium as part of the delegation there to assure their government that the seventy-five year old promise to defend their independence that we gave them in the 1839 Treaty of London is still as strong as ever. Germany decided to ignore the fact that Belgium is a sovereign nation and invaded its borders in order to use Belgium as a direct road to attack France. As a result of that, war was declared yesterday by Britain against Germany. Germany has already declared war on both Russia and France and is allied with the Austria-Hungary faction while Russia is allied with the Serbians.

I suppose now would be the time to tell you that I have enlisted through the Artists' Rifles and will be undergoing officer training. I fear this will mean that my correspondence will become more erratic, but I would greatly appreciate the continuance of letters from your end. My address for now will be through the 28th County of London Battalion - they will forward our mail to wherever we are stationed, so even when I am able to find time to write, answers to your letters will inevitably be delayed.

Since my current residence is only a rental, I will be giving it up and sending what possessions I decide to keep back to my family home. I will be going there tomorrow to say my goodbyes to Aunt Avelina before reporting to my battalion.

War being as it is, I will not be able to write to you regarding where I am or exactly what is going on, but I promise that I will write as I can to you. We have been instructed not to bring a great deal with us, but one thing that will be with me is your photograph.

I know telling you not to worry would be senseless, but at least try not to dwell on it. There are always things in life beyond our control, but I believe that I will be where I can do the most good for our country.

With love,

Alexander

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

This must have been a devastating letter for Millicent to receive, knowing full well a war in Europe involving so many countries was brewing. The thought of such an unprecedented event was no doubly terrifying and now to have her Alexander involved in it...wow.