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Title
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Letter from Walter Beer to His Aunts
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Description
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Consists of letter from Private Walter Beer to his aunts. Item includes envelope and pressed flowers folded within a blank copy of Army Form C. 2121. Item also includes two photographs. The first photograph has Walter Beer standing in the upper right. The second photograph has Walter Beer on the right standing next to Bryn. Taped to the back of this photograph is a newspaper clipping "In Memoriam" to Walter Beer. The transcription is as follows: "BEER - In ever loving memory of Pte. Walter Treleaven Beer (15th Battalion Highlanders), second son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beer, Strathroy (R. R. 3), Mrs. killed the night of October 10th, by machine gun fire - buried where he fello on the bank of the Scarpe Canal, near the Village of Blanche St. Vasst." Transcription of the letter is as follows: France Dec. 8. /17 Dear Aunties.- Yours rec'd some time ago but as I have been so busy couldn't answer them with a letter so just sent a card to let you know that I was well. We are out in billets now for a little while. I expect to go on post before we go in again. We get 14 days now instead of 10. So this should [bring] it so that I will be in [Whighty] for Xmas if I go when I expect to. I don't intend sending any Xmas Cards or anything home from here. Will wait until I get over there. You can't get anything here worth while anyway. I I suppose a lot of the boys are pretty well worked up about conscription. It's the only way that they will get some of these fellows. We had a vote on it last week. This battalion was stronger for the government. Well I will close now. Your loving nephew Letter from Walter Beer to his aunts.
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (04)
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Date
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8 December 1917
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Identifier
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ASC17725
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:271003
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![Letter from T.C. McGill to V[ivien] Beer Regarding Death of James Allan, November 5th 1916](/yul-270893/letter-tc-mcgill-vivien-beer-regarding-death-james-allan-november-5th-1916/datastream/TN/view)
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Title
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Letter from T.C. McGill to V[ivien] Beer Regarding Death of James Allan, November 5th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by T.C. McGill to V[ivien] Beer on the death of Captain James R. Allan. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: "France. 5 Nov 1916 Dear Miss Beer. So glad you wrote to us about Capt Allan's death as we very often spoke about you in those following days when we had to send home his kit but none of us felt that we mighy presume to the extent of writing to you. I have taken over Capt Allan's work and will tell you all I know of the affair as I was stationed in exactly the same place on my arrival. The other officers who saw it all, are extremely busy and have asked me, when writing, to extend to you their sincere sympathy. They all speak in such glowing terms of his work and his character, and in fact quite resented my presence for a time as his successor. The letter which he wrote to you on the morning of the 20th was written in the officers mess. It was scarcely finished (1145 am to the exact) when the Germans stared shelling the town (I think under the circumstances I may tell you that it was the town of Albert) and especially our horse lines, which were just across the road about 150 yards from the mess. The homes were all tethered of course and everyone was working madly to get | page 2: them untied and away. Capt Allan was the first to rush out of the mess to help them and possibly to see that his own horse got safely away. This was finally accomplished whilst many shells burst among them and Capt Allan, together with about ten men and six horses took shelter behind a stone stable, close up against the wall but the last shell that came over burst right in the centre of this group killing, as you know, Capt Allan and three men, also wounding the other six men more or less badly and killing four horses. It may be some small consolation to you to know that Capt Allan was not at all mutilated, a small piece of shell pierced his left breast killing him instantly. Rather a pathetic but charming little act was done by some French Peasant women close by, who went into the fields and gathered daisies and other wild flowers which they spread over the four bodies when they had been properly composed and laid out on ground sheets. He was buried in a quiet little military cemetery with the small wooden cross, more dignified than the most elaborate marble ever made. An the ceremony, so they say, was brief and strong in feeling. I visited his grave when first I came and somehow Miss Beer I almost envied | page 3: him. A splendid straight life he had and one always strong for principle and again these fine chaps who make "the great sacrifice" will live forever in the fine deeds they have done whereas those others of us who return shall probably live on unworthily, of the life which is given us to make what we may of it. Its our women who really suffer, you sweethearts and wives are the ones who really suffer for us, and as a Soldier's Sweetheart you too must be strong and brave and smile when you proudly say Yes I gave him what move could I do. When we put your picture back among his effects our hearts were sore for that bonny curly head but time heals all things, even broken hearts and I'm quite sure he would not wish you to be sad on his account but rather to be proud and happy in the knowledge that you had the love of such a Soldier. Is there anything else I have not told you of? if so please ask again and I shall try to tell you. Again our deepest sympathy Miss Beer to which may I add my personal respects. Very sincerely yours T.C. McGill Capt."
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (03)
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Date
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5 November 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17724
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:270893
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Title
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Letters from James Allan to Vivien Beer, September 5th, 6th, and 14th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a three letters written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer, dated 5, 6, and 14 September, 1916. Item includes envelope [from 14 September, 1916 letter] and pressed flowers folded in a piece of paper. Transcription is as follows: 11.28pm. Wednesday-night, September, 5th. 1916. My own darling Vivien:- This is just a message of love & affection as I do not feel equal to a letter. Have had a very heavy day, paying out over one thousand dollars and have just finished totaling up, checking, entering & signing of acquitt-ance rolls and I am pretty tired, but I want to write you, even if only a note, to say I love you & that you are always in my thoughts. My own true love I send you all my love. O how I long for your companionship my ownest dear. The weather has been wet and chilly all day. Can hear the roll of guns in action (even back here) #2 tonight. They have been going steadily for over two hours. Dearie mine my letters are liable to be irregular from now on, but will do my best to write you daily. Brought a book of these letter-cards and when I am extraordinarily busy will send one of them. Lovie mine I want to tell you again that I love you and long for you; for your companionship, love & kisses, and I send a message of love, affection #3 and regard, and beaucoup des 'kisses,' Your own darling, Jimmy 5.30pm. Wednesday-afternoon, September 6th., 1916. My own darling Vivien:- I have just half an hour in which to write a letter to you so am using another of my "Lettercards"! The Post closes at 6.15pm and I want to get this one away on it, as the Post Office is being closed tonight here & I will not be able to get a letter off in the morning. Will you please excuse the short letter then my sweetheart. I know you'd sooner I wrote this small letter telling you I love you with all my heart, than to neglect writing. Also dear heart it shews [sic] you I am thinking of you. Indeed I think of you all the time darling mine and I like to write to you. #2 Paid the Signal Company today & have just finished my acquittance rolls. Paid out nearly 5,000 francs (approx. $1.000.). Pretty good morning's work eh? It has been bright & sunny all day; a welcome change after the showery spell we have been having past three days or so. The news today is excellent. Both the French & ourselves have gained ground in the Somme sector. Greece is expected to come into the war almost any day now. #3 Looks as though the war will be over by next Spring. My ownest darling I want this letter to be a message of love and affection. Darling mine I love you so much. Just wish I were quite near to you so I could put my arm around your neck and kiss you & tell you of my love. Love & kisses, Your darling, Jimmy 9.55pm Thursday-night, September 14th, 1916. My own darling Vivien:- I know somebody who's a dear and her name is Vivien Beer. Poet, what! Now you will say: "Why for all this jollification?" 'Tis 'cause I got two letters from you tonight darling mine and they made me, oh so happy. My sweetheart I like you to be very frank always, 'cause darling I get so lonesome and my heart just aches for you my own treasure. So please continue to be very frank and send as much love as you want to, the more you send the better pleased I will be. Oh I love #2 you so much my sweetheart and I want to see you, to feel your presence, to hear your voice and laugh, yes my darling and I want to tell you with my own lips how much I love you and to hold you in one long fond embrace. I would just love to be able to put my arm around your neck now darling and kiss you. Maybe I wouldn't be happy. I would be completely so my own darling. But I cannot do these nice things and must find a suitable substitute. That I have in the shape of some blue pansies which I am enclosing. I have kissed them all darling and I want them to carry my thoughts and #3 love to you sweetheart mine: and I kissed the right sides too dear, so you won't have any trouble finding the kisses. So having Joan address the envelope was a little piece of mischief you two agreed to, to deceive me, was it? Well it succeeded (until I opened the envelope). So you see it was an agreeable surprise as well. Imagine how pleased I was at having two letters from you tonight, one last night and one the night before. Now darling that is what I call being real good to me. You don't know how it hurts me and how lonely I get when no letter comes #4 from you for a long time Vivien. This is a lonely life at its best dear and you can see how destitute and forsaken a person would feel when a mail arrived and not a single letter on it for him from his sweetheart. But why continue in this strain? Wish you could hear the guns going now Vivien. As a matter of fact they have been going all day, but particularly so since 6.30pm, when our guns opened up in intense bombardment lasting for over three hours. I hear one of our brigades has attacked and gained all it's #5 objectives. The firing has slakened[sic] down now (10.25pm) although some of the heavies are still firing. The enemy artillery have also been very active all day. There has been a large number of our observation balloons up all day. I counted twenty-one at one time and on a very short piece of front as well. They were thick as flies all day. We had also a large number of planes up flying around during the day. The Germans are certainly getting it put over them in this sector alright. Now dear it is after ten #6 and reveille is at five Am in the morning and dear knows what may happen during the night so I better get to bed and have some rest while I can. Will you please excuse brevity for above reason dear. I send you my love and the assurance that I will always be true to you and darling mine I want you to be always true to me and to wait for me. I know you will always be true to me and that you will wait #7 for me and dear it makes me happy. All my love and kisses, Your own darling, Jimmy P.S. I save your letters & sent a batch home not long ago. Jimmy
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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5, 6, 14 September 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17722
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269783
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, September 4th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: 11.00pm Monday-night, Sept. 4th., 1916. My own Darling Vivien:- I know somebody who's a dear, somebody who deserves the sweetest kiss and that somebody is you darling. Was so pleased to get a letter from you today, so soon after the others too, and so full of love and affection. Also Vivien in your letter you gave me just the assurance I wanted; viz, that you will always love me and remain true to me. You say all I have to do is to #2 believe you love me and be real happy. You jewel, I love you the more (if such a thing is possible) for being such a dear frank sweetheart. "Real Happy,-" My own dearie my heart just overflows with happiness. Am so sorry you are so lonesome darling-mine. My heart aches for you. I too am lonesome dearie, oh so lonesome; Now isn't it too bad lovie mine I was not there when you were sick to read to you &c. #3 I feel sure I could have cured you. Honest. Three of my kisses after meals would have cured you. Oh yes. It is rather late to be starting a letter to you, and I have had a particularly trying day and lots of running around to do, so I am pretty tired, but my sweetheart I want you to have your "daily" so you won't be quite so lonely. Vivien if I don't write everyday from now on, you will know that it is impossible for me to write, and you will #4 excuse me won't you dear. It has been very showery today which sort of dampened my spirits. I love the sun to shine don't you darling? You ask me if I still recollect what a Canadian summer's evening is cause I've been away so long. The news from the south is excellent today. Also two more "Zepps" have been brought down. The Rumanians [sic] are also doing excellently. Everything is quiet with us as we are in rest. #5 My own darling Vivien I want to tell you that I love you with all my heart and I want this letter to be a message of love and affection. Oh my own true love it is fine to have the love of such a dear true girlie as you are. Was glad to hear Walt got home again O.K. How are all the other folks. All my love, regard affection and kisses sweet, Your own darling, Jimmy
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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4 September, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17721
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269775
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, September 3rd 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope and pressed flowers folded in a payment stub dated 29 August, 1918. Transcription is as follows: 8.10pm Sunday-night, September 3rd, 1916. My own darling Vivien:- My thoughts have been of you today sweetheart and how I wish I had been with you, for this afternoon at any rate and how I wish I was with you now darling mine, 'cause I love you Vivien and long for your companionship. But I can write you a message of love and regard, which you know comes from my heart, and which, while it does not #2 make up, by a long way, for my absence, will make your loneliness easier to bear. This is the object of all my letters to you dear heart and I hope I succeed, 'cause I do not want you to feel a lack of love and affection for you dearie mine, or of sympathy for you in your loneliness, in my letters, 'cause lovie mine my heart is just full of love and affection for you and my own sweetheart I sympathize with you cause I am lonesome #3 too . Now darling don't you like me to tell you these things. Vivien my fondest wish is that we will some day realize the depth of love we have for each other. We of course realize to a certain extent now, but O darling how much better we will realize when we are reunited. It will be just [be?] [alife?] of ecstasy. Now darling all I want (and I have your assurance that you grant me my wish) is you to #4 wait for me. Your are a darling for granting me that request and my sweetheart I promise you I will remain true to you in every sense of the word. Oh I am happy at having such a dear, true, noble sweetheart as you are Vivien and I will try and be as good a lover and sweetheart to you. I love you with all my heart Vivien darling and I want to make you happy. Tell me sweetheart if my telling you these things doesn't make you happy. I know it does. #5 Was to service this morning and took communion afterward. We had a splendid attendance, with a goodly percentage of Australians amongst the worshippers. This afternoon was over to the recreation grounds where I saw two games of baseball, a game of football and a game of indoor baseball. There were two bands in attendance and quite a number of the citizens of the town, as well as the troops, in attendance. The troops are always keen #6 for good clean sport. I'd love to get into the game myself. I like the open air very much. You are fond of basketball dear I believe. Don't you love clean sport of all kinds dear. Started reading your book (you sent me). The Lay of the Last Minstrel and so far I like it fine. River Spirit:- 'Tears of an imprison'd maiden [Mist] with my polluted stream: Margaret of Branksome, sorrow-laden Mourns beneath the moon's pale beam. #7 'Tell me, thou who view'st the stars, When shall cease these feudal [jars]? What shall be the maiden's fate? Who shall be the maiden's mate?' Mountain Spirit 'Arthur's slow vain his course doth roll In utter darkness round the pole; The Northern Bear lowers black and grim; Orion's studded belt is dim; Twinkling faint and distant far, Shimmers through mist each planet star; Ill may I read their high decree! But no kind influence deign they shower On Geriot's tide and Branksome's Tower Till pride be quelled and Love be free.' #8 Was rather taken by this dialogue in Canto first. Probably I will strike better as I get into the book further. Darling mine I like to read of love, true love, such as the poet writes of; Love, true love, it's idealistic charm, Lifts one above this sordid world and shelters him from harm And lover's frankness, to each other such joy imparts 'Twere not possible to find more happy hearts (My own) All my love, affection & kisses sweet Jimmy
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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3 September, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17720
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269741
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, September 2nd 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: 9.40pm Saturday-night, September 2nd 1916. My own darling Vivien:- Sweetheart mine I am feeling a bit depressed tonight, but I want to answer your dear sweet letter of August 12th. 1916. So you know darling the large majority of people today have got into the habit of racing around; never sitting down quietly and meditating on the deeper things of life, and if a place has not a dozen theatres in it and other places #2 of amusement they think it slow. Now darling I could live anywhere and be happy too, if you were with me. [Srebeer?] is quiet, but I like it and, like you, prefer the quietness (with an occasional view of the outside world and happenings to keep in touch with it.) O darling surely you would not for a moment have considered not sending your photo and have caused me to have a great big pain in my heart and increase a hundredfold my lonliness[sic]. #3 Now listen Vivien my love I want you to have as much consideration for me as I have for you and don't be careless darling mine, 'cause you wound my feelings darling. Remember dearie I look forward to the arrival of your letters and want your love just as much as you look forward to the arrival of my letters and messages of love and affection. Now I am not scolding love, but simply drawing your attention to #4 these little failings you have because I know you love me and would sooner have me tell them to you. My own darling I love you so much. You were so frank in both your last letters, that I thought; "well isn't she a darling sweetheart, a dear." Dear heart I loved you for saying that you weren't going to let company keep you from writing to or thinking of me. You darling. Now I #5 just take back all I said about you having faults, 'cause you are a dear, true, self-sacrificing sweetheart, and, lovie mine, appreciate your efforts, yes my darling, and I consider you the truest, dearest girlie I have ever met and I love you, yes Vivien dear, more than ever I can describe, but darling mine I know you understand. O my own darling treasure my heart is full of love you and how happy it makes me to know you love me as much. My darling #6 Now I don't feel depressed now. I can't be depressed and write to you 'cause I love you too much for that and that love brightens me up. Should have said instead of depressed, lazy. Do you ever get sort of a feeling of laziness, or "Don't want to do anything" sort of feeling. Well that's what I had. Read Mrs. Sadlier's letter and I think I understand your position dear. If I were in your place I would #7 certainly go on. Read the little story you sent. The heroine in it was certainly a true charactered noble girl, just like you are my darling, but the hero had some funny ideas. The view I take of the thing is; "A man is out here to do his duty to his 'cause,' if in the carrying out of that duty he is killed or wounded (and he faces that duty unflinchingly) thanks out to be given to God for enabling #8 him to do the right. But listen dearie I don't want you to let that dear imaginative brain of yours cause you worry 'cause I is alright. Am think[sic] of you now darling. "Dreaming of you, that's all I do, Sweetheart of you I am dreaming. And in your eyes, Blue as the skies, I can see the love-light softly gleaming." A message of love sweetheart mine and an assurance of continuing regard, Love & kisses, Your ownest Darling, Jimmy
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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2 September, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17719
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269717
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, August 31th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: 8.25pm Thursday-night, August 31st., 1916. My own darling sweetheart:- Rather expected a letter from you today, but as there was not a Canadian mail, did not get one. Do you know darling mine I'd like to have a letter from you every day, but this would not be possible even if you did write them as there is not a Canadian mail every day. So I am lonesome tonight Vivien dear and just longing #2 for your companionship dearie mine. How happy I would be Vivien sweetheart if I were by your side tonight; 'cause, darling, my heart is longing for you. It has been a bright sunny day and everything has dried up pretty well after yesterday's heavy rain. Took a ride on my bicycle over to see my friends, the officers of the trench mortars, and had tea with them, this afternoon. This morning made out my two monthly statements. Have handled over thirty thousand #3 francs ($5,000) this month. Quite a months work considering I have no clerical assistance. Over and above the paying I handle remittances, assigned pay and do the correspondence connected with pay, allowances &c. and it keeps me pretty busy. Sweetheart I have just been dreaming or musing and I just thought; "Now wouldn't it be nice if I only had my office in my own home and you darling there to cheer me after I have had a heavy days' #4 work, by just "tiptoeing" up to where I was sitting and putting your arm around my neck an kissing me. I would forget all my troubles then sweetheart mine. Now isn't that a nice dream lovie dear? I often muse Vivien and think how happy we will be together, when you are my own darling wife. Aren't I just a bold lover to take things so much for granted, but sweetheart it is nice to dream like this 'cause it drives away the loneliness and makes me happy. #5 9.35pm Have just come in from seeing a fire. One of the huts in the medical camp got burned down. As it was only a few hundred yards down the road from my billet went down to see the excitement. We are at present back in rest and it certainly is nice to get back to town and nice billets again. Have you decided to go back to school and have another shot at the physics. Think it your best plan dear. #6 Your holidays are just about over aren't they Viven and I wonder what kind of a time you have had my darling. You have been lonesome I know darling, so have I. I wish we could have had a couple of weeks together. Darlingest girlie I want this to be a message of love so my 'ownest' sweetheart I send all my love; kisses and affection, Your own darling, Jimmie
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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31 August, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17717
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269715
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, August 30th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: 10.15pm Rain, all day. Wednesday-night, August 30th., 1916. Vivien, my own true love; Darling mine I am thinking of you now and wishing, oh so much, that I were with you 'cause my heart just longs for your companionship, for those outward and visible demonstrations of love which can only be given when we are together. Sweetheart, do you ever think what companionship with me will mean, when you are my very ownest. How we shall enjoy the happy hours together when I am free from work. We love each #2 other so much darling mine that we will enjoy one another's company, or each others company (I think would sound much better.) I long to feel the joy your presence would give. Yes darling I would be oh so happy if only your head was on my shoulder (even if you were hiding your face so I would not see your pretty little blush, when I asked you to be my very ownest) and your dear arms about my neck. Then if you kissed me my darling I would be perfectly happy. You are a darling sweetheart for so frankly confessing how #3 much you love me and I love you so much for so confiding in me. Lovie mine forever you have brushed aside the veil of reserve and told me the innermost thoughts of your heart. And I am so glad to know them. Then I know absolutely that I have a sweetheart who is as true as steel and who loves me with all her heart and soul. Now Vivien I am remaining true to you and am not permitting anyone to get familiar with me. #4 Neither do I flirt. Knowing this in my own heart then and having the knowledge that you are remaining true to me, that you love me with all your heart and soul and that you love only me: Can't you see the sense of satisfaction it gives me, also the feeling that all my efforts to do good are appreciated by you and that it is worth while to live as I am living. But darling, brushing aside everything but the query #5 'Why do I love you.' my answer to such a question is, simply because my heart formed a natural attachment to your heart simply because that somewhere in my heart or soul I felt in you lay the realization of all my ideals. Probably I should say that somehow I was drawn to you by an irresistible force. O dearie mine I can't describe how it came about. Sufficient it is however to say that a very deep love of you is in my heart and soul and that #6 somehow you are fulfilling of everything I ever expected in my sweetheart. In short dearie we seem to have been cut out for each other. Now have I made myself clear. "Just what to say I canna'[sic] think, Cannot put my thoughts in ink But I love you darling mine, And will love you all the time." What I want to say I cannot, What I don't want to say I do, But my intentions are always good dear and I know you can read between the lines and will then understand. #7 Then you will know positively that I love you truly and you only and that it affords me the greatest of pleasure to remain true to you. Now aren't you happy darling mine? Had another lesson in french[sic] tonight. Wish I were staying here for a month or two then I would get a pretty good grasp of the french[sic] language. See by the papers the Germans are [wild] at Roumania[sic] for joining the allies. The news from all around is excellent. #8 It has poured rain all day so stayed in. We now have a set of boxing gloves in the Mess. I had them on twice today with two different officers and had some good [fun], though I am no boxer. Darling mine I send you my love, my regard, my affection, my heart, my all to be your very ownest, Your own darling, Jimmie
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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30 August, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17716
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269701
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, August 29th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope and pressed flowers folded in a leaf of paper. Transcription is as follows: 10.30pm Tuesday-night, August 29th., 1916. My own darling Vivien:- Sweetheart mine you have been constantly in my thoughts today and especially so this evening. Came in early intending to write to you but got jabbering french[sic] and wound up by having a sort of lesson. My sweetheart I can hardly tell you how happy you[sic] letters, received yesterday, made me, especially the one dated August 9th 'cause in it #2 you are so frank. You darling. Now lovie mine I do know now how much you love me, though I did not when I wrote that letter saying you were just a little bit reserved toward me, nor had you as yet promised to be my very "ownest." My true love, you love me so much that if anything happened to me you would not want to live and would just die. My own darling I cannot find words to describe my feelings, but my heart simply overflowed with joy and love for you. #3 It was good of you Vivien darling to voluntarily make so frank a confession. It was just what I wanted to know too sweetheart, [viz]; if love for me sprung spontaneously from your heart, as it does from my heart for you. Now I know it does. Now I know I am all to you. Dearest girlie you have made confessions to me that mean all the world to me and I am infinitely happy. Yes my own darling sweetheart I have never had happier moments in my lifetime. Such a treasure to possess (you and your love darling). Little wonder I am the happiest of men. Listen dearie mine will you forgive me then for all the hurtful things I have said. I did not intend to hurt you, but I should never have written them. O my darling I love you so much that it hurts me to feel I have hurt your feelings. I realize now (for the first time in my life) what real love is and what it means to a girl. What I have said before #5 was my opinion and I now think as you think, that is; if true love exists between two young people nothing will change it, and it would not be possible for one of two's love to be won from the other by another (an outsider.) You say, "And there is true love between us, now isn't there sweetheart mine?" There certainly is my darling, the very truest and highest quality of true love my sweetheart. Dear love aren't you just perfectly happy (except for your separation #6 from me)? 'Cause that is the way I feel. Darling you spoke of putting your head on my shoulder. O my sweetheart my great big wish tonight is that you were only in my arms and I could just kiss you. O I long for you, for your companionship my darling, 'cause I love you so much, yes with my whole heart. But I can send a message of love and affection, and I do dear love. Thinking of you, Loving[sic] you true, sweetheart for you I am pining #7 It has been officially reported that Roumania[sic] has declared war on Austria. Germany is expected to declare war on Roumania[sic] almost any time now. Roumania[sic] coming in will certainly rush things to a finish in the Balkans. I hear the Bulgars are fighting Greek detachments though war has not as yet been declared by these two countries on each other. The news from the south continues good. The weather today has been wet and showery. Quite a heavy rainstorm occurred at #8 about 5.30pm today. Tonight it is quite cool. Had over 15 mile ride on my bicycle today and maybe I didn't perspire. My tunic and shirts were just soaking wet when I got back. But I always enjoy a good ["sweating out."] It makes one feel good afterward. All my love, regard, affection and beaucoup de kisses, Your ownest darling, Jim.
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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29 August, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17715
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:269700
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Title
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Letter from James Allan to Vivien Beer, July 27th 1916
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by Captain James R. Allan to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: 10.30pm. Thursday, July 27th., 1916. My own darling sweetheart, I'm the happiest boy in all the world today and what do you think is the cause of my delight? I will tell you. Your pictures arrived today, also two big 'fat' letters just brimming over with love, which is enough to make anyone's cup of happiness overflow and my own darling mine has and I can hardly find words to express the very great pleasure I have experienced today. You ask my honest opinion. You shall have it. First of all I like the #2 one with the left shoulder advanced the better of the two, though your hair is not shown up so well in it as in the other. You have absolutely wonderful hair darling and how I love those little curls. The expression in your eyes is good, and dear I can see just a tinge of lonliness expressed by them; they are brim full of love (and I know you were just thinking of me when you were sitting for them 'cause I can see a dear smile on your face which makes me want to kiss the picture [honest]. The nose and mouth are a trifle out of proportion it seems to me, especially in the photo with your right #3 shoulder forward. Your neck and shoulders [show] up perfectly. Around your neck I see the pendant I gave you and pinned to your waist is the '75 cent' [gun] brooch I sent you as a souvenir. Is the lace I see the collarette I set you? Listen dearie, why didn't you slip the watch into the picture and complete the trio. But sweetheart, to get back to the subject, must say that I think the pictures are splendid. I guarantee I have looked at them times out of number since their arrival. Wait till I have another look now. Oh you are a beautiful dear, true and loyal sweetheart and you ought to have one of the ["bestest"] lovers in #4 all the world 'stead of just poor ordinary me, but listen dearie I've got a heart and that old heart just says to me "Now isn't a sweetheart like those pictures [show] north living for," and I answered my old heart "Right you are old man and I'm going to remain true and loyal to her just as long as you keep beating." Now wasn't that a funny dialogue to have with your heart. But listen dearie mine (or you won't hear me whispering, 'cause I don't want anybody to hear it but you) but I thought today "Now who wouldn't be a good boy when he had such a lovely sweetheart. Old "Sparks" Broadfelt saw #5 your pictures and said "Allan you lucky boy." So no wonder I am happy darling. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for sending the pictures. Now to answer you letters, both of which I considered good. They were dated July 8th and 12th respectively. Was so sorry to hear of Walter having to leave for Barrie, also of his having to go so suddenly and not being able to bid Margaret goodbye. Another little heart which will be sad darling. I hope he is able to get leave. I feel deeply for your mother and you must comfort her dear. Tell her you[sic] "James" #6 is not only away from home (and his d.V.) but is in france[sic] (the land of the jinks, where nobody lives in {peace/pieces, but the rats, who thrive on pieces, and your mama has still her 'Jacob' and her 'Christopher' and her ['Winlow']. Won't she laugh dear when she sees 'her Jacob.' I am full of mischief tonight. But honestly Vivien I am sorry for your mother and I hope for her sake Walt will never have to leave Canada. Perhaps he won't have to. My own dearie don't you get into the habit of dropping off to sleep anywhere, cause if you do it when I #7 get home I'll just steal ever so many kisses from you. So you know a cure for tired eyes. You villain, I just like to try it. Where do you apply it. Oh yes! as Joan would say, Vivien 'loves her Jimmie' and Jimmie (that's my name) doesn't half love his Vivien "not 'arf[sic]." Was very much interested in your story of Walter and his companions. I hope he keeps his good record up. The marching they done was good. Sixty-pounds is regulation infantry pack and many a mile I've slugged mine before I became a 'hofficer[sic].' #8 You were speaking of the peculiar choices clever people make for life partners. I have often noticed the same thing myself. Some say they marry a girl of character, of brains, [&c.] irrespective of appearance. I know a little girlie who combines them all in herself and if she will just say the right word, I shall be forever happy. Now dearie what do you think of my choice? What you said about one of the boys of each family enlisting I heartily endorse. Vivien you're a real patriot. But don't worry darling we'll fix those yellow streaks "apres la guerre." #9 ix But darling it is nearly midnight so I must close. Will answer your letters more fully in tomorrow's letter. Just a big extra helping of love and kisses for the pictures and much affection, Your own darling, Jimmie P.S. What would you consider "something desperate" dear. "Xpapa" Oh yes. Jim.
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Type
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text
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Fonds
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Beer family fonds (F0375)
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Accession / Box
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1994-031 / 001 (01)
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Date
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27 July, 1916
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Identifier
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ASC17706
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:268512
