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Title
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Letter from James Smith to Vivien Beer, February 8th, 1919
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Description
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Consists of a letter written by James Smith to Vivien Beer. Item includes envelope. Transcription is as follows: [Parkison], Hamilton 8th Feb. 1919 Dear Miss Beer I have just been writing to Miss Allan, so will send you a few lines too. Miss Allan mentioned in her last letter that you had written me, but I did not receive it. I hope you are keeping well & I feel sure you have been busy with war work &c. I seem never to have a spare moment & my correspondence is sadly in arrears. Two of my [Bank] lads are in India & another East & I wish they were home. I often wonder how you are getting along. I was so sorry to hear that you had lost your brother on the field. Truly you have had your share of sorrow, wave upon wave. And yet I know that your sorrow is deeply tinged with pride for the gallant lads, who so bravely fought & died for us. A friend of mine here had news last Nov. of the death from wounds of his third & last son, all fine boys & now how desolate is their home, but never a word of complaint. He goes about as usual, only there has come into his face |page 2: a wistful, far away expression which is so pathetic. I keep Jim's photo above with those of some other boy friends of mine also "gone west" on my mantelpiece & I often think of pleasant hours spent in their company & wonder if we are worthy of their noble sacrifice. I like to have their happy faces smiling down on me & sometimes wonder if they can see me. Do you ever read Tennyson's "In Memoriam"? I think it is fine & you remember in his "May Queen" how she says on her death bed "I'll be often, often with you, when you think I'm far away." Sometimes when you have time perhaps you will send me a line or two, & please address- Clydesdale Bank Hamilton Scotland With all good wishes Your very sincerely James Smith
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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 (05)
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Date
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8 February 1919
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Identifier
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ASC27645
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Identifier (PID)
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yul:271015
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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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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 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
