Item 131 - Letter from J. H. Whitfield to James Smith

23 Leckford Road, Oxford.—Apologises for the interval in their correspondence. Smith’s entry into the [Catholic] Church made him feel awkward about writing, owing to the divergence in their views. Hopes Smith will not be in Venezuela for too long. Remains optimistic about the course of the war. Foligno’s departure has increased his duties, and they are working hard in the garden and digging trenches. They are expecting a daughter next month, so he cannot go away, and it will be too late for Smith to be able to visit them. Asks for his new address and assures him that, ‘incomprehension notwithstanding, my silence was not forgetfulness’.