Sling Camp
2nd January 1918
Dear Uncle Julius
My fortnight of leave finished, here I am back again on Salisbury Plain. In London I spent a very pleasant evening with Jack and went on to Eastbourne according to plan, on the following morning. Aunt Lizzie made me feel quite at home at Eynsford from the outset and the good Aunt certainly does understand the little details that go to make for the comfort of visitors. I have an invitation to go there again for a longer time, and I am not to wait to be asked. I mentioned that you had proposed visiting Ash with me some time and Aunt Lizzie said she would be glad to see us at Eynsford. I have the most pleasant recollections of my stay there. I think Aunt Lizzie is a wonderful old lady.
At Southampton I stayed at Aldersmoon with Mrs Simkins who is Mother's cousin, but the Compton cousins who had been staying there had gone back to Wincanton.
Aldersmoon is a magnificent old place. To my rather simple tastes everything there seemed on a very grand scale and a trifle awesome.
It is not quite so cold here as it was a fortnight ago. There is nothing decided yet as to our movements.
I have posted you Gerard's book on his four years of office which I hope may interest you.
Xmas 1917 will always have pleasant thoughts for me, of my first Xmas in England, and the gathering at Badsey. Best wishes to all for the New Year.
From your affectionate nephew
Bernard Sladden
