PROVINCIAL PATRIOTS.
From Jim Figgis, Whitty Bridge, to George Roberts, South Farm, Sudborough.
Dec. 5th. 1915.
Dear George,—I hear the remount officer is coming round your part. I have a compact little bay horse, just the sort for the Army. We must all do our bit now, so here's our chance. The Vet says the horse has laminitis in his off fore foot, but it's all my eye. Anyhow he's the useful sort they require for the Army. They wouldn't look at me if I offered him, but you can get round them. Give me fifty quid and I'll send him over.
Your friend, J. Figgis.
From George Roberts to Jim Figgis.
Dec. 7th, 1915.
Dear Jim,—Yours to hand. No one can say that you're not a good patriot, and I won't be No. 2. But fifty quid for that little horse—not me. Say thirty and he's mine, sound or unsound.
Yours, G. Roberts.
George Roberts to the Hon. Mordaunt Fopstone, White Lion Hotel, Sudborough.
Dec. 10th, 1915.
Dear Sir,—Hearing you are looking out for horses for the Army I write to say I have one or two which I shall be pleased to place at your disposal and at a very reasonable price, as in these times we must all give up something for the country. I shall be pleased to see you at any time convenient, except Tuesday, when I have to be at our local Agricultural Show.
Yours to command,
G. Roberts.
From the Hon. Mordaunt Fopstone to George Roberts.
Dec. 11th, 1915.
Dear Sir,—Thank you for your letter. It is very satisfactory to find local people of your position anxious to help. I will call at your farm on Friday next and see the horses you refer to. With thanks,
Yours truly, M. Fopstone.
P.S.—I have been warned against a man named Figgis. Do you know him?
From George Roberts to the Hon. Mordaunt Fopstone.
Dec. 13th, 1915.
Dear Sir,—Friday will suit me very well for your call, at any time you please. You are quite right to avoid Figgis; he is one of the small horse-dealing class who are a discredit to our country districts. Any further information is at your service.
Yours to command, G. Roberts.
From the Hon. Mordaunt Fopstone to George Roberts.
Dec. 21st, 1915.
Dear Mr. Roberts,—I have now pleasure in enclosing cheque for £65 for bay horse. As stated to you when I called at South Farm, I was not in a position to go beyond £60 without further authorisation; this I have now obtained. Thanking you for the patriotic spirit you have shown in this little business,
Yours truly, M. Fopstone.
From the Adjutant, Royal Beetshire Hussars, Tickful Camp, to Messrs. Davison Bros., The Mart, Southtown.
Jan. 1st, 1916.
Please enter bay gelding, aged, sent herewith, in your next sale without reserve, as he is not sound and of no use to Army.
Memo. from Davison Bros. to Adjutant.
Jan. 17th, 1916.
Dear Sir,—Herewith please find cheque £5 4s. 3d. for bay gelding, being amount realised for same, less our commission and expenses.
Yours faithfully, Davison Bros.
The Times heads an article, "Unity in the Air." It deals, however, with the new Anglo-French Aviation Conference and has nothing to do with the latest Peter Pan.