47. Fenton Lee
New Herrington
Fence Houses
Durham
2.12.18

Dear Mrs Murphy
You will no doubt be suprised to hear from me a complete stranger to you but we have just had your husband staying along with my son with us for a week & he begged of me to write to you. My son & he are stationed in the same hospital & seem to be very dear pals. The hospital where they are seem to be a good one & I am sure you need'nt worry of your husband as he is coming on fine. His wound seems to be healing alright & I should think you will be having [?]ome with you again when the year turns. We were so glad to have him with us because when the hes been in the army as long & wounded a change is always welcome to break the monotony. The weather has been great while they have been here & they have been able to get out all the week. It is a very quiet place we live in. It is a colliery village but there is a town just five miles away & they were able to take the car there whenever they wished. We are 130 miles from the hospital but it only takes about 8 hrs to go. They started away this morning at ten & would arrive in London about 6pm this evening. I thought it was an awful long time only seeing my son once a year but it must have been a lifetime to you but still it is over at last & the boys will all get settled at home again Mike often talked of you & your darling little girl & I should long for a photo of you both I think your husband can hardly [?] your little girl to be anything but a baby still when they are away from home they cannot picture their kiddies growing up. My baby is 20 years of age & is fighting with the forces in France. He has been lucky & not had any accident since he went out & I hope it wont be long before we have him home with us. The factories & works are all applying to get their men & boys back again to work.
We are just waiting now of a wire to say that Stan & Mike have arrived at Hospital. We are looking forward to them coming again at Xmas we will welcome your husband to our home any time now we have enjoyed his company so much. He asked me to tell you he had a glorious time with us & it is the first taste of home life he has had since he left your home. I am enclosing my son photograph that is with your husband also one of my husband & myself now dear friend I must close sending my best wishes to you & baby & hope you will soon have your dear one with you
I remain yours sincerely
E. Johnson