Ifor is longing to hear from his parents once again. He lists a number of individuals he has received correspondence from and asks his parents to let them know he will reply to them at a later date. Ifor remarks that no delicacies sent to them after 10 January 1915 will be delivered. He says that Golden Syrup, soup extracts and nut meat would be acceptable. He then asks how everyone is (specifically mentioning Jaden and his grandmother), asks if they have heard any good news and says that he is looking forward to coming home but has little hope.
Ifor is thanking his parents for the parcels he has received (a tin of biscuits and a birthday package). A experiment which may be repeated. He has also received £5 and is asking for more to be sent around the 3rd of the month. He is enjoying the books they sent, is well and fairly cheerful. Currently Ifor is exchanging French and German lessons with a man called Harold. He is also getting some grammar work done as well as his reading. Ifor looks forward to hearing from his parents and appreciates all the things they send.
Ifor is sending his gratitude for the parcel sent on the 29th January containing breeches; his knickers were in a terrible state. Now he is asking for a matching coat (half Norfolk); his coat also being in a sorry state. Ifor goes on to ask for the parcel to be made 'a weekly institution', asking for Potatoes, onions, nut meat and biscuits. For his next parcel he would like a few tins of cocoa, coffee, milk and marmite extract. He has received his money the same day. He is getting a good amount of work and reading in. He now writes every 10 days as they are permitted 2 cards per week.
Ifor is letting his parents know that he feels that it has been a long time since he has last heard from them. He notes that sent parcels are still missing, however he states once again that the birthday parcel and the biscuits were most acceptable. Ifor is asking for 100 marks to be sent each month; he apparently spends approximately 15 marks each week. He stresses that his time is not being wasted and briefly outlines what he is learning. Ifor hopes his parents are well, asks after Willie and asks that they write to him as much as possible. He asks how Prince is, then requests that they send him a dozen handkerchiefs and knitted stockings.
Ifor sends thanks for postcards sent the 26th February and 4th, 5th and 9th March; he observes that postcards seem to take a day longer coming from Geneva and recommends trying through Holland. Mr Heck has written to Ifor offering to act as a middleman for his correspondence; Ifor hopes that sending money through him will result in a better exchange. He pledges to write a letter in a day or so.
Once again Ifor sends thanks for parcels and postcards. He asks that his parents pass on his thanks to Mrs D. P. Davies and Mr Jack Jones for the things they have sent him. Ifor says that their party is still together and in as good spirits as can be expected given the circumstances. The bread from Whiteley's arrived for Dale and himself in reasonable condition. Finally he sends thanks for the Tabacco and Eau de Colgne.
Informs that Mr Ifor Leslie Evans is a guest of the citizens of Leith upon his return from Germany. Smith's Restaurant and Rooms, Duke Street have been reserved as a "Hospitality House" where meals will be served and railway tickets issued.
He writes that he has been in Ruhleben for just over a week. Ifor would be very grateful to feel that his parents do not worry about him. He has Messrs Dale and Heyhesdon(?) for company, they are all beginning to settle down. Ifor writes that he has purchased some materials to make some clogs and a sleeping bag in preparation for the coming cold.
Ifor wants the order with American Express Company to be cancelled at once. He finds them very expensive and they are unable to supply what he needs. He provides a list of food stuffs he would like to be supplied with. He writes that bread may be sent if packaged in a cardboard box.
Sends his usual gratitude for the parcels he received. He writes that he much appreciates the parcels he gets that meet his requirements. On the other hand he takes a very dim view of "expert advice" and "regulation parcels". Ifor says that those giving out such advice should spend a little time actually living in the camp first.
Acknowledging the receipt of parcels. He expresses surprise that one contains meat and that such variety is possible (if little imagination shown). Ifor writes that Dale has moved away; J. F. Evans and a nice old Frenchman have come to live with him. He is pleased to have received a letter from Mr J. James and asks his mother to send £5.
He once again sends thanks for the regular postcards and parcels she sends. However he explains that the last 3 loaves of bread send were mildewed. Therefore he made arrangements with Mr Heck in Holland to send a weekly parcel containing bread, butter and cheese. He asks that all future arrangements be made through him and not through Mr Gaston. Ifor expresses his pleasure in hearing about his parent's trip to Bideford, wishing that he had been there.
Ifor sends his thanks for the parcels she sends. Bread comes perfectly from Whiteley's. He asks that she not send eggs(?) again, they have all to be thrown away and they can buy them there. He also requests that his mother sends Bird's or Eiffel Tower lemon powder and baked beans (Heinz).
Notes on items received; parcel on 01 September 1915 dated 17 August 1915 from his mum; a parcel from Mrs D. Philipps (Llwydcoed) and Miss(?) M. Jones (Victoria Square); on 02 September 1915 a card from mum dated 27 August 1915; on 03 September parcel containing baked beans and bread (rotten) and a postcard of 26 August 1915. Ifor is still keeping in good health and fine spirits, is able to get work done and fit in a lot of reading. He hopes to see his mother in 12 around 12 months.
Acknowledging 2 parcels he has received, listing the contents. He writes that all the goods were of good quality but difficult to live off for a week. His father misunderstands him; his father has said he should be difficult given the circumstances. Ifor on the other hand feels Selfridges should not be permitted to profit from the situation.
He sends thanks for her postcard, but reports that he has not yet met the people she mentions. Ifor fears being stuck there for Christmas and mentions that Xmas parcels are expected after the 5th of the month. He requests that his mother sends him some pudding, mince pies, cake as well as listed selection of books. He is keeping well and is quite comfortable having purchased a sleeping sack. Ifor finishes by sending best wishes from Dale.
Thanking his mother for regular parcels and her generosity. He has received books from Smith's and is very happy to have Marshall's Principles of Economics which he works on each day. Ifor sends special thanks for the Welsh language books; he manages to find the time to study the language.
Confirming receipt of a parcel containing booker. The bread he receives is bad again and he asks her not to send any more, it angers him to have to throw it away; even Whiteley's bread is bad. Around 4 months ago he received a parcel from American Express but has not had anything delivered since. He asks his Mum not to send anything via them again. Ifor is resigned to being kept detained until next August and asks for plenty of biscuits (plain and wholesome) which he depends on.
Lists the parcels he has received; a 2nd bread parcel from Switzerland; 2 parcels from his mother dated 25 September 1915 and 05 October 1915; 2 parcels H and P. Ifor describes that they woke up two days ago to discover snow several meters deep had fallen. It has since been very cold. He then expresses his hope that his parents have sent him a warm pair of gloves and a woollen helmet.
