Box A19, Nairobi, Kenya
April 27

Dear Phyllis, Ed, and Jane,

I have not written to you for a while now so it is really high time I did so. First of all I hope Jane got my telegram for her birthday. I wonder if she did because I have not received any answer. Anyway all my best to her and I wish I could have given her something nice as a present. Incidentally we had a sort of birthday party for her and sang “Happy birthday to Jane.” I hope she appreciates that. – Mother will tell you about my new job I expect. It is a good one and I am very pleased about it. It is quite a good step in the right direction and I hope I can make good in it. – By the way, before I forget, Phyllis, I got 300 cigarettes from you in quite good shape. Thanks very much indeed. They are always very welcome. I got 300 from [Mye?] also. You might thank her for me and tell her that there is a letter on the way to her and Len. Tell Len that we really have not been keeping up a correspondence but that is all my fault – It was good to get the news, Ed. that you had done well in your job at Kansas. Congratulations. (My congratulations, of course, are of purely academic value beside Blaylock’s) But just keep it up and you will soon draw up level with him. – I have just seen two films in a row, quite old to you I expect but the only good ones that I have seen in East Africa. “Mrs. Miniver” and “In which we serve.” If you have not seen them do see them. They are worth it. Incidentally “Mrs. Miniver” gives a very exact picture of what it was like in the air raids. It is not exaggerated at all. This town of Nairobi, although the best in East Africa still leaves a very great deal to be desired. For entertainment there are only three picture houses (all very old pictures) and two so-called night-clubs which only stay open until twelve-o’clock and are rather sticky. The orchestras are bad too. I should like to be back in Cape Town, or better still London or best of all Vancouver. – I still have not received any more pictures of Jane but I understand they are on the way. I got two the other day in a letter from Mother dated sometime in May but she was only twelve weeks old. I still won’t believe she has hair until I see for myself. – This is about all I can think of without repeating too much of my letters home. – Will you assure me again that Mother is alright, was it anything serious and has she got a girl to look after things properly. I seem to feel somehow that she will not be too strong. Do let me know about it won’t you. I hear Pauline has not been well either. Is she still going to get married this year or not. I shall close now sending all three of you my love and best wishes.

Love,
Hampton.

[Editor’s note: While no year was included with the written date, the letter’s contents indicate it was 1943.]