Skip to main content

Forty-three handwritten letters sent from Leslie G. Cairns to Irene J. Young, 5 January 1938 - 16 January 1940

 File — Box: CLX-A-1541
Identifier: Coll-1657/4/3/6

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Forty-three letters written from Leslie G. Cairns to Irene J. Young while at University between 5 January 1938 and 16 January 1940. The letters are all handwritten and some contain drawings and illustrations by Leslie Cairns.

Notable letters include:

  1. A Valentines Day card in the shape of a red love heart, sent in February 1938.
  2. A letter sent on 1 April 1939, expressing worry at the statement made that morning by Neville Chamberlain. Leslie states "I do think that in view of the statement made today war is not far off." It can be inferred that Leslie was referring to the speech delivered on 1 April 1939 by Neville Chamberlain in the House of Commons, where he announced the declaration of war on Germany following the invasion of Poland. At the top of the letter, Leslie writes "Don't read this if you don't want to! I'll understand!"
  3. A letter sent on 28 September 1938, where Leslie first expresses "I love you Irene", stating that prior to this, "we have discussed many topics [...] but we have never touched on the subject of love."
  4. A telegram (undated) wishing Irene J. Young a merry Christmas.

Dates

  • Creation: 5 January 1938 - 16 January 1940

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Some material is restricted due to Data Protection legislation. Please contact the repository in advance.

Full Extent

43 letters

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Originally from accession: SC-Acc-2016-0052

Related Names

Subjects

Physical Storage Information

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

https://library.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections
Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379