In this deeply personal letter to his son Christopher, J.R.R. Tolkien shares his reflections on the horrors of war and his longing for his son's presence. He expresses despair over the senseless waste and the profound moral and spiritual toll of war, lamenting the shortness of human memory that allows such cycles of suffering to perpetuate. Despite this, Tolkien finds solace in the belief that evil's efforts ultimately prepare the ground for unexpected good, emphasizing the inherent value of deeds beyond their immediate effects.

Tolkien offers comfort and hope, drawing on both their natural courage and faith, to face whatever evils may come, reinforced by the special bond they share which he believes will endure beyond this life. He candidly discusses the challenges of his own work, sharing updates on the progress of "The Lord of the Rings," including the adventures of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, and a charming diversion into a hobbit nursery rhyme about an Oliphaunt, showcasing Tolkien's creative process and the joy he finds in his fictional world.

He ends the letter with a heartfelt wish for the letter to safely reach Christopher, expressing a desire for a more magical means of communication that could fully convey his thoughts and visions.

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