Many friends of the Raes sent letters of sympathy and concern during the period when Matthew’s fate was unknown. These letters provide a glimpse of what it was like to live through these times, waiting for news from a far-away war:
The casualty lists have been so appalling in June that one dreads to pick up the paper.…Sometimes it seems as if it is all dark this time we are living in. War is so cruel, so pitiless. You have often said “The boys are so splendid”. Of course they are and we are truly thankful that they have not shirked their duty. Matthew was one of the very first to step forward.
Then in August came the news that Matthew was alive. A letter from Scotland captures the joy and relief of family and friends:
Believe me we were all crying like children, mother, Mrs. Barbour & I. When we thought of you wasn’t it like getting him back from the dead!? She was good enough to let us add a trifle to her parcel….I think its such a privilege to be allowed to do anything at all for those boys. Especially those who have come so far to the aid of the Motherland.
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