Letter

Doris Taylor wrote this letter in response to Maurice Baribeau's letter confirming the death at sea of her husband, Charles (Chuck) Hugh Taylor. Her husband had long been "presumed dead" because Maurice was the only witness who could confirm his death. Even though she had thought her husband was likely dead, it was still very difficult for her to accept and for Maurice to be the bearer of such news. In her letter, Doris Taylor seems quite agitated, jumping from one subject to another, writing about the British Columbia landscape one minute, then her wedding anniversary, before closing with these words: "As you can see, my mind is wandering so I will stop chattering." The letter illustrates the pain felt by friends and family of war victims and the delicate position of wartime survivors in relation to the families of those lost in combat. The letter is accompanied by an envelope addressed to Lt. Maurice Baribeau.