Autograph letter signed ("Herbert") by the film director Herbert Brenon, to his erstwhile lover, the actress José Collins, headed "midnight" and written from "Somewhere-in-France", just before going to film at the front: "In a little while Roy and I, and an officer are off for the front trenches – to see a 'show' as they call it... Roy will photograph from anywhere as you know, and we have passes taking us anywhere in the lines ... We leave in a very little while – and I've just come from a little Roman Catholic Church – and there were many others who were going forward saying their little prayers, too – Its rather natural that I should give you a thought – hence, the note – at perhaps one of the strangest moments of my life... As far as you're concerned I've messed it up a lot – and I want you to know I'm sorry... It might be my time. Men don't lie at moments like this as any man who has ever been over here can tell you... Don't think this will open up correspondence or phone calls or visits – I'm finished – I've promised a chap (whose power doesn't mean a damn to me) but whose respect I sincerely esteem, that I'd quit – and I have – Tell him you got this note, if you want – I wouldn't like him to think I had broken faith – I like him too genuinely for that... I never in my life felt, just as I feel now – I've seen some wonderful, some terrible – some pathetic – bloody sights – I've seen more in these few days than the soldier sees in years – and it has made me realize how utterly insignificant any one of us is... The worst I wish you tonight is absolute peace – happiness – and comfort – ever. There has been much feeling in my heart against you – Tonight – it is swept away – It is as nothing – one hour here, amidst this great conflict and you'd understand how I feel"; autograph envelope, stamped and postmarked, with base censor's paper seal, 2 pages, written on lined paper, 8vo, "Somewhere-in-France", 30 October 1918