So it seemed to me, at least, when I was travelling, a few months ago, over some of the battle-fields of 1918; and I came home with a full heart, determined to tell the story--the last chapter in _England's Effort_--broadly and sincerely, as I best could; It was my firm confidence throughout the writing of these letters that the friendship between Britain, France, and America--a friendship on which, in my belief, rests the future happiness and peace of the world--can only gain from free speech and from the free comparison of opinion.

And in the brilliant final despatch of Sir Douglas Haig which appeared on April 12th, after six letters had been written and sent to America, will be found, I venture to suggest, the full and authoritative exposition of some at least of the main lines of thought I have so imperfectly summarised in this little book.
The ten letters were written at intervals between February and May.

It seemed better, in republishing them, not to attempt much recasting.
They represent, mainly, the impressions of a journey, and of the conversations and reading to which it led.

I have left them very much, therefore, in their original form, hoping that at least the freshness of "things seen" may atone somewhat for their many faults.
FIELDS OF VICTORY.