GAULLE Charles de. L. A. S., [Freetown], 28 September [1940], to his wife Yvonne de Gaulle, in Pettswood; 3 1/2 pages in-4. On the internationalisation of the conflict, during his trip to Africa to try to rally the colonies to Free France. [On 23 September, an attempted landing at Dakar failed]. "My dear little wife, As you have seen, the Dakar affair was not a success. Vichy, who was expecting it, had taken extraordinary defensive measures, sent a secure squadron and reinforcements, and surrounded my supporters in advance. As I did not want a pitched battle between the French, I withdrew my forces in time to avoid it. The English then gave in. For the moment, all the plaster is falling on my head. But my loyal followers remain loyal to me and I remain hopeful for the future. [...] I don't intend to return to London for some time. You have to be patient and firm. How I have thought of you and still think of you and the babies in all these bombings! [...] I consider that the "Battle of Britain" has now been won. But I expect the Germans, Italians and Spanish to descend on Africa. American intervention now seems certain. This is the greatest drama in history, and your poor husband is being thrown into the thick of it with all the inevitable ferocity against those who hold the stage. Let's hold on! No storm lasts forever. I embrace you with all my heart as I love you"... LNC, I, p. 1045.