Letters from Gridley to his wife during his temporary posting as Acting Chief of the Coal Division of the North African Economic Board, on subjects including: Gridley's departure for Algeria and his wish to return home quickly; the journey out and initial impressions of his working environment; his pride in his sons; his view of the challenges ahead and limited possibilities in his temporary posting; domestic conditions; an air-raid; the effect of Winston Churchill's broadcast from Quebec [Canada] and his prestige abroad; local attitudes to the war, particularly among French refugees; family affairs; news of Italy's surrender; difficulties in dealing with the Americans; a trip to Morocco; conflicting job offers from NAEB and the War Office and his own preference for a military post; pressure from NAEB to take up their offer; his return home and the difficulties of his decision.