Pte. S.W. Ball No.436971
38th Base Detail Can. Reg.
B.E.F. France
Nov 24th 1916

Dear Uncle Sam:-

I received your letter about three weeks ago. I don't know what excuse to make for not answering it before but I have been pretty busy. I am at the Canadian Base Depot now but we were examined today and I expect to be going up to the trenches tomorrow.

I have seen quite a few fellows that I knew since I have been in France. I see Allick Ball yesterday. He is in the 89th Battn. now. I hear that Albert is missing but I hope he is not killed. I expect Edie is feeling awful bad. The weather has been pretty wet and cold here lately and it is awful muddy around the camp. I am sorry Ralph has enlisted. He is too young to be in the army alone. Joe Sanford will not care anything about when he gets back to his camp. I wonder why Ralph didn't join the same Battn. as Charlie. Does Charlie like being in the army? Well! We will not be home for Christmas this year, but you all want to enjoy yourselves just as if there was no war on. I will have to close for this time, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

With Best Love From Your Nephew,
Sammy