Sept 14 1915 Dear Father, Your last letter is packed in my haversack, and is probably on its way to France now. We are also on our way. As far as the camp is concerned we are through, as our personal effects left today. We, not caring to sleep on ground without blankets, came into town, and are waiting here for word to embark. We may go tomorrow or we may not go until day after, but that will be latest. Garfat and I are staying at Metropole here, and it is only about a mile from the dock, where we get the boat. We struck the Brigadier in a good mood and he allowed us to leave camp as a special privilege. Last night he received orders to put on his cross arms, which denotes Brigadier General. So he came out this morning with his cap on, which had cross arms, while his coat had ensigns of a colonel. He did not think I would notice it, but I spotted it in a minute and lost no time in congratulating him and telling him what I thought of the appointment. He was so pleased that I should notice it that he became quite talkative, and as a result we could put a lot of things over that we had been holding over for a more receptive hearing. When I asked him if I might leave camp and live at the Metropole the last few hours, he just looked at me and said "you young dog, living at the best hotels and the rest of the men confined to camp". However, he ended up by saying I could stay any place I liked, and took me down town in his own private limousine. So he is a pretty good head eh? As I said your letter is not to hand, but I will try to answer some of your questions. Yes I still receive the 'Rep'. although I missed last week's issue. If they will address same, but leave out Otterpool, will continue to receive it in France. If you will send me a paper once in awhile I would like very much the 'Toronto Saturday Night' or the 'Saturday Evening Post'. Both are fine. I think I told Mother about the socks. No hurry about them! Re promotions. I believe I was put through as Captain on June 19th. However there is some misunderstanding between Canadian and Imperial authorities re matter so I will not put up my extra star until it has all been settled. One of the staff officers went to Canada the other day and he is going to look matter up. Re pay. Although still wearing two stars of lieutenant, I am drawing, thru the forethought and trouble of the Brigadier a little better than the pay of a major. I don't know how long it will last, as when we go to the front they may cut it down to the ordinary pay of rank. And by the way, about two weeks ago, I got my traveling expenses, which I incurred in Canada. They allowed me £6:0:1, which is roughly $30:00 as you know. That gives you some idea as to how slow they are in putting thru such things ? Just about three months after application for same. Mr and Mrs Annesley H. Reide have been over to the hotel and have invited me over for dinner tomorrow evening. They say they have a couple of partridge, which will not keep, so I think I shall strain a point. I think I told you that Mr Reade is the cashier at my bank, and quite a decent chap. I was also up to Miss Smiths for tea, dinner I mean, night before last. Both she and her brother are just as charming as ever. I could spend a month there it is so nice. I told them I would live with them when I got wounded. I have about half a dozen nice places to go, if such an occasion arises. Must close now, but before I do, I want to say that you must not worry about me. I will be O.K. and if I can possibly cable, I shall, but if not, I will write as soon as I arrive. Until you hear anything contrary, I am O.K. and in good hands. Lots of love for all the family. Loving son Wilbert