Seaford Sussex

England

June 13/18

Dear Mother

I got your letter dated May 9 three days ago And was glad to hear from you and Sonny's [?] also. I would have answered right away but I had just written on Sunday so it was no use writing again on Monday was it. I waited a day or so for news to accumulate. Since receiving the letter have been shifted from the quarantine camp. It has kept us busy. We have all our new equipment and there is about 200 pieces of brass to shine so I never have much to time kill. There is no leather but canvas that has to be cleaned with blanco. We haven't got our rifle yet but expect to get it any day. We are still in tents 9 men in each. With all our outfit it makes a neat fit without any rifle. I hope we don't get one till we are put in huts.

There are lots of Ladys with boys here. The first Couple of night I met about 50 Lots of them I never thought to be looking for. Dominick O'Connell & Dan are both here and Tom Porter from Saltair and tell Charles the section man that used to chase Daisy and Violet of the track is here also. I forget his name but knew him right away. Then I met young Jimmy Calendar. And Mike [?] brother. Georg Charles the High School teachers son is hear in Kilts sent back from France for being underage. Archie & Billy [?] are here they would have been call up in the Imperial Army so the camp to the Canadian That is a few to give you an idea. I would take about six pages to tell you them all. The whole of ladys with must've gone. At least all the Old Timers.

I got a card today from Cousin Mary. She is going to send me some pictures they had to take when John was home on his leave. I wrote her about a week ago so I guess I'll be getting them soon. They will give me an idea what they look like. I also got a letter from Milly Smith Kuris quite surprises I wondered who else was writing me from Scotland. She say Aunt Mary form Carluke send my address to them. I guess that is Uncle Davy's wife I've forgotten wether it is or not. I'll soon find out thought when I land up there. Aunty McGarrigle had also sent my address to them. She says Aunty and them have been pretty friendly ever since Dad was back in the old country. She sent a very hearty invitation for me to go to see them. They are staying at "Ballark House, Nairn," in the Highlands. I guess did well know the place. Tommy is in France there are only Uncle Sandy Aunt Margaret Jean and Milly at home. She was wondering if I remember Sandy. She says he is in Victoria. They must think my memory is punk. She told me to be sure and remember them all to you I don't think I will have enough leave to go see them. There invitation includes a chum if I have any but I don't think I'll impose on them.

Well mother that is quite a lot to write about this country. It's a good job I waited a couple of days isn't it. How is everything in Kamloops. They must have been quite a blow out on May day I got another letter from [?] the other day. He writes pretty regular. Ill answer his letter tomorrow. Dont worry about me not having any money Mother I have all my money I left with and ten dollars paid in Amherst. I can't get a chance to spend any. In camp all the time I tried last night at three different Canteens to get candy or hum and couldn't. All they have is tobacco & polish. So if you send me anything put in a few chocolate nut bars and some gum. Tell Hannah not to worry about me spoiling my jaws. There isn't any dances here so I won't chew gum while dancing. I will write to Sonny in a day or so, Tell dad those stories Keast use to tell about Indian army life were more truth then poetry. There are a lot of storys to tell in the Army well this is a lot at present. I will close now with lots of love to all.

your loving son

John