Somewhere beyond the pacific,
Jan. 4th, 1919

Dear Martha:

The spirit again moves to write ye this cold wintry morning. A fierce cold wind is blowing which freezes my moustache, or rather frosts it. Received your letter dated Nov. 17th. on Dec. 30th. Was sorry that you and Margaret fell so easy for that disease, I did not know you were so selfish as to take everything that was going and you sure must have "taking ways." Your account of the peace celebration on Beeton was very interesting, I suppose it was the biggest excitement they have had in Beeton for some time, but the future will hold a great deal more when the Beeton boys begin coming home.

Many rumours, gossip and speculation are afloat as regards to our early return to Canada. With almost two years' experience in the army I have acquired the habit of letting a rumour in one "door" and out the other. However, I am of the opinion that we shall be home anyway to celebrate the 24th of May, and that we shall be discharged soon after. In that case, I would almost like to attend a summer session at either Toronto University or Queen's to brush up. Do you think my finances could stand it? I don't think I have lost any of my enthusiasm, in fact I have now become more enthusiastic than ever about teaching! I had an article sent me by Margaret Robinson, in which the Government is going to pay all expenses for a four year university course for those who wish (returned soldiers) to become teachers. Whether I shall take advantage of that or not, depends upon future circumstances.

I had a letter from Margaret Robinson in the last mail. It was a short letter, and conveyed to me the sad news that her officer brother had died of died of diphtheria in France on the day that the armistice was signed. What a terrible disappointment to them, who had looked forward with no little pleasure to his homecoming after an absence of three and a half years. She said that her mother was wonderfully brave, and that she felt very thankful for that. The Robinson family is one of the nicest families that it had been my pleasure to know. The two older girls, Margaret and Elsie, teach in the same school, and the two youngest girls, Louise and Marie, are going to high school. An only brother now works in a bank. What a promising family! The mother is an exceedingly nice woman. I have seen very little of the rather as he is a commercial traveler, I have counted myself fortunate indeed to become acquainted with them as I have. To write a letter of condolence to such a family is a task that very few can accomplish. On an occasion of this kind, my scant vocabulary knowledge fails me to express the thoughts that I would express. There are many sad homes in this old world as a result of this war. people who have lost relatives in the past and successful struggle for world freedom and democracy, cannot partake of the material rejoicings over peace, but can thanks Almightly God that the awful carnage was at last over, and that their dear relatives did not pay the supreme sacrifice in vain. Their's is the glory to have as relatives such noble, heroic and brave men.

I also had a letter from Emerson dated Nov. 2nd. He did not know then that I was out here, but was wondering why I was not writing. He was then back to his unit, and expected a leave to England. A longer leave will now be in store for him, if he is not enjoying the pleasure of it now. I also had a letter from Owen, who had expected to sail for here on Dec. 5th. I scarcely think he will come now, and I hope he does not, for his wife's sake.

In striking contrast to the ideal Xmas Day, was our weather on New Year's Dar, for we were then favoured with a good old-fashioned Siberian blizzard which hurled the snow and everything moveable in all directions, and made it quite disagreeable to even poke our noses outside. The Russians thought it was terrible, but I convinced them by my scant knowledge of Russian, that we have just as bad in Canada. I had provided myself with magazines and plenty of writing materials, so spent the day accordingly.

Am beginning to suffer somewhat from mental exhaustion so should now hang up the receiver and write to Emma and Eliza. Best of luck, healthy and happiness to you.

Your loving brother,
Pte. Douglas McAdam.

Same address.

P.S. Am enclosing a couple of snaps. One is a snap of a Chinese stevedore, who is prepared to carry on his back a heavy burden. The other is a view of the part of this city.

Douglas

Jan 4/19