R.R.#1, Dundalk, Ont., April 24, 1917
My Dear Ronnie,
Yours dated March 29th just received and pleased to hear that you were well and able to do your bit. I hope this finds you the same. You will know by this time what war is. The press are giving the Canucks great praise. They certainly had the place of honour but according to the casualties they are paying a price for it. The casualties are coming in by the thousand every day. There are a few MacKinnons but your number has not appeared yet and we are hoping that it will not, but by the time you get this it will seem to you like ancient history. We are still getting winter weather yet. Frost every night! But still, it's nothing like the trenches! We have not heard from Archie since he went back to the hospital. He will be too busy to write. We have got your photo enlarged and framed (and Archie's). They are very nice: they make two splendid pictures. You mention about the mud. The mud will be gone by this time. I am enclosing a dollar bill from Mother instead of a parcel. Archie says it is best and you can change it in the Y.M.C.A. You will have the postage that way. Let me know how it works. There are two or three parcels on the way. You ought to get them before this letter. No more, Ronnie, my boy. Hoping this gets you well and that the war will soon be over. So God be with you, my boy.
Your affectionate Father, A McK