Ward 9, North Evington War Hospital
Leicester, July 17, 1916.

Dear Cora: -

You will be looking for a letter from me I expect, particularly as I have received two parcels of candy from you since coming here. The second one arrived this morning. I have not opened it yet but I may do so before I finish this. The other lot was very nice and you must thank Mrs. Clie for me when you write and accept a good share of thanks yourself. I also received Mother's parcel with the cake and other delicacies and they were very nice. The cake was as fresh as though it had just been baked.

My parcels have been getting to be a joke with the postman lately for within 4 days I received 9 parcels, and my locker is now full of chocolate, candy and other good things. Four of the parcels came from France, but the others came direct. It makes me feel as though I have lots of friends. Last week I received 38 letters. They came from every Province in Canada except P.E.I. So you see I have some great work ahead of me answering them all.

I am in bed now but I have been up each afternoon for the last two days. I had Dan Hyde here to see me. He came on Friday and stayed till Sunday. I was not expecting him and I could hardly believe it when I saw him. He came just when I was getting up for the first time. I had not attempted to walk then, and when I did I could not stand up. My legs gave way, and I could not get from my bed to the next one about 5 feet away. I have been walking a little since then though, but my legs are so shaky I can hardly get along. I would not have believed that 6 weeks in bed would have made me so weak.

By this time you will be home and when you get this you will be thinking of starting school again soon.

When I leave here which will be within the next two weeks I think, I shall be sent to Epsom Convalescent Camp near London. It just costs six pence to go into London from there, so it must be quite close. The camp is also 9 miles from Surbiton where Cousin Sallie lives so I shall probably see her often. The usual time at convalescent camp is 6 weeks, but at present many are being sent away from there sooner than that on account of the need of men just now. From there I shall go to Shorncliffe to the battalion headquarters, and will then get 10 days leave. Mrs. Morton The Toronto lady who has been coming to see me, has now gone to their summer home in Scotland, and they want me to go up and spend my 10 days leave with them but I have already promised to go to Cornwall a few days at least so I may not be able to go to Scotland.

You mentioned having sent $30 of my assigned pay to me. I have seen nothing of any of it yet. Did you register it? I thought when I had not received it, that you were not getting it. I think I shall keep a little in reserve in London after this, as I was practically broke when I was wounded. While in France all we draw is 20¢ a day and in hospital we are not paid anything, and even in England under ordinary conditions we draw only 50¢ a day, so a fellow has to be pretty careful in order to have any reserve fund for taking a holiday. Mother enclosed $500 the last letter I got from her, and I appreciate her kindness, but I do not want her to send me money, when I am making enough to do me, if I could only get it. Arthur also sent me 1000 and Abe $100 but as I have said, I would rather pay my own way.

I must close now,
With love to all
Affectionately
Doug

(over)

P.S. Have opened the box of candy and find it O.K. If you have occasion to send me another box some-time during the next five years of the war, just remember the peanut brittle is my favorite concoction in the candy line. That is not saying what you have sent is not very nice, but a word to the wise, etc.

Douglas

Another PS.

The mail man has just brought in your letter of June 14 with the enclosure of 3 £ 2/6 and the snapshots. The letter are very good, and the former equally as welcome. The letter with the $30 must have gone astray. Let me know if it was registered.

Doug.