Epsom
July 12/18

Dear Olga:

I have rec'd your most welcome letter and parcel dated June 16th and May 29th. It is a long time since I had a letter from you before. The parcel sure went good, especially the maple sugar. I use it in my tea to sweeten it at times. I took some down to my girl, and her folks, and they were delighted with it. They could not imagine it coming from trees, hardly. Don't judge me too harshly, and think me a flirt, but at last I have found the right girl, so we are getting married on the 20th of this month. You see my hand will never be well enough to allow me to go back to France again. I am hoping to get to Canada for harvest this year, but they might put me ion a job in this country. You see I am not building too much air castles but it is all right to hope, is it not? I hope you will see Gertie one day, as she is a fine girl. She has had to work for her living, so therefore she will not be afraid of it again, she will also know the value of money.
We near had a drought over here, but it started to rain the other day, and now does not know enough to quit. It did the gardens and crops a world of good. So you have a good time with your bike. I sued to race some with them. I'll try you a race one of these days. Also on skates, now that you have learned. It is three years since I have skated though. I used to carry messages on a cycle in France sometimes. You see each batt'n is equipped with bicycles for runners. They are heavy though. They have to be, as the roads are hard on them over there. I hope this finds you all in the best of health and doing well. Gertie sends her love. Give my love to all at home. XXX
Ever you Loving brother