Sewell Man. July 4/15

Dear Mother -

It must be nearly two weeks since i wrote the last letter but I cannot think of anything to put in a letter. I got your parcel today and we had dinner out of it. We did not get full pay on the first as they kept money out for our uniforms and cannot send any home this time. We have had rain nearly every day for the past week, it even rained on the 1st. We had a big shorts day and these was all kinds of people down here from different parts of the country. We have been shooting at the ranges and I passed the first three trials so far but do not know how many more we have to pass. I was told that if four went together they could get the fare reduced to $13 but I do not see my way clear to go home for some time yet. It takes quite a bit of money to keep a fellow in camp as it takes quite a bit for the canteen, pictures shows and the restaurants and other things in camp. Eddies letter has not come yet. I am sending a few snaps we have had taken and we had another one taken today. We have a swimming pool open now and a new vanderville show opening up shortly so you can see that it is just like living in a big town. We are to have a big inspection some time next week by Col. Tessard of the Canadian Militia. There is some talk of us leaving this month and some one else said we would be here till fall and some others say we will be on the harvestfield so you know just about as much of it as we do ourselves. It is pretty hot today the first time for some time. These are sure some awful looking snap but still that was what we wanted. I was going to write to Edna some of these days but I cannot think of anything to say but if you will give her one of each of these snaps with my love I think that should square for a letter. I suppose Miss [?] would like to have some but she has enough of mine. If you can let Percy see them I wish you would let them see it and the rest of the boys to show them that we are not down hearted. All the passes have been cancelled till after the big inspection and some have been called back so that they can have everybody here for the occasion. I see that quite a few of the B'f'd boys are recommended for stripes and Bill May is to get two when he gets his certificate which he has to send home to get. We were told that the scouts were to get special instructions some time soon. If dad wants to come down here for a few days he does not have to send for a pass. All he has to do is to let me know when he is coming down and I can get a pass from our Major here without him sending for it and I could meet him at the train and give it to him. I do not know what he could do about a place to sleep but he can get his meals here as there are three places to eat that are run by private parties. Well I guess I will have to close as I cannot think of anything more to say.

Love to all

from your loving son

Gordon