No. 1 Tunneling Co.,
Canadians
B.E.F
France
Nov 19th 16
Dear Emma,
Yours of the 29th ult. to hand. Jack did not mention the visit of his lady friend, tho I met her when down to see Ben alias Ashton Row. She is a charming woman and has a dear little girl about 8 or 9 years old who she informed me was my future daughter-in-law. They are very nice people, I think the name is Warner, and are the local nabobs from all appearances.
As for that extra $5.00 monthly, I was only made an acting sergeant, and am only a corporal as far as pay is concerned. There are only a certain number allowed, and they were all filled at Winnipeg. Only one vacancy has occurred and that was grabbed by the quartermaster's department.
In my last letter I told you about the Saturday Evening Posts. Also if you could send me a weekly Winnipeg paper. Send a dollar to the Stuffed Club, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. I have not seen one since June 15th. There will be something extra for foreign postage. Buy one at McCullough's or some other newsstand and find out their rates.
Yes, it would be nice to save something. For my own part cannot expect much, but the boys should have something.
Had a postcard from Frank that he arrived on the Empress of Ireland all O.K. I interviewed for officer commanding re: leave this morning. He does not hold out much hope for some time to come, but you never know your luck.
We have had a couple of frosts that you feel in this damp climate, especially at night. I have fairly comfortable quarters, myself and two sergeants having a tent to ourselves, with an impoverished stove made form an oil can, and homemade stove pipes. We rustle the fuel. Have made beds out of sacking and lumber, have a table and a shelf, and a rack on the pole for our clothes, so are quite comfy. The first duty of a soldier is to keep himself fit, so we feel we are doing our duty.
Well, Xmas will be close when you receive this letter, so in the meantime keep all the festivities of the season in your own place. Love to all.
Dad
P.S. Tell Philip to send those letters whether they are finished or not.
