[opening pages missing; initial page is numbered “5” at top]
[?] Weston’s sox this morning. Will fix it to-night, tho, as I expect to stay in, print, and go to bed early.
Must answer a couple of your letters now.
Don’t think I am not satisfied here, as I am – in a way. How can you expect tho that I can feel contented, when the boys I know, are in France, living under conditions that you know little of and I am here, with all possible comforts at this time. How do you think I can go back and associate with the few of them who return and the relatives of those who do not? of course we are promised that we will go to France and it is impossible for us to get to another unit at present. I firmly believe tho, that all the A. men of this unit will be placed in the trenches. This is a fact, conscription or no conscription, because the campaign must go thro another winter and the Lord only knows how many after that. Don’t kid yourselves that the war will be over soon, unless something unforseen happens. It is a heavy push tho.
You can readily understand that I would prefer to go across with a commission and the R.F.C. offers the only chance of this now. Besides this, I believe the planes will do more than anything else to end the war.
I guess Ellis the milkman has “gone west” all right, and you can be sure that many of the others will follow him. Sorry Ault is so far away, but will try and locate him. If he is not in too bad shape, he is one of the lucky ones. A good Blighty and trip back to Canada is what every one of the boys prays for. It is an easy way out of the misery over there.
It is now 1.30 and I have started to work again for a little while. That [?] is going to-day also and our boys play baseb–. again so I will likely go down to the game, but am going to print to-night. Have a good few to get off for the boys.
I received diary pages O.K. and money order No 3104, also had a letter from Bess McKinnon. I have not written Kim, since May 9th and that was in reply to his last letter. He can send another susp. anytime.
Glad all the people are as well as they are, but wish Grandpas were better. You must have had some fine drive in that rain storm. Mae also spoke of it in her letter, she was at Beuford for the holiday. Why on earth don’t you have more company, it would be much better for you all and not half so lonely.
I see by last nights paper that Conscription passed the lower house, but I am afraid the Senate will kill it to force a new election.
I am most well and cabling for money to-day, as my pass will go thro and I hope to leave for Ireland on the night of the 3rd or 4th of August. I nearly fainted this A.M. on pay parade, I expected to get £1/-/- and got £3/-/-. They may have known that I was trying for pass, but I doubt it, and that is £5/ I have had this month. I must be a little overdrawn. Of course we get full transportation paid both ways, rail and boat on a pass of this kind.
Heard from Floss and she will likely be back that way later. Yes I am thin, about 145 to 148, but quite enough for this weather, as it is most terribly hot sometimes.
Will write Ault and try to get particulars and see him if possible, May also see Alex Lovegood. It is not necessary to send my number when you send to the unit. That is for delivery, of course the telegraph people may demand it, I don’t know.
Guess this will do for this time.
Lovingly,
Worth.
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