On board.
Halifax. N.S.
Oct. 31., '16

Dear Lulu

I have written a p.c. to you and have sent it by one channel; now I am sending a letter by another. Surely one of them will prove safe!

We got to Halifax about 2 a.m., just as your father said, and marched to the dock just as day broke. Now we are on the transport waiting to move off; how long or short that will be I don't know.

That I have written before opening your letter as I thought you would have me wait until I got fairly settled on board. I was delighted to get it. Yes, that is much better than waiting until after I get to England.

The lunch you put up for me was very fine and dainty and I enjoyed it immensely; not less because about twelve other men shared it with me. We did not get another meal until about 12 a.m. the day after - is today. Then we had dinner.

I hate to feel that maybe you will not get this letter. Anyway I shall do my best to get it away. Those two weeks at Digby were very happy indeed for me, & I was tempted to hope that we should have to stay all winter. But it is better as it is, for we must get this war over. After that I shall come back all being well, and shall want an invitation to stay at Digby. Then duty will not be in conflict with desire.

As for the work you did for me, why you could not have done more! It seemed to me as if you did all you could to make me feel at home - & I a perfect stranger. I simply made suggestions and you and the others did all & more by far than I ever thought of. And you did a great deal of good to the men - more than I could have done in a year.

Now this will be the last letter I can post this side the Atlantic I suppose. So you will not get another letter from me for two weeks anyway. Then I shall not get one from you for the same time I suppose, Lulu. Where I shall be then I dont know. I intend to volunteer for the trenches - if opportunity is given - as early as possible after a few days leave to see my people.

I shall value your prayer and thoughts about me very highly, & maybe God will answer them, I want you to pray that He will not only keep me safe, but that He will make me courageous and daring. It is such men we need to win this war, and I dont know whether I shall be either or neither. I need all God's help I am sure.

Give my best thanks to the Abrahamsons and all the others who have been so kind. Also to those people who entertained me at supper on Sunday night - Robertsons, I think their names were; I left them without a word of appreciation.

Well I shall have to say, as you did, that I shall make you tired of reading letters, though you have quite mistaken me. Write as long a letter as you have patience & time to do.

You thought I suppose that we shall sail as soon as we got aboard. We are not far away at sea at all yet. "Our" Canada is just a few inches from the ship's side yet.

Well good-bye, or rather good afternoon. I must try some way to get this ashore.

Yours

Thomas or Tom, or whatever you like to call me.