France
August 24, 1917

I had letters from Horace last week and he said Bazil McQuaig left home without saying anything and intended coming to Calgary and Hugh had bought a car purposely from him, but something was wrong. Mrs. McQuaig is taking it very hard about Bert.

Dear Sis,

I received your most welcome letter yesterday and needless to say was glad to hear from you and to know that you are getting along well with your school.

I am still with the Machine Gun and have just come out of the line a few days ago for a rest. It certainly is a warm place at times up there the fellows are fine looking guys when they come out. They go without washing or shaving for a week or more and their clothes do not need much carrying as they are almost able to walk themselves but it is not so bad after the first few years when you get accustomed to it.

We all got a bath & clean clothes again so we feel much better now. This is some paper Constance sent me. Sent [?] shut & an envelope in her letter so I used this in answering her letter and this is the remainder I got a parcel from her yesterday.

We are having fine weather here now, although up until a couple of weeks ago it had been very wet for some time back.

Those snaps are fine. you all look well and especially grandfather. I suppose Victor is having a good time with his car. It seems that that is all you people ride in now. Just wait until I go back & shall use an aeroplane which will have one on you all

I guess you must be having a good time from what you say. The school Teacher generally does best in a country place. Have you seen anyone you know yet? You spoke about that affair of Stones. I got a letter from Myrtle yesterday along with yours and I did not hear anything about it at all. Does he not want the place now at all. Say give me George's address, I might be able to look him up. Did Mother & Uncle George go to Banff yet?

I wrote home telling them that I thought or am almost sure that I saw that Falls boy's gone, but have never heard any answer yet, perhaps the letter has gone astray. Can Victor not decide what he wants yet. I have written to him several times but never get an answer from him, but think I will write again as I want him to send me some things as it will not be many months before winter is here again.

I have a chance of a leave to Paris in a couple or three months and I do not know whether to take it or not, as I would like a Blighty leave but will have to wait so much longer for it. The war might be over before I got it and that would be a awful shame & certainly would like to see Paris.

You were wanting a Souvenir, well I have nothing only a Large cap of a large shell which entered our dugout up the line and it is somewhat to large to send in a letter, but if I get a good one I shall send it. Well I must close as it is dinner time so hoping you are well and that I shall hear again soon from you.

I remain
Your Service Brother,
Hadden

P.S. Old Address.