Not allowed to give our address
June 8 1915.
My dear Sister.
I received your letter a few hours before I left the trenches, you will know before now that I'm safe. So far. I wrote you an army card the morning we came out. We are at present resting at a safe billit behind the line. I must say I am enjoying this life fine especially when in the front trench. We stand little chance of being skilled and having a deep trench we are quite safe from rifle bullets, in the trench. We just left we were only 40 yds from the germans I suppose you would think we would not feel very happy, but we very much enjoyed it we could distinctly see them through our glases peeping through their loopholes of course we wouldent let such a chance go by with out taking a shot at.
All the other Uist boys are safe I came across J. McLean Barinish coming from the trenches he was slightly wounded at Ypres and is back to the line again.
I haven't heard from Alick or John since I came out now from nobody else but you & Andrew. Ill write him after a few days. We had a feirce thunder storm last night but it didn't bother our sleep any, as we are now quite used to sleep amid loud reports like thunders.
Before I forget I got your parcel this morning it was very kind of you to send me such a big parcel. I am sorry to tell that nothing could be done with the pancakes or butter, I suppose it took the parcels too long on the way you better not bother to send any more butter or milk as we get lots of each out here. but if you ever get a chance to make a sponge cake I believe I would very much enjoy it. I never tasted any since before leaving for Canada.
I'm sorry to hear about the Grimsay boys being killed in action. It sure is something awful the lives that are lost in this war, but the oftener we see fellows laying down their lives for their Country. The more determind we are to get our own back at the enemy or die in the effort.
We are all looking forward to the day that will put an end to all this struggle. I'll write you again after a few days. With my best regard to all.
I remain
Your affect Brother
Ewen Nicholson.