France June 16th 1918

Dear Mother:

My last letter to you was just a week ago today or last Sunday and during the week I mailed a Field P.C. Received your letter of May 12th on June 11th and on Friday received your parcel of April 23rd in good shape. The cake was a little dry on account of being so long on the road but was very good all the same and all was enjoyed including the Maple Syrup & Sugar. Will write Aunt Nellie a few lines acknowledging the cake she included. The parcel you sent the first week in April has not arrived yet. It is the one that contains the watch so I hope it still comes. Many have parcels that have been delayed so there is still a chance of it coming alright.

Have done very little during the past week as sports have taken up most of my time. I was not in the final tug-of-war team. They won the first two pulls and then lost which put them out of it. Have had plenty of amusement along the line of sports and it may now be quieter. Have seen Smyth a few times during the week and have also had a few walks around the country. Today saw some more of the 64th including Waters who enlisted just before I left. His people have had the store in Guelph and an older brother died of wounds a couple of years ago when a prisoner in Germany.

We have had fine weather all week. A few light showers of rain but not enough to lay the dust. Have been sleeping outside all the time and it is fine with plenty of fresh air although I suppose little different from a tent except we have plenty of room.

Yes I received the card from Mrs. Gray and it was thoughtful of her to write. If she is the one I think, and used to live in Western Canada I met her at James Gaulds in Edmn. Probably I am mistaken but anyway at the time she was recovering from the effects of the fire. I remember the husband was a Doctor but it may be another family. Probably she does not remember me calling one Sunday afternoon and I think Harold was with me. It would be in 1912. Didn't the Macauley boy take up a homestead in Western Canada. It would be 1909 I met him in Chicago.

It will be nice to have the water on the hill at the camp but I imagine the pumping will be tedious work. Of course you do not use a great deal in the house.

Notice you say that Watt said I paid him. Am pretty sure I did not pay him anything but probably he thinks he is not entitled to anything considering the results he obtained. Anyway, he did not follow my instructions and paid very little attention to it.

Surprised to hear of the death of Mrs White and Mr Yonkie. Neither were very old although I suppose Mr. Yonkie would be getting up in years.

Will be looking for a fish story in the next letter after the trip to Tank Lake. It is a place I would like to visit after the catch I had.

Surprised my mail should be so long apart. Will give you the dates I have written so you can see if any are missing.
Isabel Mar 22, Yourself Mar 30, Apr 10
Isabel Apr 14, Yourself Apr 17, Father Apr 18
Isabel Apr 22, Yourself Apr 24, Father Apr 30

There are all up to May and you might let me know if any are missing.

There was pay parade today but I was away at the time but will likely get mine tomorrow. They are cutting the hay here just now and the most of it is done with a scythe. This is a great place for cuckoos and they are to be heard all times of the day. First time I have heard any of them.

Suppose Evelyn will be with you now. Any of my letters that may have gone to Guelph after you left will be taken care of by her.

Well this is about all the news at the present time. Will be writing again toward the end of the week although we have little to write about here.

Hope you are all well and with love to all

Your son
Rob

Many thanks to all for the parcel