853 Nassau St. Winnipeg, Man. Can.
August.29.17

Me Dear Will,

I received you letter of Aug. 13 - yesterday - just 2 weeks and one day coming that is the "most recent", word I have had since you were wounded. The letters came a day or two earlier each [?] you had just go a lot of my letters. The last of the ones ([?]) written while you were in the trenches would be dated July 9 - so likely in the next bunch you'd get, you'd hear Billy was better. He is fine now - as rosy as an apple. He has got real tall, & not very fleshy, but he is healthy. I am glad you got all the little snaps - They came at a very good time. I shall send you a finished one of Billy. I got 4 & did not give any away yet, so you night as well have one. Did you get the ltters I sent to [?] - (I send 2) then 2 to London (Army p.o.) then 4 to Rose, & this is he 3rd Aberdeen, I think they are aburts sure to find you, tho' a bit longer on the way.

I was glad to hear that Harry Moody wrote, & was so thoughtful. It certainly was kind of him. I would not know him - don't think I ever saw him. I got a little bad news this morning - another of your chums wounded - Eric Hargrave. They had their message last night. He is wounded in the head & back - and is in Brighton, I think he said. I could not hear him very well, and thought I'd get the particulars later. I felt very sorry; think he is an only son, 7 seemed a good lad. I hope it is not serious; he was not long after you - 5 weeks. There are long lists - coming out now - but so far, no one that I know or have heard of. They will be long for a few days still the papers say Conscription is supposed to come this p.m. - at last the are to be signed to-day - was to have been done yesterday. (Thurs. a.m. Conscription has come at last.)

You spoke of us going to Fletts: I did write & ask Maggie when she could have us, & she never replied. I don't think the letter would go astray, surely I could have gone to Mrs. Stourts, if I had known, but it may be as well I stayed at home. I was here when the [?] came - & Billy got along alright, I'll trust chance to give them a change - first opportunity. I am not feeling up to the mark just now - nightmare - & my stomach has been real bad again. I got my bottle filled yesterday - and am going easy on the good things, so I'll be all right soon. I suppose it is partly the fall coming, as usual.

I am glad you did not write to Faulkner & Gunns. Neither of them had done a thing more than they should. Faulkner came home from the Beach yesterday - and we thought her chimney was on fire, & told Stanley to tell her, so she came up to the gate - & we had a chat. They were not speaking before she went away. Gunns have been alright of course - but she can be very mean. The children have not been there much - & I very little too - but we phone. I told you about her telling Shirley it was wrong for me to set up my bread on Sunday - Well - one day she was here & I very innocently set her mind at ease about that - by telling her Mattie had started me setting it up 2 days before so I could let men sit over Sunday. The latest was 2 evenings ago Shirley came home crying from there Mrs. Gunn & Herbie & Nellie had all be at her saying she was telling lies, because she said Nellie was in class 2. (Shirley is in Class 1.) [?] They said he was in class 1 & Mrs. Gunn told her if she was coming around there she'd have to tell the truth. Well, Nellie was put into class 1 - next day - and he came here on the way home - and seeing I had never said a word to all her "sharpness" - I asked him if he was in class 1 yesterday & he said "No" - & I asked him who was telling them, & he said "my mother" - so I told him I did not think it was very nice for them to pile into Shirley that way - & he soon hiked for home I'll give her time to digest it now - maybe she will begin to see will begin to see that I will not take all she likes to give. She certainly is mean.

Thurs. Well, Pooh came in then, & stayed to tea & all evening. She was very kind & faithful. Ever since monthly payments on the house. I counted $ 104. [?] & $ 100 y'rly payment - & it comes to $ 17 a mo. So I paid that. It asked how much Sep. & Ass. Pay. and how much from Patriotic. I got my cheque but it was too late for the bank, so I can keep it till the other 2 come. The transfer $ 125. has not come yet - but will likely be in this lot of mail. I phoned the bank again, & it was not the "head" man this time, but he said they would inform me when it arrived. If I do not hear soon, I'll phone again.

I am sending a sample of the awning, the pink is for Billy's suits. White waist with pink collar & cuffs - & pink pants buttoned onto big buttons around the waist. I'll be glad to get at my bit of sewing. I got Billy his Sunday shoes too $ 1.00 only, this time, so he is shod for the summer. Shirley will not need any dresses - just a pair of shoes - for Sundays - I may get the same as Billy's - & a hat I don't seem to be able to get a shape - so will have to wait while till they get [?]. She goes beare-headed to school, so can wear her last year's one for a few Sundays.

Did I tell you that old Mrs. Forsythe - [?] - is dead the one who gave Riley Smalley the 5 cents Poor old lady.

Can have some of it, - we have not had nay since St. Peters. I'll make it at tea-time. It has got lovely and warm again - quite a treat. I am to take the kiddies for a walk as soon as Shirley gets home, must try to get out a little everyday - for my nerves sake, during the fall.

I am wondering how you are getting along now. Shall not likely get another letter till about Tuesday again. I got my Separation cheque today - glad too for I am nearly broke for cash on hand. Mr. Foreman says you will be sent home sure. He is working down where the returned soldiers arrive. One thing you will not be able to surprise us, I've got a cable when you are about to leave England - and then some Association sends a pass to get out to meet you at the station. One thing we night surprise the kiddies - but it would spoil so much pleasure - of anticipation & preparation. Your letters are not censored since you were wounded.

Tell me just how you are - are you sleeping any better yet. The Red Cross has not written this week yet.

I shall go now, and if there is anything to add I can do so to-night - as it does not need to be mailed till morning. It is a day late this week. Oh - while I think of it , you will likely get your "personal belongings" again - after a long while. Stanley Gunn - who had off below the knee & the other broken - well his brother was telling Mrs. Gunn here, that Stanley got his things after a long time. He was in one of the hospitals where the shells dropped in, in Eng - & they are worrying for fear he was wounded again. I am so anxiously waiting to hear if you will be coming home - now that Conscription has come - it may make it more likely - tell me what you think.

Must mail this now - & start another, I hope the next mail comes in soon.

Love and Kisses from us all to dear daddy -

Betty XXXXX