Betty XXXXXXXX
Shirley XXXXXXX
Billy XXXXXXXX

France Sunday July 8 / 17

My Dear Betty & Kiddies:-

I received (about half an hour ago) your letter No10 & written on June 17, also No6 written on June 3rd, this makes your letters up to date - I believe they come more quickly & regularly to France than England. I was also delighted to receive at the same time Shirley's letter tell her I shall keep it & that I did not forget to kiss the stamp. I am glad that you are able to get to Broadway you will find that the people are nice etc, though I do not know how many of them - you might let me have Mr. Kennedy's address, I know the street, but have forgotten the number. I must write him. I am expecting word any day from Lloyds Bank about the transfer, it is strange that you have not received it. About money, don't worry about me - I'm not getting very much, but then one hardly needs much here - you can send me a parcel once in a while & that will be far better than cash - then if I am spared to get through all right, & need any in the Old Country I can get some from Rose or Bella. Bella's baby Clifford is very sick just now, they are worried very much about him, write her as often as possible - also, did you get the photo they sent? It is keeping you busy financing things - but the Insurance & Mortgage is so much invested, & is not dead money - however do not leave yourself short, you know you need not pay the mortgage unless you like, I hope however that very soon you will receive the transfer O.K. I suppose that Rev Findley had completed his payments for [?] & did I understand you to say that Franks has paid the $25.ºº advanced or insurance? It has been a very damp - cool nasty day to day, & I have been alone in the dugout most of the day, Pryor was out on a working party, returning about 3 P.M. I go out to night at [censored] we go out [censored] things have been very quiet for the last day or two especially to day, so quiet in fact, that you would hardly realize that such a war was on & that we were right near the front line. I guess that in my last letter I was a little too detailed in my descriptions etc, so that most of the letter may be obliterated by the censor's black, At first thought it seems galling & humiliating the thought of having every letter you write, read & probably joked over to etc. by any Tom - Dick or Harry but it is one of the things which had to be endured with philosophical resignation, at least for the time being = There are a good many things which one squirms under, but for the sake of the "Great Cause" we endure with as much fortitude & patience as possible, and a great many of the rank & file are looking forward to the great day, when back once again in civil life & in possession once again of our old liberties, we shall demand reforms in those places where we believe reforms & reorganization are most vitally necessary & urgently needed if the great sacrifice which is being made by our best manhood is not to be in vain. I am thankful to be getting the experience that is coming my way, though I'm paying a tough price for it = & I'm glad that I did not wait for a chaplaing or a commission.

My experience as a soldier with the rank & file will be far more valuable to me, & if I am spared to come back & take up my old profession again, I shall certainly be in a position to use my God-given talents & the influence with the public which I have - for the redress of many injustices & the propagation of reforms that are sadly needed in our Public Life to day.

It may be that in the coming years my own boy may have to be a soldier (though I pray God it will never be necessary) but if that necessity should arise, then I want him to serve under far better condition & under a far better system, than his father, & this same wish, nay determination is in the heart of almost every man out here & certainly every intelligent & thoughtful citizen anxious for his country's best good. In these present days & by all our sacrifices we are buying the right to speak with power & authority & make our demands, when the opportune moment shall come = & when that day does at last dawn, we shall receive ample support, & the dawn of a new Era of Righteousness shall come for the nation; & the Pioneers of that crusade looking back to these soul testing days, will "See of the travail of their soul & be supremely satisfied" We shall reap the result of all our toil, hardship - sacrifice - in a noble - better - purer Canada for our children = A Canada in which it will be "easier for a man to do right & harder for him to do wrong" & that I take it should be - ought to be the function of any government. However I did not intend on branding off then though I suppose I have to right something. It's just as well you did not speak to Billy in Eaton's - it would not be wise to take risks while I am away. We are expecting to go up the front line for 4 or 5 days soon, whenever I cannot write I will send a card - ‘[?]- bangs" they call them here.

Wouldn't I like to drop in & see you all, but some day. Am glad Mrs. Hargraves & daughter called = he is in another coy now, & I don't see him often. Good night , God bless you all

Best love & hugs & kisses. Will