Witley Camp.
Jan 22nd 1917
My Dear Sadie:-
Haven't heard from you for quite awhile, suppose you are pretty busy; are you still at Mr. Willistons yet? What kind of time did you have xmas and New Yrs? I had a letter from Father a few days ago he said you were up xmas. Their was not much doing here xmas, we had a fine dinner though, which is the main thing around that time I think, dont you? Was glad to hear the anniversary was a success, I didn't hear how much they made but judging from the crowd they had, we need not doubt they made money. He said Ken sang sick song, that would go well no doubt.
Our hut with a good many others is under quarantine for mumps, Ralph Logan woke up Wed. morning with them. We will be in for two or three weeks, the first time since I joined the army that I have been quarantined. It's rotten at this time especially because we are going to France in a short time. There are quite a number of huts in the same fix, it will probably delay us considerable, which will proba not do us any harm perhaps; the nearer spring the better. I am going to try for another pass when we get out, we are entitled to one; after a soldier is in England three months he is entitled to what they call the kings pass, which is four days and gives you free transportation Dug B. has asked me to Liverpool with him, but don't know whether I will accept his kind invitation or not its quite a piece away.
Don't see Don very often now, as you likely know he is at Bramshot am sorry in some ways he didn't get in 85th with rest of us; but he will probably get with us after while; I don't like the idea of him handling a rifle but perhaps he could do it alright. We have nearly a platoon of Musq. boys in 85th now, the remainder are Dartmouth boys. Am sorry to hear that John S. and Ed Snow have enlisted; it's the wrong place for boys of their age; it might do them good as far as health goes, but it won't help their morals any. What do you think of Roy and Gow for the first time, they will have their hands full, arms too I guess, Roy wont be able to sell any milk this winter. Ha! Ha!
How is skating comming on this winter; take a trip to the rink once in a while I suppose. I would certainly like to be there to have a fly round the rink. Don't suppose [Hed?] can skate with the rest of the girls this winter Ha! Ha! he has got the old woman to look after now. Jess said in her letter, "We have lots of skating, but its no fun, we have no boys to skate with, only girls." Poor Jess, I am glad she has got enough sport in her to think that. She sent me a few snaps that were taken after the wedding but didn't get any of you or [Hed?], if you have one, send it to me will you? get one taken if you haven't one. bye bye
Love to [Hed?] and rest. from loving bro Spence
P.S. Am sending you a snap Dug and I got taken up in a place they call Tiel Tours[?], just a little few camp stores