Witley Camp.
Dec. 17th, 1916

My Dear Father:

Read your letter and contents yesterday, and dear Jessies parcel today. Was certainly glad to receive them the money comes in very handy over here. I had a letter from Sadie a few days ago; she thanked me for the check; I am very glad you got it in time to give it to her. You must certainly miss her at home, but I suppose she will be up to see you quite often; she will be missed very much in choir. She told me in her letter she sang at Park St. Church; she will likely be in the choir there before long. John must be doing some business in Mahone. Sade[?] told me he did about 500.00 worth of work in 21 days; if he did that is going some.

How is the weather over there now days? it has been quite cold over here lately; a little snow. Their was about four inches of snow in London the other day and they put it in the paper; thought that was a big snow storm. It makes me feel rather home sick when you talk of skating and sleighing, but I guess I will have to stay here awhile longer as Bill K. doesn't see fit to give in yet, but I think by his talk he is feeling pretty sick of it, he can't fool great. [?] [?] way, she is wise to him now I think. I am sure I would soon fight now them five years from now. I think that was his idea, don't you?

I see good news in paper today from Verdon front; it will be in your paper tomorrow I suppose. I don't know whether we are going over as a unit or not; they took one draft out but can easily fill up with some others. There is a C.O.s parade tonight (Sunday) 6 pm in mess, so I think we are going to find out something, I would like to see her hold together, it seems bad to hold a Batt'n together for over a year and then break it up. It we (85th) goes as unit and the 219th breaks up, I think I will try hard to get to Don. Dug and Vic. transferred here; will write Jess. in a few days and tell you the verdict. The Batt'n has never been officially broken up.

What do you think of the new [Cabinet?]? I think things will go better now; Lloyd George is a strong married man I think.

Don't know whether I will get a pass xmas or not; 5% of Batt'n are getting them but don't know whether I will be in 5% or not. I would like to have another visit to London.

Well! I think this is all the news this time, will write Jess in few days. Hope you all have a very, very xmas and happy new year.

(Love to all.) Your Loving Son.
Spence.

(Write often.)

P.S. Tell Jess to send me any snap shots she has of any of family, house, or any places in old [Musq?].