King Edward School,
Calgary,
Mar 27/16
Dear Mother:-
Just a few lines to you. Would have written you yesterday but was in Edmonton this week end and very busy indeed. I feel sorry for your feelings with the news of Bert’s and Earl’s enlistment but coupled with the natural grief there will also be the consequent pride you must feel that your boys are of the stamp who dare to do their duty as they see it. Do not get swollen headed but I’ve seen soldiers and soldiers but never a better than Will. Truly this war is a terrible thing. I never felt it so much as when I saw Will and Earl in Khaki. Bert is not outfitted yet. It rather vexed me when I learned about Earl but realize it is a decision each must make for themselves. It must be said that he is spunky enough anyway.
It is a caution the way times fly here. Have put our class of 30 through already and started on the second class this morning. In it there is one major and four captains who I am to teach—teach to be my master because I enlisted first etc. Oh well I make soldiers of them and that is all which concerns me. They certainly move when I am around. Have been very busy down here and have learned a great deal too. The class which is graduating this week was the one Balfour and I put through. You see they are giving a farewell party to us as they finish their exams on Wednesday. I rather believe it will be a lively affair. We are hourly expecting notice to report to Edmonton to move. I don’t understand why we are here so long but suppose there must be some good reason. Maybe they don’t need us yet.
Have not heard from Father or even from home for a long time. I guess it’s my own fault—you are very busy and worried too I know but really you shouldn’t be. Too much worry is too much for one. Grow old too quick. Keeps the girls busy pulling grey hair out of my head. We are all fine here and proud as peacocks of the splendid showing made by the Drader’s. Trust we will make our presence felt.
Write soon to above address, Your loving son
Eugene
