April 26/44

Dear Mother and Dad,

Well, I have just finished my first day at the Morse Pool, and my head is filled with dots and dashes. There are about 20 in our class which is 1A1. We just learn the code and get a speed of 5 words to a minute. Then we will be transferred to 1A, and be raised to 8 words a minute. From there we go to 10 and at last 12 with all the special signs and numerals.

I got along O.K. today and by 8 oclock had it down pretty pat. The instructor said I was doing good and I was one of the lucky ones who get the code naturally, but you know me. I start off strong and gradually die down till I am in a rut.

The ground is still pretty wet, but it is drying up slowly.

I am all set for my trip to Montreal for the weekend. I have a lot planned for it. I will stay at the Y.M.C.A. with some of the boys. I am going to get a guide to the city and go sightseeing.

Well, I will go to bed now and dream of dits and da’s all night and get up and go at it again in the morning. After 5 or 6 weeks I will be talking in dots and dashes.

Your loving son,
Malcolm

[drawing of frazzled student saying “What was that! – Uh–“L” No–“F” Oh I’m Getting Behind”]