My Dearest Mother,

Your most welcome letter of Dec. 10th received today also one from Ada and was certainly glad to get them. It will be my happiest moment when I hear the con [conductor] call, “Boissevain next!” and see you standing on the station platform.

Most of the sickness here has been severe colds and influenza but in all very little sickness according to the number of troops stationed here. I am sorry that some of the boys have died at Winnipeg but you can hardly expect to have no casualties. The boys may not be able to stand the work here but I only laugh at it. I hardly know my own strength as my muscles are as hard as rock. Now I am truly glad you are so patriotic a mother for a lot of people told Jim and I we were fools to go. God pity them. I would hate to see Canada and the British Empire suffer what Belgium and Serbia have. But they can thank the soldier boys when they say we have the strongest empire in the world. Little they realize what they are suffering for them. But they only have to come here for the plain facts. I believe that the women would go rather than lose now. But when it is over, Mother, and I return I will not be ashamed to say that I tried to do my part.

I was a tickled kid when your letter informed me of being an uncle and carrying my name. Jim told the rest of the boys and I had to buy a drink all around in honour of it.  Say Mother, being as you are my heir, I would like that if anything should happen to me to leave $5,000 to my nephew, Cliff. Let me know about this and also find out from Dad the best way to fix it up. I want it kept for him until he is of age as it will come in handy then. However, I have not the slightest doubt but that I will return safe and sound.

Cliff