Clifford writes about the burning of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Rumours abound at the time that it was an enemy action.

My Dearest Mother,

They sent me to the big military hospital Friday with my terrible sciatica, so will most likely be here for a couple of weeks. Now, I hate to have to write you this news and cause you any undue worry but I thought it best to let you know now. I don’t want you to worry and I am not very bad, only not in fit shape for drilling. The sisters and nurses here are very nice indeed and look after a fellow fine. Jim was up to see me this morning and he said he thought he would fall and break a leg so he could get in here but I sure wish I was out of it all.

We had our first snow last week and today the ground is white, so it looks more like home. Gladys was also telling me of the talk she had with you in her letter. Poor kid, I guess she is not getting out much this winter. I heard all about the disaster in Ottawa the day after it happened as the papers were full of it here. It sure was a terrible thing to happen.

Well mother, the farmers of Canada may be the backbone of it but at present are earning that distinction at the expense of others. They would not be worth a plugged nickel if Germany were to win which she never will.

I will have to close for now as the nurse says so.

Your loving son,

Cliff