There are only a few of Margaret Bowes’ letters to her sons in the collection. Here is one written shortly after James and Fred arrived in France. Some of these letters mention Laura, a young teacher in Boissevain, of whom James was obviously very fond.

My own dear Jimmie,

Was so glad to get your most welcome letter for Jan. 2nd. Also the beautiful souvenir card of Dec. 31st.

Well dearest, are you liking France any better than you did at first? I see by the papers that it is very cold over there, the coldest since the war began. I hope my dear ones do not suffer from the cold. Look well after yourself and your baby brother also. Have you seen Clifford yet? I keep hoping with each letter that you have seen him. Be sure and tell me all about him. Seeing him through your eyes will be next to seeing him myself.

Elliott says the snow is not as deep as last winter but the roads are four times as bad. There is no grain to draw in this winter therefore no sleighs are out and the cutters do not pack the roads well.

Laura is teaching at East Lynne. Has a school of 20 which is much better than before.

I was talking to L. over the phone on Tuesday. She boards at Simon Taylor’s and drives herself to and from school and goes home every Friday until Sunday, so I don’t see her very often. I hope she will often come to see us. You may be sure I will do my best to make her feel happy and at home. I like the girl and especially for your sake. That line is always so busy it is hard to talk to her on the phone.

Jenkins is getting a Vaudeville company for Monday night, 50 cents a ticket and 15 per cent to be given to the Red Cross. Dance after.

Now dear, write often and tell how your brothers are. I hope Freddie is a good boy. I believe Clifford is.

May the Lord keep you safely.

Lovingly,

Mother