Dear Mother and all,

It is rather wintry here just now but we should worry, Musie. One thing the cold will kill all kinds of germs and besides snow is far better than mud, isn’t it?

Haven’t seen Cliff or Jim Taylor yet but hope to soon.

I got a new pair of shoes and they surely were welcome. I have two chilblains and, with the other shoes, used to hurt badly when [I was] on the move. They are nearly well again, so don’t worry. Fred is well but not getting extra fat on the army grub. Neither am I but then I was fat enough before. I enjoy my meals here more than I ever did for a long time before.

Food surely is going up in price in Canada but take it from me, you are far better off than they are over here. You said eggs were 35 cents. In London, they are $1.25, so you can judge for yourself.

I can’t say exactly who failed from Boissevain as some passed a less severe exam later on. I gave you a list of the ones who are here with me. The rest are either temporarily unfit or totally unfit. Most of the temporaries will pass eventually as they were turned down for the slightest defect.

Your loving son,

James