Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bowes,

I have sat down I do not know how many times to write to you, and then I could not but I feel I must do so. I had only just got home from Waskada [Man.,] and found your letter to me about Fred and went down street when I heard about Jim. I could not believe it and, in fact, denied it as I thought that someone had got the news mixed but later on I found to my sorrow that it was only too true. I do not know how to express to you the sorrow not only of myself, but from what myself heard, of this whole community. As you know how well we thought of Jim. He was always a favourite here and such a bright fellow. Words are hollow things on such an occasion, in fact, hardly worth writing. They seem so little beside the sacrifice and loss that it has been your lot to have to endure.

Your only consolation can be that they nobly did their part. Greater sacrifice than this no man can make, that he gave his life for his friends and country. It is very evident to us now that this world is only a little thing and we see through the glass darkly. Bye and bye we shall see more clearly face to face what the great purpose of life and life beyond is. I do indeed feel for you and all of yours most deeply, and wish to express our deepest sympathy with you.

I am yours very truly,

Howard Boon,

Furniture dealer and Undertaker