Transcription

On Active Service

WITH THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

B.E.F. France. April 7th¹

My Own Darling Minnie.

Its time I was writing to my girlie again so as its saturday afternoon and raining hard I'll do that little thing. I was very glad to get two letters from you this week, also box of candies, and two parcel of papers. which help to pass the time away quickly, which is the main thing these damp cold nights. 

I suppose you were anxiously waiting for two weeks, when my letters dont arrive, I know darling how I feel when the mail doesnt come regular, and I'm afraid you at home are worse and that is why I always try and write to you twice and to home every week. You do say you want me to come back so badly, well girlie dear I really don't think it will be very long now to wait, as I am certain the Germans are tired of it all, and are looking for a way out of it, one thing certain it wont go another winter so cheer up dearie, better times are coming, and they will repay all the days we have been apart. 

It's over a year now darling since I left Toronto, and was on the train nearing Halifax, the time to me has flown fast and exciting at times and many a tight hole I've got out of, and I only hope my luck continues to be good. 

I suppose the people in Toronto and at home are rather excited about the states coming in, well all they can do is to lend their shipping and money. but they kept out till it was nearly over. 

Why did you want to know what Maggie said in her note, well I don't suppose she would mind if I told you, well she said I was a very lucky boy to have such a lovely girl, and that you were such good company when out with her, but I really shouldn't of told you. I've had several letters lately and will be kept busy answering them, two letters were from home, and they are busy as usual, and getting ready for Ruth's wedding I certainly don't think it right of Ruth to keep going with other fellows, it was alright before they were engaged, but when once they get engaged that should stop going with other fellows, I know she expects Andrew to do the square thing with her, and it's only right she should do so with him. of course that's only my opinion of it, but I don't think I'm far out. Do you I suppose Mr Alger is proud of his little daughter. We sure did have some good times before I joined up, and they are very nice people too, and will certainly go and see them when I get back. There will be so many places to go and see, and fresh people, married sisters, it will keep me busy for some²

¹  *Archivist note:* Year inferred as 1917 from reference to United States entering the war on following page; and April 7^th 1917 was indeed a Saturday. Only "April 7th" written on letter.

2  *Archivist note:* Letter ends mid-sentence without closing or signature; no further pages in this file group.