May 24 - France

Dear mother and sister

Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well hoping this letter will find you in the best of health. I received a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I sure be pleased to hear from you. It was dated April 27.

Well this is the twenty fourth of May. It has been raining here all morning. I am glad I have not got to stay out in it. You said in your letter that you were going over to Orillia the next day. What kind of a trip did you have. Did you drive over.

I am glad you put your garden in. You had Willie Robertson doing the back field. I think he would put it in good shape.

So Willie Finney got married. Did he think he would get exempted doing that. I heard that all the fellows that got exemption has got to turn out now. I hope it is written why everybody that asked for one got it.

No I never seen Harold or Frank. I was close to Harold’s Battn a month ago but did not know it until about two hours before we moved so I had no time to go to see them. I would have liked to seen Clarence and Ed too. I know a lot in their Battn.

Well mother how are you and Ada getting along. Where do you pasture her in the orchard. Do you wash the buggy and shine the brass on it the way I did. Ha ha. Some class I guess. Did you get any snaps taken this spring. Send me some if you did. I must ring off hoping to hear from you soon from your loving son and brother Bruce S. xxxxxxxx

May 12 - France - Mother's Day

Dear mother and sister

Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping that this letter finds you in the best of health. We were all asked to be sure and write home today.

I just came from church service at the YMCA this evening. It has been over a week since I have had a letter from you but hope to hear soon again. I rec’d a parcel from Allie a few days ago. It was OK. You tell him I rec’d it. I sent him a card to Midland a few days ago and will send him a letter tonight. But you tell him I sure enjoyed it for fear he do not get my letter.

I am billeted on a nice farm at present. I am right at home to be able to walk through a big orchard all out in blossom. Some of my pals was helping the old lady to milk this evening. I have had lots of good fresh milk to drink lately. I buy it for 4 pence, that is 8 cents a quart.

Well how are you getting along farming. I would just like to be able to help you these nice days. All the boys are busy writing tonight. I see where Mr. Censor be busy. So I think I had better cut my letter short. I will close. I will send you oceans of love and bushels of xxxx from your loving son and brother Bruce

Ps do not be worrying dear mother and sister I am quite well.

April 28, 1918 - France

Dear mother and sister

Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope this letter find you well. I rec’d a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I be glad to hear from you. Your letter was dated Mar 30th. I am glad to know you had a visit to Orillia. Give me all the news when you write.

Well this is Sunday again. It has been a pretty quiet day. Lawson Rumney and I am batching at present. I wish you could call in and have a meal with us. Believe me we are some cooks. We mostly have about four meals a day. It has been some little while since I have been in the line. I have been one of the lucky ones to have a little rest. I have been at moving picture shows or concerts every night.

Well I guess seeding is the order of the day around home now. I often wonder how in the world you are managing. But I know you done well last year better then I could do so there is no need of me worrying. But do not work too hard, what you can not get done let go. I must ring off. Do not be worrying dear mother or sister. I am in the best of health and have been ever since I came to France. I will close. Heaps of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx

Jan 15

 Orillia


Dear mother and sister

Just a line I may be home on Saturday. I can just spare a dollar, maybe it will help you a little bit. I am going out to league now, you want to write a little oftener it is a good practice. I have got to write Clarence and Eda tomorrow. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce

1917

Jan 2 - Orillia


Dear mother & sister

I rec. your welcome letter today. How did you spend new years. I had a good time. It was after 12 o’clock when I got in last night. I got a letter from Fred Shannon today. The wedding came off yesterday between Divitte and Dunlop I hear.

I was out to Jack Sykes on Sunday and had lots of turkey to eat. I seen Aunt Sarah Patterson the day we were out to Marchmount. Mable Farise called me up on the phone on Sunday morning and wanted me to go out there. Fred Holt was there. Well write right away and tell me all the news. I may be home on Saturday, I don’t know. How is Ada’s new hay going.

Bye bye from your loving son and brother