Transcription
Seaford, Sussex, Apr 12/18
Mrs James Stewart,
Richmond, West. Ontario, Canada
Dear Mother,
Received your most welcome letter, and box, two days ago and to say that I appreciate it would be putting it far to [spelling error: too] mild. It is impossible to purchase sweets, or cakes of any kind over here, as everything is rationed out to the manufacturers and, [crossed out: and] the soldiers never see it. Sugar is very scarce, and the civilian population receive about two ounces per head each week, so you can readilly [spelling error: readily] understand there is very little sugar wasted in candy.
You certainly are taking good care that I don’t starve and Clissie also, as I received a box from her last week, and also one from Oddie. We get enough to eat now, but for a while after we landed, they didn’t over feed us at all. Everything is good that we get, and wholesome, but of course it gets monotonous at times. However it must agree with me as I weigh about 165 lbs now, which is the most I ever weighed.
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I intended writing you the evening I received your parcel but I was on duty, and also last night so this is the first opportunity I have had.
I am sitting up on my bed writing this, and as it is a very awkward position to write in, you may have some difficulty in reading this.
We have had some nice weather this past week, and today, was just like [crossed out: an] a Canadian summer day, warm and bright. In the last letter I had from Clissie, she said the weather was becoming nicer, so I guess everyone will appreciate it after the cold winter you had.
Clissie mentioned that she was getting thin, but was going to get a tonic. I advised her strongly to do so, and sincerely hope it does her good, as it is not Clissies [spelling error: Clissie’s] nature to be thin. It may only be the change from winter to spring weather that is affecting her, and I surely hope so, but will anxiously await news from her, as regards how she is improving.
I hope you have heard from Sefton since you wrote me, as I quite understand how anxious you must be, especially after
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the heavy fighting that has occurred lately. I think that Sefton will come through it allright [spelling error: alright], after coming safely through so far, and I sincerely hope so.
So George is thinking of starting to work in the Bank. I hope he gets started in Richmond. Tell him to write me, when he gets a chance.
We are getting along fine at our work, but dont [spelling error: don’t] expect to go to France for some time yet, unless this big offensive makes it necessary, in which case I guess we will get a hurry up call. However, I am quite ready to go any time they want me, as the sooner we get there, the sooner we will get back home, and thats [spelling error: that’s] where I long to be. Well I guess I will have to close as I have to do some studying for tomorrow, and I will also want to write Eveyln, Ivy, & Norma. Again thanking you for your kindness in sending me such a splendid box. I remain as ever
Yours Affectionately
BillTranscriber
Christine DoyleLanguage
English
