France
April 6, 1917
Dear Marjorie,
I am not attempting to write a long letter as conditions are very unfavourable here. I received your letter of February 24th the day before yesterday and it was nice to hear from you after an interval of over three months. I thought you must be too busy to write but evidently your letters went astray. I admit I have not written much lately but have also written far more letters than I ever received. I guess the only thing for me to do is to write often hoping that one may get through to you once in a while and will be glad if you do the same. We have been over here about 3 weeks now and my impressions are not of the best. Things are very muddy and we wade around in it continually, the lighthouse off Dungness being visible from the camp. The land is level, about 12 feet above sea level and marshy. Even as far inland as this there are acres of stones and pebbles, barren except for furze bushes. The remainder of land is fairly well drained by canals, the principle industry being sheep herding. We have two or three hours of gun drill everyday, the rest of the time spent in various ways such as route marches. Our firing or target practice takes place here in a week or so. Some batteries are firing daily, some of the howitzers are just a couple of hundred yards away but even then the concussion is so great the huts shake. We are looking forward to firing. The sea air is great, far warmer than Evershot, I can hardly realize this is January. Things are very quiet here. There is a moving picture place in the village here but the machine is out of commission for the present. There is a bank which is open one day a week and a train goes out once a day. I don't think I'd care to settle down here. There are two soldier houses in camp with canteens and writing room so we hang out there a lot. You mentioned not having heard from me lately, but hope you have some of my letters since you wrote the one of December 12th which I am answering now. It's this way Marjorie, I've often felt like writing to you before I get a reply but have hesitated sometimes you would yourself and probably do but mails are very uncertain and it takes a long time for the letter to come over also. I will write oftener though, in fact am only too glad to do so and will write every week if you want me to. How are things in Lennoxville and at the Academy? I suppose you are used to your classes by this time. Am sorry you get "as lonesome as they make them" at times. I often do myself but spring will be here soon won't it? You will have nothing to worry about for a whole summer. You seem to be very down hearted Marjorie, it doesn't seem natural for you. Your work has been hard but you have come out on top haven't you? As you say I am afraid you fail to express yourself properly. What do you mean when you talk of wasted years and the valuable friendship that you might have made, also why do you consider you were a "silly goose"? Please tell me what the matter is, it is not natural for you to be so pessemistic, remember we agreed to be good friends so talk to me as you would a brother if you had one. Well write soon, I would miss your letters very much. The sweater that you mentioned will probably be along soon, thank you very much it was very thoughtful of you. Goodnight.

Your sincere friend
Gordon