24.4.18 My Dear Mother This is just one of those short little epistles informing you of my continued good health and spirits. Your last letter dated March 31 arrived today and I was very glad to read the spring weather was making things in general more comfortable for you. Have received quite a number of letters from home lately together with parcel No 10 the contents of which were fine. I read from cover to cover the magazine which afforded a days amusement and change of thought. Am glad to hear Marion is staying at home now. I often thought of the fact that you being home alone with so much to do and the consequent worry should it not be done considerably affected your health. I also notice Marion has more time to write now and scribble on magazines etc, "horse for Andre." I cannot imagine those people as enjoying life now. Ive never yet seen the subject or object that Marion couldn't poke fun at and if I were as clever I should come back now and again with something. Had a letter from Aunt Maggie saying Aunt Susan had paid her a visit from Manchester. I was sorry also I couldn't arrange to go to Manchester on my last leave but found things somewhat difficult to manage as it was. To get off at Manchester just breaks the journey in [?] and add on the railway delay etc. You will see how it is. However, when this war is over I'll then I will make a farewell call on all these good people. Had a letter from Orvil Elliott and one from Fred Sampson. Orvil tells me Fraser has called on him out here and now for Active Service being with the same outfit. Jack Gooch was with Fred Sampson makes his third trip to France-once wounded and once gassed. Im going to try to see him as soon as possible. Walter Smith Perhaps you will remember me speaking of him some years ago-has also arrived again. Quite a number of others I once knew are coming out again. [?] is still in England convalescing. Had a letter from him and also his mother. They are all well. How is young Winnie Jackson and Edna Spence oh I had a letter from Lena [?] telling me all about the home news. Well mother will just draw this to a close as dame nature draws the shades of day. With love to all Your loving Son John My [?] is almost done.