Reply to 223311 Company D Bat. 85th Reg:                            

Stationed at Witley Camp South Surrey England.                                                            

November 13 1916

Dear Ollie:

It’s not much satisfaction writing, but will try and scratch you a few words to let you know we are alive.  It’s so dark here I can’t see the lines so will have to guess at them.  Squire is sick.  Was taken sick to his stomach last night and hasn’t eaten anything today, but it’s nothing serious I hope for I don’t feel any to good myself.  Reckon it will take us a few weeks to get used to eating this thick air.  R. Morse was down to see us this PM he is stationed about 60 miles from here.  I forget the name of the place. He is looking fine and likes the country.  That’s more than I can say for it rains everyday but don’t suppose that this weather will last forever.  It’s certainly a pretty country around here but not as good as old NS yet.  Well we plan to go to London tomorrow if nothing splits.  I hear that two of the boys could not get a place to sleep last Fri. night in London.  If that’s the case they probably won’t let us go for awhile.  But you know they can start stories here the same as they could in Kentville.  Well this has sure been a long day.  It has rained all day and still raining and likely to keep it up.  Did you get the card I sent on the boat?  I don’t know whether they got mailed before we left H _ _ _ or not.  I know one thing; it’s time I was getting a letter for I am afraid if I don’t get mail I can’t write.  It seems too one sided but the boys here say they have no trouble with their mail and I hope I don’t.  Must saw off for this time.  Hoping this finds you all well and fit.

Yours

Jack