July 24th, 1917

Dear Ollie:

Here I am at the base once more.  Left the hospital Sat. night.  Am feeling some better but not too good yet but reckon will be able to make the line again this trip.  Was in hospital just two weeks this trip.  Was only in bed five days the rest of the time I spent reading.  They have a dandy reading room and some good books.  Found some of Red Beaches that I had never read and one of Jack London’s, White Fang.  I liked it better than The Call of the Wild.  But my Heavens that kind of a book makes me home sick.  Will I planned to write this letter Sun. but they told me here that they had just sent down a bunch of Canadian mail to the hospital for me so thought I would wait until I got it but haven’t got it yet so thot’ better scratch you a few lines or you would be thinking I was worse than I am.  I started to go down to get them last night but got on the wrong road and was too tired to make the second attempt, but will make another try tonight.  Suppose it’s my own fault for I promised them I would come down and see them Sun. night but didn’t feel like walking.  We sure had a dandy Sister on that ward.  Her home is somewhere in Ontario.  God Canadian you see and that makes a big difference to me.  Besides her father is a lumberman and when she found out I was a lumberjack we used to have some great talks.  Don’t be alarmed, she is past forty and engaged.  Well Allie, there is no news to write.  I haven’t done any work yet but am up for board tomorrow and I expect to pass easy enough but don’t know how long will have to stay here but the sooner I get up the line the better.  Heavens it’s hot here today.  Am near choking.  My lungs don’t seem to work right since I got the Gas.  They work better than this pen just the same.  Haven’t heard anymore from Angus so can’t tell you anything more about poor old Squire.  Must quit for this time.  Write as often as you can.

Love to all

Jack