France, November 22, 1918
Braine le Comte

Dear Steve:

Note the name of the burg in which I am now sightseeing with the draftees, who have filled us up lately. They are a more or less unsophisticated bunch and are right in clover now that the war has reached its present stage. Some, of course, have had an eye full of real warfare, for this summer has shown some of the most sanguinary and continuous fighting of the whole war.  It was no bloody holiday from Aug. 8 to Nov.11, but the conflict has been decisively decided by the most powerful hammer blows possible in modern warfare and that is saying something. We are 23km from Mons by direct road but the route we followed was, I believe, of greater length, altho’ I wasn’t with the Batt’n all the time. We are progressing more or less leisurely but I am not complaining of lack of speed, but naturally the burning question of the day is when will we be back in Canada. Lord, let it be soon, is the fervent wish of everyone whether spoken or subconscious.

I hope you looked after my Excelsior policy. It is perhaps late in the day for me to attend to it but I have been so busy you know. I enclose a cheque for $48 for that purpose.

I also enclose a postcard sent to me by one of the boys in the Inf. Section on leave, it might afford you a chuckle. The Inf. Section is a thing of the past but it matters not. What does matter is our return to Canada and a suit of civvies.

The kilt makes a great hit in these parts. We are the object of much speculation not unmixed with envy. For the dash of colour, and mirth mingles with consternation at the sight of so many bare knees. We have it over all the other troops.

Yours in F,L, & T. Cannon

681036 Pte. J.C. Stothers