Somewhere in France, July 13,1918

Dear Steve:

Just after writing you a letter I received yours of June 11 and as I have a few spare moments now I cannot do better than scribble you a few lines.

How are you getting on at your work? I hope the crops are good enough..(words missing).

I was over among the artillery the other day and bumped into young Symington who used to be in Dungannon with  N. Treleavern.  He is in the 4th Battery the same one that Wilbur Johnston was in.  He said that Wilbur died from the effects of drinking shell water at Ypres.  I guess the water was badly impregnated with German gas.  Of couse that may not be the reason assigned by his folks.  I thought it was  pneumonia.

So you have taken on $2000 insurance, a very good idea.  I isn't so very long ago that you were hardly an acceptable risk. Was it in the Canada Mutual?

So Jesse Kilpatrick was teaching in London Collegiate.  She seems to move around qutie a good deal.  I suppose she could only talk "highbrow"  to you when you were down visiting there.  That car of yours must be wonderfully convenient for both business and pleasure.

Have you been up home much? And how is I. F. making things go on the farm.  I hope he is not setting the world on fire.  He won't have much chance I am afraid.

What is Geo. Saunders doing about military service.  It will be hard on him if he is called.  The say Wieke's had to go and leave his young wife and baby at the call of the Army. Is that true?  And they bean so well not married a year and already with a two or three month old baby.  Cora no soon quite nursing babies around home than to go into the business on her own account.  I wonder how Myrtle likes Married life.  Here's hoping she is (word missing)  I don't harbour any resentment you know.  Well, old boy, keep up your good work and why not get married.  I would be willing to forego being your best man.

Au revoir

Yours in F.L. & T

Cannon