Somewhere in France, May 23 1918

Dear Steve:

Your registered letter with enclosed simolevius (?) reached me last night after returning from a two day hike through a beautiful section of France.  We are enjoying beautiful weaterh and are located where there are many rurral villages.  Walking along these shady roads and watching the farmers at work and the villagers going about their various occupations almost moakes you remineniscent. It recalls to my mind so much of what is past and stored up under the category of "memories".

I was glad to hear you had visited the Kurschenskis.  I suppose their lot is far from a pleasant one but they can blame themselves to a great entent for their position of isolation, possessing in large degree that German characteristic of being unable to understand their neighbours.  This is more especially true of Albert, I suppose the military authorities didn't think a battalion would look well with a name like that on the nominal roll and so his exemption was granted I noticed in a copy of the Goderich signal that a cousin of theirs young Holzhausen was conscripted.  I wonder if he is actually in the army.  I wonder what kind of reception I would get down their among my one time German friends.

I hope the Mardel's are having better forturnes but with Mrs Mardel and Amanda completely invalid, poor old Paul will have a hard lot.  His sons were never of much use to him except one who is a doctor or something in Detroit.

When you are down Seaforth way next try to look up Mr. A. Archibald R.R. either #3 or #4.  He is "Archies" father, Archie was teaching in Toronto and was killed a year ago in April.  He was about the best fellow I ever met.

So Alf. Naylor is teaching at Seaforth yet. I suppose he has quite a family now.  He married a fair young teacher of Huron County, Sylvia Seel, whom I often hear of but never met.

Of course I wasn't even surprised to hear of your getting married at any time.  You should not be taken in for service especially when Dist Reps of "A" category are exempt.  Exten my congratulations to Annie Cleghorn when you have opportunity either personally or by letter.

I forgot to thank you for the cash.  It didn't arrive quite on my birthday but at a more convenient time.

Yours in F. L. & T

Cannon

PS. Do you still play the Banjo. Here is an article I'm enclosing about one of your ilk. JCS