1915 Letter 28
France
July 15, [1915]
Mother dearest,
Your two letters - the long one of the 26th and the one of the 29th enclosing Don's reached me the day before yesterday.
First of all I must acknowledge the tan shoes which arrived in good condition, and have proved a godsend - as strange to say I can wear them with comfort now. Also the tennis shoes and racket, the socks and the little holdall, also the papers that Papa is so good about sending. I find them of endless interest now as so many things escape our notice over here until we see them in the home papers.
Mrs. Thomson too is so good about sending papers. Just the other day a bundle arrived from her. One of our orderlies - formerly a student at Trinity College School and a very nice boy - was isolated with scabies - He asked for papers as he couldn't go to the Reading Tent. I handed him the whole bundle and he was so delighted, also your "Bringing up Father" etc.
Annie Langley's funny papers went to a boy of 17 - out here 8 months and wounded for the second time - this time badly enough to get him to England for weeks at least.
I am sorry about Cousin Ella's brother. He died at #7 in Boulogne, but I did not know who he was though I saw his name in the book at Cox's.
Scoble, Galt and O'Loove were attached to #7 all winter and know all the sisters there, so I'll find out all I can about him and let his people know - if you think it would be all right. I have a post card showing #7 formerly the Princess Hotel. It is a magnificent big place, and every possible comfort is provided. He was only in 3 days - June 16-19.
I am glad Don is settled for the time being, and this move ought to mean more money which the boy needs.
There is a thunder storm coming up - the first this summer. It has been cool - almost cold this month - not one warm day a week - every night we have our stoves lighted and hot water bottles in our beds.
I am planning in a more or less unhappy way to go on leave Tuesday. Boultbee is backing out on account of Peggy Rose who can't get hers now and Cecily Galt expects to come but isn't positive, so it may come down to Ida and me. I hope it doesn't for while I like her - she is years older and I'm not too keen on the sights and the history thereof.
I have written Eric's O.C. and can do no more. Our leave has come and we must take it.
I am making arrangements with the Bank of Montreal and will telegraph my address each day. I have also written Eric to wire them as soon as he reaches England if he does - and get my address and I'll come down at once.
If he can't get his leave until August I'll be sure to see him for he'll have to pass through Boulogne and I can get a day or two's leave - unofficially - to see him coming and going - that is if we are here - of course - I'm sure to see him. I hope he and Marryat will get over together as it will be much nicer for them both.
And now to answer your letter - Your remarks regarding the British are quite correct and of course they are wonderful, but all the same their treatment of the Canadian A.M.C. has not been altogether fair, though I think there will soon be plenty of work for every one.
Begbie's book has caused a good deal of disgust over here. No one knows who slapped his face and it's probably a yarn but apparently the slapping was the result of unwelcome and unwelcomed advances on his part. He stayed at the Louvre all winter. I must send you his book, which describes the work in Boulogne from several different stand points.
I sent you a lot of post cards and the book on Picardy, which is partly written by [Manton] our English dentist in Boulogne.
Before I forget - did you ever send that under wear etc. I never received it - and thought it might have gone down on the Lusitania. If you haven't sent it - please don't for I have plenty of everything.
Stockings are an outrageous price over here and a few pairs of tan cashmere every month or two would be mighty welcome. Even in England any kind of cashmere stockings cost 3s. which is a trifle expensive. One pair a month would be heaps. That is all I need - I think.
If Papa likes to send some chewing tobacco occasionally - it would be fine too. So many of the Canadians didn't smoke and all the tobacco we could draw was in tins.
I must stop now. Squire is on the look out for that box and I'll see Capt. Blaylock to-morrow.
Heaps of love -
Yours always,
Helen