June 11, 1915 - Fredericton

Dear Father, Mother, Lela, Victor:

This letter is goodbye to all.  Forty-two of us go from St. John as soon as the troop can be loaded.  There are 42 from our battery, the Ammunition Column and, I think, the 26 Regiment.  I was the first driver on the list.  I don't know how long we will be in St. John.  Probably not more than a day or two, so  you had better not write till you hear from me again.  We are bound for England.  I will have any mail on the way for me returned home or possibly they may forward it on for me.  I don't know just now but it doesn't matter.  I will get it in the end.  I am sending the grip home with some things I don't need, also the watch.  I planned to start for home tonight but these orders came very suddenly and I did not know I was going till 11:30 today; nor anyone else for that matter.

Now I am glad that I qualified for 1st place as driving, still I don't like the idea of going from you all but we will hope I come back safe and sound.  Of course, we need a lot of training yet and the war may be over before we are ready.  Now I have a lot of packing to do so this must do till next time.  You never saw a happier bunch of men than those who are going in your life.  Now I am not very demonstrative, but you have my best love - all of you.  So goodbye till you hear from me next.

Clarence

© 2010 Pamela Wile. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

June 1, 1915 - Fredericton

Dear Lela,

I don't know what to tell you, only that I am well, never felt better that I know of.  We have a fire up here in town every day but they never amount to anything, the firemen are too quick (three on duty all the time).  They only have two wagons with ladder and hose.  One horse on the ladder and two for the hose always on the job.  When the alarm rings these horses jump to their places, the men to their seats and the third man opens the doors.  Then look out, for they stop for nothing.  The men drop their work wherever they are and go direct to the fire and as everyone has a wheel here, it doesn't take them long to get there.

I did not know John Harris had a car.  Something he found, no doubt.

Clarence

P.S.  The city has a pumping station going all day and night to draw water from the river for the city, so they don't need any fire engines.

© Copyright 2010 Pamela Wile. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

May 1, 1915 - Fredericton

Dear Lela,

Just a line to let you know I am here yet and well.  I hope you're the same.  Very dirty weather here.  Take care of yourself and be good.

Clarence

© Copyright 2010 Pamela Wile. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

April 18, 1915 - Fredericton

Dear Lela:

Was very glad to hear from you.  You may have those silk pieces if you want them.  I am feeling fine now.  This is a fine place to catch cold.

I have not much time now so with this will close.  Yesterday we all refused to parade for drill on account of bad and not enough food, but the officers promised no better.

Write soon.

Clarence

© Copyright 2010 Pamela Wile. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

April 11, 1915 - Fredericton

Dear Father:

Only a short one.  Had you not better see D.W. MacLean and get John's address from him, then write stating the case re F.Drake.  Ada will only get her P. money from Mr. Russell and will get her S.A. from the Govt. direct.  On March 31 she got $13.87.  I signed on Mar. 6 and this is correct if they figure 30 days to the month.  She should soon get her S.A. now.

We are regarded as part of the 2nd Contingent, I believe, and when I signed on I requested $25.00 of my wages to go to you.  The major was doubtful about it but said he would try it.  Since that, Ada wrote me saying Mr. Russell (I presume) said I would have to send my wages to her to bank; then I saw the major, he said for me to come in when he was not busy and we would change the card to her name and in that case you will have to use your Power of Attorney and draw from the bank when she deposits.

We had a pay day last Tuesday but I was inoculated that morning and went to the Armouries for clothes in the afternoon.  Was taken sick about 5 and went to bed.  The major took sick next day and went to the hospital and has not come back yet.  (See Lela's card.)  So I have not got my money yet but expect it any day and need it soon, too.  We have to get all our clothes altered so they will fit and have to pay ourselves (mostly shortening sleeves).  I have a bad cold in my head from sleeping in this barn of a place but feel great outside of that.  I drank the green tea they give us at first and suspect there is saltpeter in it.  Anyway, it nearly ruined my kidney before I found out what was doing it.  Well, the inoculation settled there and I hardly dare move for four days now.  I buy a glass of milk at the canteen and am feeling fine.  After meals I take a kidney pill.  I feel very sorry about that mare but you can make it right with Victor.  I guess my job will last long enough.

I get the papers all right and am mighty glad to.

The drill has increased, so we do not have much time to get lazy now.

I will send you $20.00 this month, I guess I will need the balance.  They stop back $10 for clothes for six months, so I will get $26.60 more again.

Clarence

P.S.  Have a talk with Rev. Mr. Martell about that money when you get a chance.

© Copyright 2010 Pamela Wile. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.