April 1916

Forest. April 3rd, 1916

From Lieut. W.A. Williams

Lambtons 149 Bn Forest

To Miss Madeline G. Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

Your welcome letter was rec’d. Many thanks for same. Am well tonight, only mighty tired. If this letter gets slow you an guess it’s up to being weary. You will have to pardon me for not writing Sunday. Sunday I got so lonesome by 2 P.M. that I just boarded the train for Sarnia. I should of liked to of gone to Arkona, but I am told the roads were worse than the Sunday before and if so were rather bad. However I hope the roads will be an improvement by the 9th. I called up tonight on the phone to let you know where the delay would be coming in. Was quite surprised to hear Lyda again. It was you I wished to speak of course. It makes quite a difference who speaks, soon as I told Lyda that I was on a drunk she just said GoodBye and hung up the receiver.

Now this letter cannot compare to the one you wrote. I know you would take it bad if Arthur should get some one else, I hope the report is true — one worry less. I know you cared because your letter showed it from the first line to the last. You sure missed a good chance. Just see the home and the farm and a thousand other things. Some hurry to only take two months. Who is she anyway? I bet she is red headed and likely a Waterford girl. Pardon me for being so curious. Lyda tells me tonight that Mr Porter has the mumps. This will finish my course as he will need his head held and that’s what wins a man’s heart. I only hope he fares as well as I did. Poor Miss Menhenick [?] she should have such troubles, I only hope she never gets the mumps.

I am so glad Stella and you had such a good time and Irene also. I suppose your days are over now as Lyda will be able to work steadily again. You will be lonesome for a few days. Just take it easy and have a good time. You don’t have to work anyway. 

I forgot but I am sure the boys missed Bessie and perhaps Lyda. Surely you sympathized with the boys. Now I must tell you I seen all the boys in Sarnia and today Col. Bradley and I visited the GolfLinks and saw all the boys at work. They will be home next Saturday. All are getting along fine. I was at the big recruiting meeting. The overflow at the City Hall filled the Theatre and also Auditorium. Over 2000 in the three meetings. Captain Darcy spoke at all three. How about the meeting in Arkona. Some Darcy.

Well Madeline, I went to Sarnia and had those snaps taken at last. The boso took 5 hits at the target. Proof will be here tomorrow of the score. I suppose you will want one mounted on the piano. They sure will have to be inlaid. I will try and send a proof for your as I am sure you are interested in collections. Don’t let Lyda get hold of them or the fire for same.

Now Madeline I am short of sense and will close shortly, asking you to pardon me for delaying this one day, also would ask you to excuse scribbling and foolishness. May I take a trip to your place Sunday and if weather favorable go to my home. 

Wishing you health and happiness and hoping to see you Sunday. 

I remain as ever,

Yours sincerely, Will

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 Forest, 14 — 4 — 16

Mrs Madeline Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

Just a few lines this A.M. Am well, hope you are O.K. This is one disagreeable day and we are confined to barracks. Intended to write you a letter last night but Town Council called me up and spoil all the plans. I suppose Arkona boys will be sore again at me for transferring here. Watford was bound to take Arkona and I scraped it out Col. Bradley now orders them here with Thedford. This is the best place for them no whiskey no fries [?]: Col. Bradley placed me in charge with Cap. Brown 2nd. This was absolutely refused and thanks no more playing boss for me. Hope to get a chance at the drill for a while.

Say Madeline rec’d snaps or proofs rather and they were simply grand, flattering. Will deliver one immediately on arrival. May I call at your home Sunday if all’s well. Will not be down perhaps until afternoon and will feed at Lucas. Excusing me for these hasty remarks and trust to see you Sunday.

Good Bye, Will.

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Thedford 26-4-16

Miss Madeline G. Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

Am well. Lonesome tonight just scribble a few lines to pass time. This is one horrid place dead and whiskey. Mr Young went back to forest be back tomorrow and will go to Port Franks. Signed one man and was too drunk to pass. Glad will some be out of here by Saturday I hope.

Madeline, it’s awful to hear some fellows talk now, and especially this settlement. Am sober so far but if stay here long will be driven to drink. I have a good nest and the grub is good. I hope we get some boys here.

How are you getting along with your work? This is disagreeable weather and roads are nearly impassable for mud. Now I hope to see you Sunday, but if my uniform doesn’t come there be one sick boy and perhaps may not go. I will be down for dinner and bring Mr Young along. Tell Flossie to kill the Calf. 

Madeline, I am awful anxious to hear about that problem. Hope Sunday you will be able to tell me and that all will be alright. I sincerely trust your people don’t object and no more disappointments.

Will close, excuse my scribblings, and will see you Sunday.

I remain Your loving friend, Will

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