Forest, March 1 — 3 — 16
Miss Madeline G. Lucas
Arkona, Ont.
Dear Madeline,
May I fulfil my promise by writing you tonight.
This is a pleasure for me to write one so kind and sympathetic.
Have just heard by card and also from Lyda by phone that you are suffering from those horrid mumps. You have my sympathy and I sincerely hope you will forgive me for giving them to you. I would of liked to gone done to see you tonight but Lyda says you are not seriously sick and only on one side as yet.
Now I will ask you a favor, write me how you are getting along and be sure and take care of yourself. I only wish I could return the kind act of yours by calling on you. Tonight I am alone here and swamped with work and I couldn’t do it until I write you first. Now because I am not first to call on you, don’t think I am cold and selfish. My prayers are better than anything else. I wish you a speedy recovery and trust you will be careful as you were so anxious of me.
Was surprised to hear of Lyda being in the store. How nice to have on to take your place. I will cal ups each day and enquire of your welfare. This is Wednesday night and I am tired out. Have not had my clothes off since Sunday and only a few hours rest on a couch. Monday went out home in forenoon. Afternoon walked to Watford, 7 miles. Watched the dance until three. No rooms set up till morning. Tuesday worked in Armoury till noon, afternoon to Warwick, then to Uttoxeter and on into Forest, arrived here about one in the morning, stayed in the club room here till morning and today was certainly busy, signed two men today. Now I feel like just walking to Arkona. Tomorrow night a big meeting in Town Hall and I have something to do of course. These are excuses for not going to see you, but I will call up and I would be a poor nurse compared with your Mother. However I am not afraid to do my duty. I only wish now I had not been so afraid of giving you the mumps. I will be blamed for things I never done, after this I will have the satisfaction of doing things if they blame me for this. Some joke these mumps.
Madeline I started my letter at 8 o’clock and it is now 11 o’clock. Lieut. White, Sergt. Price, Pte Beatty and Watson are in the room playing cards and I bet it will be 12 o’clock before they quit. I never play cards anymore and do you know I smoked two cigars today and I am no better for it. Those dances are certainly worldly pleasures. I never like to see a friend of mine dancing with other men, surely it must be a wicked thing to do. Now I must not say anymore, but will tell you all some day, and I hope before long. How did you and Lyda make out last Sunday evening? I guess and I am sure after I left you cried till your heart asked, because you just showed it in your face when I was leaving. Now you think I will be vexed at you but not so, you showed to me you have a heart and I only trust you always be so nice to me.
Must close as I am sleepy and this is a long letter: Be sure and answer at once as I am anxious to hear from you.
GoodBye, Will
Excuse my scribbling, just a little shaky and sleepy makes things go crooked.
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Forest, March 22nd 1916
From Lieut W.A. Williams
Lambtons 149 Bn Forest
To Miss Madeline G. Lucas
Arkona, Ontario
Dear Madeline,
Just a few pages. Am well. Busy today and tonight am alone. The boys are all away to the Movies. They never miss anything in this place. I only wish their good times and money hold out. Say Madeline we had another fire here this morning and cleaned up a building on the main street. If this keeps up we will be expert fire fighters. Believe me we don’t powder and put on our white collars anymore. I honestly believe I was out in three minutes. Some men need about an hour and then they are excited when they get there. Now I must forget and keep off this stuff.
Recruiting is slow only three on Monday. This is a fine place it goes steady by jerks. I only wish they would keep me busy. How are the boys in Arkona. I suppose some left for Sarnia today. We had four leave here and the Sergts leave here Saturday. I wish the boys every success but they will get a surprise when they leave Arkona. How is Wyatt and Lyda getting along. Pardon me for calling him by surname but my orders are no more Mr from a Lieutenant and no more. Sirs. Please don’t get stirred at this change. Remember it’s business now and no more preciousness and soft soap. Perhaps I shouldn’t draw the line on one so dear to you, but you will be sure to overlook this. Do you know Madeline that the kindness shown me Sunday by all of your folks was never equalled at any time. I only wish I could appreciate it more by returning the compliment.
Now I want you to be sure on Sunday next at about 1:30 or 2 to take a drive out house. I only trust that I will have the pleasure. Would you object to Lyda going with us. How proud I would be to have her and our people always wanted to see your sister. Ask her for me if you have no objections. I wrote my father last night and I am sure he will be looking for us. When are you coming up to Forest. Tell Wyatt there is a show here on Friday and I am sure he would bring you girls some [?]. This is all the nonsense the last few days and will close. Excuse these lines and scribbling.
Good night.
I remain
Yours sincerely, Will
P.S. No lovers stationery procurable must confine to the military.
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