Aug. 25th. 17.

My Dear Mother:-

I am not a guest at the hotel here but merely dropped in to write a few letters. Came downtown this afternoon and went to the Y.M.C.A. to read but was so sleepy that I slept two hours in a chair. Tomorrow we get our final medical examination and next week we expect final leave. I am going to spend a day at Creelman and the rest of the time at Lipton straightening up my affairs. It will be a very welcome relief to get away from this ill-arranged camp.

It seems as if Conscription is coming. You can see preparations being made here now. I will be mighty glad that I'm not included in that list for they will not be treated very well judging by appearances & talk.

I have had a rather rough week as for some reason I got a large amount of fatigues & guards to do. Saturday I was in the Sergeant's mess-room washing dishes and waiting on tables. This is scarcely a very remarkable life. You are put to many tests. In spite of all the knocks and bumps, however, I feel glad to be in the ranks for after one has served a year as a private it will be very possible to realize what the army really implies. Then a Commission could be handled in a proper manner.

I received Nellie's letter this week. She was saying you were holidaying with Aunt Anne. I hope you had a very pleasant time. Well, I must close.

Sincerely,

F.C.C.