Otterpool Sept 16, 1915 Dear Folks; - Have just arrived from the canteen where I successfully negotiated the purchase of an indelible pencil, which I will proceed to use, in sending the momentous news that, tomorrow we leave for a tour on the continent, starting with sight-seeing in gay France. This is a little frivolous when I think how much anxiety you will expend on me but there will be no particular cause for worry for some weeks, as it is altogether likely that we will be at the base for sometime. Strange, but there is absolutely no excitement in camp; everything is quiet; no talk much of moving out. Nothing like when we left Winnipeg, not confined to camp, fellows are out to town in the same old way. Last night, when in the bus going to Hythe, saw Allan, his mother & sister. A rather fine looking woman and very pleasant in appearance. Looks quite young. I noticed Dick and her put their heads together and then she looked around, our eyes met. I grinned; she smiles & said "Hello". I groaned " How do you do"- rather dramatic, what? May say, had a full pack, is a thing of wonder-no mule would carry it. But we do have numerous things in the pack and then a rubber proof sheet and blanket fixed on the pack. This makes a rather lopsided bundle. In front, we carry 150 rounds of ammunition and, I believe, we get 150 more in France, in all about 25 lbs. of ammunition. I am not telling this to dismay you but, for my friend to smile at my discomfort and my enemy to smile at my downfall. But, the fact remains, it is going to be some grind to Folkstone, but at the base we have our own blanket and waterproof. The machine gun transport went out sometime last night. May say, they got kind of wet as it rained most beautifully. One thing I believe, the longer you are soldiering the more you get used to circumstances-it gets to be your business. Major Cross giving us a lecture on censor, the other day, and he urged us all to write home often as the folks at home worry a lot more about us than we did ourselves, and I believe him, it is too bad for people at home as we do worry a great deal. He has a wife & two little kids, oldest about ten. He is a man that reminds me of Uncle George [Sanderson]. Gos is over bidding a fond farewell to his lady love tonight. I owe quite a few letters but they will all be answered from France. I sent home my camera and a razor. I kind of think you will have some duty to pay on them. Hope it is not much. If you see any male mortal, who needs a razor, give it to him. I am also sending some pictures, not much good. Can hand one or two or so of those tent and zoo, one to F. E. Campbell  as I promised him some. We have been getting no Canadian mail for almost a week, I guess. They say it is at the Base; we will get it in France, it will come alright. Every one writing tells me how good the crops are-glad to hear it. We are taking the Ross rifle with us, it seems alright. Say, I am sorry my letters seem so punk But I possibly can't get anything to say-news is scarce and I am not fluent. So Goodbye, the next news from France so goodbye to England and keep a brave front, as I will endeavour to do. With Love, Perry. Revielle at 6:30 tomorrow, an extra hour. What Ho. Glad to hear you are going to school Kid. Hope Nita does not need the strap much.