Bramshott Camp, Hants
Nov 22nd 1918

 Dear Mother;-

 Yours of a month ago today came yesterday along with one from Nora, one from Nellie, and one from Ethel.  The last mentioned was not least interesting but makes me anxious about Edith.  While she may well as Ethel seemed to think I am afraid she had the Flu which don’t always strike as a serious thing at first.

 I am still hoping that I shall soon hear from Will under date later than Nov 11th.  I heard from Bert under Nov 15th.  He was then going back to battalion.

 Another case of mumps went out of this hut a week ago today so we are quarantined for another three weeks from now and if somebody else gets mumps for four weeks from when he gets it.

 Two days ago they made me answer the roll call for draft but the draft is in abeyance or probably cancelled now and in the meantime the MO’s office is stirring around to enforce the quarantine.  Some men were moved out of here by the Coy. yesterday and moved back by the MO’s  office.  When I was put on draft and delayed I put in for a weekend pass.  The Flu is what is making the authorities so reluctant about granting leave.  I guess I am out of luck now any way since I’m quarantined. 

 I got two pairs of fine home knit woolen socks with a pair of gloves of the same kind from a Mrs. O’Brien who used to send four children to school where I taught at Dodds Alberta.  They are now in Ontario.  She sent me two pairs of socks and a pair of wristlets for Christmas last year having written to Ethel for my address.  She says for me to be sure and come to see them on my way home.  I wrote to thank her for the parcel but to tell her that I couldn’t promise to call to see them on may way home although I would very much like to see Mr. O’Brien and herself and children again.

 I could never have dreamed even two weeks ago that the main part of the German fleet would surrender to the Allies without a fight to smash down what they could.  Aside from the Flu (which seems past its worst in this country) things do look a lot brighter.  Of course Anarchy and confusion must be expected but the Allies at last seem to have the situation in hand.  I am hoping now to be home to help put in the spring crop.  I may be disappointed but disappointments are said to be wholesome. 

 Just here I have suddenly decided to send you a picture Ethel sent me some time ago.  There is quite a lot in it.  Ethel wanted a picture of herself and the horses to send to me.  She had one space left on the film so went and got the camera for Ralph to take her picture.  While she got the camera the young lad, Andy Brass, working there got in the democrat to ride over to where he was to work.  Ethel didn’t like to ask him to climb out again so he sat there while Ralph took “her” picture with the horses.

 Perhaps I shouldn’t repeat such tales but the tale now is that Nellie might let one or both her girls go out to “the farm” only Andy Brass is there.  This is from Nellies own letter saying that schools etc. are closed so that her youngsters except Wilbert are home.  Hi is out working on a farm north of Edmonton as I suppose you know.  I suppose it is the girls’ silliness as well as Andy’s Brassiness that causes Nellie’s uneasiness.

 I don’t know whether I shall find it practicable to settle down so close to my good father-in-law when I get back or I shall find it more expedient to move on to my homestead.  Perhaps neither will do.

 There is not much I can think of to write about so shall close for now.

 Your Loving Son,
Earl