On train
Febry 17th 1915
My darling wife,
As you are aware "we don't know where we're going but we're on our way" , we got orders yesterday morning that we were to leave at 4
o clock, these orders were later changed to 7-30 P.M; I intended to phone you girlie but was chasing around until we got started I saw Jack in the afternoon & he was to be at the train to see us off but I guess he didnt manage to get into the station, the Battalion is being taken on two trains the Right Half to which I belong left the Barrack at 6 P.M, were met at the Subway C.P.R. by the Band of the 27th Regt who played us to the Grand Trunk station, there was a tremendous crowd outside the station & very few managed to get in on the platform, the men are in Colonist C[l]ass & the officers Pullman some class, eh. On Sunday night I went to a Welsh Service held at the Winnipeg Business College enjoyed it immensely, splendid singing, the last hymn being Duw mawr y rhyfeddodan marth & believe me it went off fine. There were quite a lot of fellows in Khaki I was the only officer though & certainly got a good welcome the Minister is a Rev Griffiths & he invited me to his house but of course I had no time. I went with Jack, Bob Hawthorne & Bert Leader to the Walker Theatre on Monday night the play was "the Quaker Girl" & it was very good just enough spicy stuff in to make it interesting, Jack can tell you all about it. Bye the bye girlie I sent you my equipment allowance with Jack, I think I can run along with my pay for a little while, of course I shall send you some money every little while. I got your letter of the 12th all OK, & had already written Mr. Gerrard, & also Mr. Cole. None of the officers are allowed to take their wives in fact kiddy we dont know where we are going, the probability seems to be "Bermuda", if however we go to the Old Country & you get a chance of company to go over why come I'll leave that to your discretion.
Am so glad to hear Frank is such a good boy. I believe he'll be a great comfort to you while I'm away & the other kiddies will keep you lively. I got the book alright. Thanks darling & this isn't a second thought.
Jack is certainly a good sort had a long talk with him while he was down, about all my affairs he'll look after things for you while I am away. I know you miss me sweetheart, but I also know you are a brave little girl & will as you say in your letter keep smiling. Cummings & the other fellows did not want to leave the bunch they were with, & I had even got transportation for them.
I also got your other letter yesterday. Jack got in in time to see the Inspection alright. We were all lined up all along in front of the G.T.P. station & along Main Street when his train got in. Am sorry sweetheart I did not get a chance to get you the relief nibs, as I have been so busy. Am going to post this letter at Fort William. Address your letters as follows
Capt J L Evans
"A" Coy , 32nd Battalion
Canadian Expeditionary Force
(to be forwarded)
No more just now, fondest love to you & the kiddies, also love to the girls, excuse this scribble it's so hard writing in the train.
Your loving hubby,
Jim
