My dearest Ruby,

Don't forget to send me your photo in next mail. How glad I was in this morning when I received your loving letter. It was short, but sweet, it was dated aug 23. I was very pleased to hear by it that you are all well. Sorry about George's address but let me know it as soon as you get it. How are you? I hope you are not working yourself to death like you did at Ashmore. I would very much like to get your dear photo to have a look at you again. It is a long time since we parted the night of my farewell, Ruby, but I often see you in my visions. In fact every night at bed time, I do. I don't see any harm in telling you that. I pray every night to god to take me back safe to you, the only girl in all the world I love and want. Of course if I get knocked we may still meet again, well my dear girl I seen in the paper that poor little Jimmie Hayer got very badly hurt in the national steeplechase. I hope it is not serious. He is a decent honest young man with terrible bad luck. How is Dug and wife getting on? I often see Ted Blake. He told me she sent him to the war. Well dearest I must close. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Goodbye. God help you and keep you from all harm.

I write nearly every week. I hope you will do the same. I remain your ever loving boy, Alick