02 - Here I am now for keeps
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- SpeakerSalford, England, July 25, 1915 (Letter #2) “Here I am now for keeps”
- SpeakerDear Brother; Just a few lines to let you know I am well at present. Hoping this will find you all the same.
- SpeakerI have not had a letter from anyone since I came here,
- Speakeronly my birth certificate.
- SpeakerThere might have been letters come to my old address but I was away in France on a transport
- Speakerand when I came back I enlisted in the army, so here I am now for keeps.
- SpeakerIf you or anyone else could see for yourself what the [dirty work] the Germans are doing,
- Speakeryou would do the same thing I have done in a second
- SpeakerI tell you I have seen some things since I landed here.
- SpeakerI would like to get into a Canadian regiment but I don’t think I can.
- SpeakerThere is not a soul here that I know but the fellows use me fine; they call me the Yank
- Speakerbut I expect to be sent away tomorrow to a place called Southport. It is in the South of England, I think,
- Speakerand there is quite a few Canadians there.
- SpeakerThe sergeant told me and he gave me their names and a letter to their sergeant for him to put me with them.
- SpeakerI get along with all the officers fine.
- SpeakerThey could not use me better.
- SpeakerThere is no one like a Canadian [over] here.
- SpeakerThere was 40 of the boys went away yesterday from here.
- SpeakerThey were to the front once and were going back again.
- SpeakerAll our regiment on the first division are in the Dardanelles,
- Speakerso I guess that is where I will be sent when I am ready for the front.
- SpeakerI will write often when I get settled down.
- SpeakerI am living with a private family here. We go on a parade at 9 a.m. to 12 and then all through for the day.
- SpeakerI will send you all my picture later on with my brass buttons on.
- SpeakerSo will have to close for this time. Hoping to hear from you all soon.
- SpeakerGive my address to Flo. Remember me to Sam and all of my friends if I have any.
- SpeakerI am writing to Mother.
- SpeakerGive Mary a kiss for me. Send me a post once in a while if you think of it.
- SpeakerSo, goodbye, with love and best regards, from Lee