Dated:

Acknowledgements from the Boys

The box of Christmas stockings sent from New Liskeard before Christmas in care of Lce.-Corp. W. E. Thomas reached its destination and from the letters below from Billy and the many letter received in town from boys receiving the Stockings, filled with good things, they touched the spot. To Miss Lilly Thicke must be given the credit of the idea and a number of her friends assisted in the canvassing.
France, Jan. 6, 1916.
Mr. S. E. Thicke
New Liskeard,
Ontario.
Dear Friend:-
Just a few lines this evening to let you know I am still in the land of the living. The box you mentioned in your letter arrived O.K. It was at our billets the evening we came out of the trenches Jan. 3^rd. The boys wanted to know where it was from and what was in it. When I told them it was from New Liskeard, different ones mentioned the welcome we received the day we marched up from Haileybury and that dinner, we will never forget it. We often mention it as we sit down with our mess tin ox Mulligan. I tell you the boys all have a warm spot in their hearts for the people of New Liskeard.
I couldn't distribute the stocking the way you mentioned, our parade ground is not in very good shape. We opened the box and gave the section commanders enough for their section. We saved some for the boys in the other companys and what was over we divided into three lots and gave them to the other platoons. Sorry to say Charlie wasn't here. His battalion is some distance from us.
The girls may rest assured the gifts were appreciated and all credit is due them for their work. No doubt Bobbie will be a busy boy handing out letters from the front for I told the boys to write. One fellow had a letter written before I had all the stuff dished out.
I gave your little writing desk to T.J. Faught for the time being. We are not very close to the hospital so I couldn't give it to a nurse but if I am ever sent to one I will have it forwarded to me. We have been very fortunate so far have had a few bullets come pretty close and as for the shells, a fellow has to be careful.
I am enclosing a couple of cards for the girls. Sorry I haven't more to send. Our spending money is scarce, thirty francs, doesn't go very far buying luxuries. I will close for this time hoping this finds you all enjoying the best of health.
I remain as ever your friend
Billie.