George's last letter written before shipping overseas.

"Aunt Amelia" mentioned on this page was his mother's sister, Margaret Amelia Watkins. "Uncle Bob" is her husband, Robert Wilson Thompson. From what George has written, it would appear that Bob and Amelia are no longer living near his parents in Kansas City. Amelia died in 1922 on a farm in Lomond, Alberta; perhaps is the farm that George is referring to.

Oct. 22 –1917

Dear Mother & Father Bros and sisters
 
Received your welcome letter and again glad to hear you are all well, as the same is with me. Mama if you are not well; papa is, and if papa is not well, you are. that's the way it used to go, isn't it? Papa, surely that $350 paving bill could not give you a pain in the back – "could it?" By the time this letter reaches you I hope you feeling better. I received a letter from Aunt Amelia today. She is feeling well, but Uncle Bob has been troubled with indigestion. She was asking about you & papa. They have struck water on their farm and
 

(page 2)

she seemed glad about it. I wrote her some time ago but in her letter, she had not got it at that time. Smithy wrote me the other day, he does not like the camp they are at. Earl says Smithy's name was out on the draft list the other day. ha! ha! I bet smithy is sure laughing to himself. Mama you ay Willie may be drafted in Jan. I hope he will not have to go. Well from what I have already learned it takes a long while to make a soldier. By the time the next draft is called trained the war will be over. I think as far as Rick is concerned, he would be out of the question. When we get across, we will not see action
 

(page 3)

until at least march or april, mabe may. Most every one in this Div has gone now. We have orders to pack up tonight. I have turned in my cot and dumpted(?) out the straw on the tent floor. Our barracks bags are all packed ready to go. We will probably leave Wednesday, but may not get on the water for a week. some excitement in camp. Everyone anxious to go. The Mo. signal corps left some time ago. The camp sure looks dead now. The tents are left standing as they are. This camp will be occupied by other soldiers soon. Harry Lander put on a short play at the camp saturday "Free" He was pretty good. He
 

(page 4)

certainly had some audience. He also made a talk on the war, when the oklahoma sanitary train left. All of us fellows took their stoves from the tents. The place was gaurded to keep the fellows from taking them. Every time the gaurds would turn their back some one would run out with a stove under his arm. It certainly was sport. getting em. Papa you might ask; who lights the fire in the morning? Well I haven't lit it yet. ha! ha! The soldiers sure do treat a Jew mean here. Sometimes they go down where they have their concessions and take everything they have in it. Mama the Red Cross of
 

(page 5)

N.Y. have donatedus wool sweaters, wristlists(?), muflers, and wool helmets, and other small things. There would be no hurry in sending those other thing until later. but if you have already sent them it will be alright. I told you about throwing the picture away I had taken. The first time I have a chance I will get some more. Receive Joe's & Florence's letters today. The play is just starting at this Y.M. The wooden tables are rocking and fellows pushing my arm so I will close. for now. Hoping all the best with the best of love.

Your loving son & Bro.

Will try and write before leaving.

George.