11. ..can you get news about Charlie's death?

Elsinore

October 21st 1917

My dear Norman,

Another Sunday and another letter. I wonder how many more I will have to write before I get one from you? I am always thinking about you my dear boy and wondering how you are getting along and would give all to have a talk with you, but I know that you are right dear Norman and doing what is right. If I knew I couldn't trust you it would break my heart. 

We had a lovely Communion service this morning for the boys that are gone Charles Cox, Johny Borthwick and Les Thornton. We are to have a memorial service tonight.. Johnny Smith in Darling Street is killed too.  I called in to see Mr Smith and he looks like a man out of the grave. I expect we will hear of a good many more being killed before it is all over.

I have George and Maggie Goodsir here at present. They are not too much trouble, still they could go to their own relations. They are down at Manly today. 

I had a painter here on Friday dear Norman to give me a price for the painting. That is to do all round the outside, front fence, front and back doors, verandah doors to kitchen and underneath the verandah - all normal except the back that is under the iron and clean the rough cast? His price is £ 11.0.0. I don't think that is too much considering the price of things now. I think we will have it done. It will look very nice when done. 

Mr Gooud was in to have breakfast this morning, had not had time to go home. He feels Charlie's death very much.He was wishing to win the [sailing] race yesterday as it was Charlies race and he wanted to win the medal and give it to Mrs Cox, but there was a bad wind and he was nowhere. Mr Cox told me to ask you if you could get any news about Charlie's death. I suppose the Chaplain would be the best to find out from. Mr Gooud says he was buried. I believe the Chaplain and nurse was with him when he died. 

I will send you the hospital young Noble is in. Mrs Noble wants us to let you know as soon as ever we receive a letter from you and she will cable you. She says you might not be iun England now but I do hope you are; that you will not be sent anywhere else. Do you think you will?

Have you seen Charley Palmer or Clarrie, or any of the boys yet? What a surprise to them to see you over there. 

I suppose it is getting very cold over there now. The weather here is getting very hot. Eileen was here on Thursday night. Illma, George and all are well. I may go up this week while George and Maggie are here. The place looks lovely. We have had some nice rains. Now my darling boy I must conclude. Pa sends best love to you and accept heaps of love and kisses from your affectionate and loving Mother.