Letters Cross in the Mail

                          

Notice--Jim may be using the portable company typewriter as he travels on the train as the personal secretary of his boss;  but he doesn't hesitate to up the ante in his expressions of his love for Jennie.

Note, too, the reference at the bottom of the first page that "down to St. Catherine is my limit."  Jim had a heart condition that limited his activity and (I believe) was acquired when he was an adolescent and was kicked in the chest during a rugby game.  This disability became the reason that my mother remembered some of Jennie's family weren't too enthusiastic about Jim.  They feared that Jim's health would shorten his life, and then Jennie would be dependent upon them.
 
The photos of these letters illustrate some of the challenges I have with this old paper that has been folded for more than a century.  The paper is obviously rag stationery; it is very tough and not at all friable.  I will have to try scanning these letters, which will hold them flatter. 

September 22nd 1910
 On Dominion Atlantic Ry.

My dear Jennie,

             I am writing this letter on the train, hence the reason for using the typewriter.
         We are having great trip this time, eating, drinking and having a good time.  I think I have written about half a dozen of letters and about twenty telegrams so far, but I suppose I will get it all on the way back, although I hope he keeps some of it for the new fellow.  but say, what do you think of this; I overheard him tell Mr. Bosworth that your humble was a good reliable boy, very attentive to his work.  Gee, if I dont have a swelled head after that there must be something the matter with my head.
           Mr. Morton wanted me to walk home with him on Sunday night, but none of that for me, down to St. Catherine is my limit.  He seemed to be after information, but he did not get much.  I suppose you know he was up against a pretty hard proposition when he tried to get information from me.  Has Flora got over Sunday night yet?  It looked to me as if she was enjoying it after all.

                                          -2-

           This is a pretty nice little road and runs through lovely country something similar to what we have at 'ome, but of course, not quite so nice.  the locomitives [sic.] are all painted red and have names.  We have the "Strathcona" up ahead of us now.

      But just the same I have had enough and I wont be sorry to get back.  I understand we leave Halifax Friday afternoon by the I.C.R. and will get in to Montreal some time saturday night.  Dont wait for me Saturday but I will be up sure Sunday night.

          I know you wont believe it, but I am feeling awfully lonesome for #353.             
                                Yours with all kinds of love,