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Government House. Ottawa.
25th May, 1936.
My dear John,
I have not heard from you for a long time, except indirectly through my sister. I am wondering very much how you are getting on. I do hope this spring has brought you a little more comfort. I am always thinking about you.
My eldest boy came here about six weeks ago, looking pretty pulled down; but the Canadian air, and fishing in the woods, have done wonders for him, and he is now looking quite his old self. I am pretty clear, however, that he ought not to go back to Africa, for apparently he is one of those people who are especially prone to tropical diseases. So I must begin to think out a new career for him.
My mother and sister arrived about a month ago, both very well, and I think they are greatly enjoying themselves. My mother, though in her eightieth year, is wonderfully active. My brother Walter comes out next week to spend a fortnight here, and then take them back.
Alec Fraser seems to have had a hard winter, but the prospects for his farm look a little better now. Charles Dick is coming out with a batch of Presbyterian Ministers for about a fortnight. I hope he will spend a weekend with me at Quebec, whither I go early next month.
What an unholy mess things are in in the Old World! Here we have plenty of problems, but they are all temporary and soluble,
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2.
I think.
It is very warm weather, and will be warmer. Last week I had three days' fishing at a camp in the woods, and while the sport was colossal, so were the flies! My left eye was almost closed, and I made a disreputable figure when I addressed the Royal Society last Friday.
I hope soon to hear better news of you, my dear old man .
Yours ever,
John