Sunday Morning
The men are full of the good time they had in the city last night, half of them were carried shoulder high they say; and it was almost impossible to get to the station. I was hoping to get some leave today but I am afraid there is no hope, there is some talk of a church parade. I wish there will be, I should like to go very much.
I am very sorry the melons did badly with the rain again but I like to get now all sorts of news please, I like to know just how you get on.
Dodd and Trickett have been lucky they have been on shore both at Sydney and here. I hardly ever see Trickett and seldom Dodd. I do not know what Trickett is doing but I think he does writing for the officers, he is a great scholar. I expect you will see letters in the paper from him.
We have just been on shore drilling the first time. I have been on shore I felt very funny just as if I was on ship and rolling about. It rained very heavy last night, we have had a lot of bad weather since we came into camp and now we get it on board ship. We were able to buy splendid peaches both at Sydney and here and I did enjoy it. We have a very pretty busy time. I can tell you there are 170 horses and 144 men and when 20 is took off for guard and picquet a 10 or 12 for mess orderly. You see there is nearly 2 horses each to feed, clean and clean the lines out besides drill, so you can judge there is not to much time to spare.
Dodd is always very fussy when I do see him but he is not in the same division and our horses are in a different part of the ship; so we do not often meet, he says he is going to try to get in my group.
We are all very disappointed at not being able to get leave, there will be a lot go on shore without, I am very undecided myself, it may not be right but they certainly ought to give us all the recreation. They cannot keep us cooped up just to show their authority.
Well dear Mother, Father, Brothers & sister you must all take this letter for yourself as I cant write separate ones. I am very glad Arthur writes so kindly of Ernie and Maud. I thought that if my going away only makes you all love one another better it will not be in vain and chin up dear old dad and all keep your hearts up. It may please God that the war will soon be over and I may be soon back with you all a better man.
I am afraid this will be our last port of call we may stay at Albany but no one seems to know for certain; but you can find out perhaps better then I. I love to hear from you.
Goodbye with love from
Ted.
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