Appreciation

Two Aylmer Boys Return Home, 1905, Part: 6

Sept 26, 1905 from Frank in Port Arthur to the "Folks” in Bayham, Ontario, “I was more sorry than I can tell to hear of Tom’s bad luck. He wrote very down-heartedly and expressed a great desire to get back home. ‘I didn’t think when I came out here that I would be obliged to send home for money to get back with but that is what it looks like.’ That sounded pretty tough especially when Tom had so great expectations of regaining his lost health. I can imagine Tom’s feelings when he gets the check his friends sent him. If it’s his first experience along that line I know what he will feel like.

(Sue’s Note: In Frank’s letter home dated Sept 4, 1905 he writes, “Just think that train load of fellows, to all of whom I was a total stranger except probably a ½ dozen, took up a subscription after leaving Port Arthur and succeeded in getting $88 (I think) for me. I can only say “God bless them” and it is a prayer not an exclamation.” The money was given to Frank’s travelling companions who passed it along to Fred in Winnipeg. Fred then rushed to Port Arthur to check on Frank.

"Tom is going to start home not later than October 3rd and he said he hoped I was going about that time. He does not know that I am going by boat and that I hope to be home before that. I suppose Tom is very “blue” for he said that he could go for a little walk but that it completely faged him out. A rest is what he needs and he can best get that at home.”

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Sept 27, 1905 from Tom in Holland, Manitoba to Mary in Bayham,

“Dear Mrs Benner & Miss Benner (Vi):

I now write to acknowledge safe arrival of check, which was sent by Father. Please accept my warmest thanks. It was very kind of you indeed to think of me in that way, I shall always be greatfull to you, and I am sure my parents will too. I had written for my homeward fare, but now they will be relieved of that strain, my funds were nearly exhausted, and I have my Doctors bill to pay, I was feeling very uncomfortable, but now I feel more at rest, as I have money to go on with.

The people around there must be very kind, to subscribe so large amount. I wish I could thank them all who gave something.

The Doctor says I am improving, but it is very slowly, I am out of doors all day, so I get lots of fresh air. I still have bad nights my cough troubles me, as soon as I lie down. I think I shall have to take to sleeping stood up, see if that will overcome the trouble…

Please remember me to all friends. I hope you are all in the best of health, once more thanking you very much for your great kindness to me. I will close, Yours sincerely, Tom Smith

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