Montreal. October 19. 1941

Dear Mom, Dad and all:

     Here it is Monday and I'm still here, since there hasn't been any fellows leave since last Tuesday because of lack of ships.  There are about 120 men here now and they're coming in about four to eight a day.  Nine of them are leaving this afternoon which brings the highest number leaving to 306.  My number is 314 so I'm sure to go in the next batch which will probably go Tuesday.  The Empress is at still in port so I have hopes of going on it yet.
     I received a letter today from W.C. Coffay, President of the University of Minnesota.  Here's what he had to say:

     Dear Mr. Martin:

     Through Mr. J. Murray Mitchell, American Advisor, I learn that you are now enrolled in the Civilian Technical Corps.  I congratulate you and justly so because you have achieved something that amounts to quite an honor.  You have passed a difficult technical examination and a very thorough physical examination.
     I hope you will have a great opportunity to serve ably in the lines of work in which you are qualified to render a good account of yourself.
                     Very truly yours,

                      (signed) W.C. Coffay
                               Acting President

     That should certainly be a good recommendation since it is a personal letter and came entirely unsolicited, I was certainly surprised to get it.  That's doing better than Butch.
     Just went down to roll call and now there are only three fellows going today.  The rest will go tomorrow, but the Captain said that the powers that be promised big things for the morrow, which intimates a large draft of men.
     By the way, the ONLY way to get things to me in England duty free is to send them to that American Eagle Club so keep that address I sent you.  I received the other package and have it put away for the ocean trip.  This big draft may mean the Empress since that is the only large ship around at the moment and she has been in for a week now for repairs.
    It's now nine O'clock.  I've had supper and did my last shopping this afternoon.  When I got back someone told me there was a letter for me in the canteen.  I went down and got it and it was from the Colonel.  I wrote him a military letter suggesting that possibly he could use that very apt quotation you sent me in his publicity.  Here is his reply:

My dear Martin:
     Many thanks for your letter in regard to the marginally noted subject (Publicity).  I am much impressed by the Theodore Roosevelt quotation which you gave me, and I am passing it on to New York, where, I am sure, they will be very happy to make use of it.
     Your kindly co-operation is much appreciated.
     With every good wish.

        Yours faithfully.
   P L Brown

I ought to stand pretty good in this outfit pretty soon.  Yes, no?
     George just came in and wants to play some chess so I'll hold up on this letter until tomorrow and maybe I'll have some more dope on our leaving.

Tuesday AM: 

Got some all right.  Will leave Wednesday with 64 other men which unquestionably means the Empress, but I won't know until I get on board or end up at the depot, as the case may be.  I have to work in the office this-morning typing up the papers for the men who are going so just have these few minutes before breakfast and go to work right afterwards.  I'll add some more to this after dinner.

Tuesday evening:

Wednesday 10:30 A.M. :

Well we're all set to go at last.  Will get our pay in a few minutes and go down to the bank of England for our 50 [pounds].  I spent all day yesterday typing up papers for the captain for the men who are leaving, seven hours of typing.  Sure am getting back in form but my fingers are so darn tired from the exercise that I can't hit anything this morning.  Had a bit of a poker party among the boys in our room and a few drinks last night.  One of those good old 1/5 cent a point games.  Had lots of fun.  Have only a couple of minutes so have to get as much said as I can.  I have been elected group leader of a group of 15 men.  There are four such groups going on the same ship.  Here to Halifax by rail and then across on an armed merchant liner.  Don't know which one it is.  We may be in Halifax a while before we sail.  Will mail my camera home from there.
     Today we received a knit pair of gloves, socks, muffler, sweater and helmet which covers everything but your eyes.  They're sure dandy, all hand knitted.
     There's a big bomber roaring over the house now, just wonder how long it'll be that I'll sit complacently when I hear a plane.
     Interrupted again.  Pay parade and examination of mouth for trench mouth.  All okay with me.
     Well, I'll close now and get this mailed.  Will drop a card from Halifax.   I received all your letters okay.

'bye now,

Bob