Toronto Nov 20 1940
Mrs. James Wright
Gilford
Co. Down
N/ Ireland 

Dear Cousin Mollie [1] ,

            I hope you are escaping the blackouts, bombings and nerve wracking ordeals that they are having in other parts of the Empire, we who are so protected here marvel at your bravery and courage. I often wonder how Dr. John Menary [2] and his wife are as they must be quite near the devastated parts. I think if I were they I would go to S. Ireland, here is hoping that Mr. deValera [3] will decide to unite with the Empire and let us have the war bases.
            Well the army and airmen of Canada are all mobilized and in training, factories are turning out supplies, and shipyards building boats, and there is a tax on everything the women are busy sewing and knitting, one unit to which I belong “The Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire” made a coast to coast appeal among its members for funds to purchase a Boslingbrooke (sic) Bomber for England. They cost $100,000. We raised $163,000 so could send $63,000 to war victims fund.
            Of course we do not feel much of the effects of war, as we have more food than we can use and living has only gone up about 5%, but the government is putting taxes on everything.
            I suppose you will be surprised to hear Edna [4] has a son born May 10 six months old weighs 21 lbs. He was baptized John Frank [5] but she will call him John. Needless to say they are delighted. I had a nice holiday in St. John’s N.B. and Halifax N.S. early in summer. Our summer was not as warm as usual, but we are having a mild autumn.
            We had a cousin Ellen Menary [6] pass away in September from heart trouble. Uncle David Menary’s [7] daughter a sweet lovable woman [8] .
            My brother John [9] has not been well and brother Fred [10] had an attack of pleurisy. Hope Mr. Wright and yourself are well.

                                                 Cousin Elizabeth [11] .