as infantry and have been issued with the [Welb?] equipment much to our disgust.

I must thank you so much for the bundle of papers it was splendid of you to bother. I must not forget to tell you, that I am engaged to Miss Dorothy Gillingham who is at present in St. Joseph’s hospital. I can see by your letter you have guessed as much but do not think I did not intend to tell you – not a bit of it. Natural shyness scared me off and I only intended to tell a few of my best friends and you are certainly one. I met Mrs. McN[aught] on the wharf the night of leaving. She has probably told you. I do hope you will meet Miss Gillingham someday as I am sure she will like you and you her, I hope you won’t read this letter aloud. I must really hasten to a close but before doing so please accept my most heartfelt thanks for all your kindness to me since our first of meeting and believe me my dear Miss Russell I shall never forget one of my most truest and admired friends, with love and wishes, most sincerely, Joe Shires. ____________________________

MS-1901, File 15: Shires to Russell 11/09/1915 p.5