My dear dear Son,

We thought you far enough away on your last birthday, we little thought you would be far off in Southern Alberta this year, and getting only one mail a week, that is the worst part to me.

But we wish you very many happy returns of May day, and trust that you long be spared to us, to be the comfort and help, you have always been. We are so sorry nothing can reach you on your birthday itself, but we hope the books and a parcel will reach you first mail after. We have posted them to-day, so they ought to do so.

Perhaps I forgot to mention, that Tom did not have to write on any exams, I thought, I mentioned it.¹ It seems almost to be a matter of favour, Tom seems to be afraid of Prof. Hutton and I cannot see why except that President Loudon and he belongs to opposite parties and L. is in favour of Tom. A great many are working for Tom, I think. I do not know whether any of the Candidates are strong classical men or not. Bowes Coyne told his cousins, that he never knew anyone so popular with the students as Tom is, he would soon get it, if they had the giving of it. But as you say, we must just leave the matter in God's hand, He knows really what is best for us all.

You will have seen the account before this probably of Toronto fire, such a Calamity, and to think of the Insurance Co's, immediately raising their rates, after the years that these firms have been paying in, and as soon as they are asked to give out anything, raise the rates, and in Hamilton here too. Was very glad to receive your two letters this week, the last written on the 13th. Will write again Monday at greater length.

With love and kisses for your birth-day, my dear, dear boy.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten

¹ Mary may have been mistaken. In her letter #W5199 dated one month later, Tom is writing his exams.