[c/o Mrs. A. Thomson, "Amisfield," Hamilton, Ontario]

Dear Mr. Calvin,

My first caller New Year's morning had travelled nearly a thousand miles, but when he got his wrapping off he looked fresh & handsome with no travel stains upon him, but alas he was speechless if he could only have told me about his journey & all the dear ones at home. It's really a splendid photo, my aunt and cousins were enchanted with it (I was more than charmed) my Aunt said I wish you would tell Mrs. McQuesten I think its one of the finest faces I ever saw. My Aunt met your mother, & like every one else fell in love with her. I haven't had mine taken since I promised you but when I do you will certainly receive one.

You must not take to heart all Aunt Annie¹ tells you or would wish to & tell those good sisters of yours not to be too jubilant,² for I am very hard & strong of heart.

I had a letter from Edna this week she said she expected, to have her "coming out tea" in the near future. It doesn't seem possible I can only think of her as a little girl. I hope I will be home. I long to be home. I can't say I am very fond of the west -- the Yankee west. I like to be under my own flag. I am sending this to Aunt Annie to forward without knowing their address. I pray God may bless you indeed in using you to do for Him His great work. Thanking you for so much. Believe me ever,

Your sincere friend

Laura Hostetter

¹ Aunt Annie is Annie Thomson of the "Amisfield" Thomsons, neighbours and friends of the McQuestens, see W4415.

² This word, which appears to be "jubilant," is difficult to decipher in the original; however it greatly affects the context of the letter since it may be suggesting that Calvin's sisters may be averse to a relationship between Calvin and Laura. We have found little evidence of a romantic relationship, however the "Leap-year" Valentine from Laura to Calvin in 1908 (W7717) may be a suggestion of romance.