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3 Sep 55 Peter Camp before Sebastopol Mother ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Camp before Sebastopol

Sept 3rd 1855

My dear Mother

I have no news for you today. I merely write to you to say that I join the ‘Alipore’ tomorrow.

I have today walked up from Balaclava where I have been staying on board the ‘Dinapore’ & go bound to Kamiesh tomorrow, my luggage coming around by steamer on Saturday. I hope to goodness I shall get home this year but at the same time I do not think it would be fair to do so if the ship does not – it being already September before I join her.

In case however I should have to stay the Winter, I do not know what I shall do for clothes of which I have none – & not even a blanket. The only suit of clothes of any thickness I have been wearing ever since I have been out, for those things I got at Besemeres* all fell to pieces before I had worn them half a dozen times. I must however trust to Providence & all will go right, I have no doubt.

At any rate, torture me in any way you like, you will never make me say I am sorry I have been out here altho’ I have had rather a hard time of it & as you say, cannot exactly say I have enjoyed myself.

In a letter I received from you today you say you suppose I have a regular museum of things, but I can assure you – is the contrary. I have endeavoured to get several things, amongst others some pebbles to have cut & make you some Crimean brooches, but can find none. There is nothing but sandstone & there is enough of that for all the army to build themselves huts for the winter (which they are doing) & for half a dozen more armies too.

I got John an immense awning from the Mirzapore* which he is going to have tarred & cover his hut with when he builds it. It was of course a great favour & very kind of the Captain.

Kadikoi, I am glad to say, has opened again and I have been buying two or three books there today. They charge 50 p cent profit. One I bought is a most stupid unfounded American piece of track but if you buy it & turn to page 254, I think it is, you will be repaid well. You will there see something that will amuse you – buy it on my recommendation. Ask for ‘Tit for Tat’. Nothing new so with best love to my Father & all.

Believe me ever

Yr affect son

Peter Laurie

* Besemere’s – John Besemeres & Co, 120 Wood Street, London, trading as ‘Wholesale shirt makers, ready made linen warehousemen, outfitter & general clothiers for equipment of every kind & value for India, the colonies & for emigrants; manufacturers of shirts, ladies’ underclothing, children’s dresses, baby linen for home use & for exportation’

* Mirzapore – Iron sailing ship which was later to run aground off the west coast of France due to a navigational error when bound for Melbourne