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13 Sep 55 Mother Portland Place, Worthing Julius c/o John ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Portland Place

Sept 13^th

My Dear Julius

I received your letter on Monday telling me of your first disaster the day before your name appeared in the paper, but you and your brothers assured me that it was nothing of any consequence, but this morning I have again read your name in the list of seriously wounded at the taking of Sebastopol at which everyone is rejoicing.

God grant that it may be exaggerated and that you are not half so much hurt as my anxiety leads me to fear, but I am happy in knowing you have John to take care of you, who will I am sure, when his duties permit his absence. See that you have every attention and my trust is still where I have placed it since I have parted with you both. I feel you have a Father’s eye care over you and may also learn to trust in him.

I go up to London on Saturday, a few days earlier than I intended but I feel anxious now to be on the spot to hear the earliest intelligence from the East.

I shall write to you again by the next mail and I will now say God bless you, my dear Julius, and believe me ever,

Your affectionate Mother

Eliza Helen Laurie

I thought it possible before this arrives you may be removed for a change so I send it John to forward to you.