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18 Nov 55 Julius Gordon House, Scutari Mother 1, Hyde Park Place ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Gordon House

Scutari

Novbr. 18th /55

Dear Mother

Here I am, on my way at last for England. I did not write before I left the Crimea as writing is very uneasy work for me.

I started from the Crimea on the 10th in the Andes & met a gale on our way, & as I tossed about, & would not go to bed, my leg is at present much worse. The Andes only came as far as this so all who could not take care of themselves on board a ship where there was no doctor, came on shore till another vessel starts for England – which will be in about two days I hope.

I left John quite well. Massey is up here; he has had dysentery.

You must excuse a longer letter & bad writing as my leg will not permit.

with love &c

I remain

yr affect son

J D Laurie

Lt. 34th