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16 Nov 57 John Port Louis, Mauritius Father ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Port Louis, Mauritius
Novr 16th 1857
My dear Father
Our letters were given out yesterday and I was very pleased to get letters from you and my Mother, Peter and Julius, but I am very sorry to hear that you have been unwell. I hope that you have been taking care of yourself before the cold weather comes on and that you will be quite well and ready to face it.
Why do you worry yourself with a seat in parliament and a house in town and all the business you will persist in doing. You surely have a right to take the world easy. You have sons old enough to relieve you of great part of your work and they (for I am sure I can answer for my brothers as well as for myself) are prepared to do anything you may require. You have but to say the word and I will do anything that you wish, so pray do not overwork yourself.
And I know you want a manager and who so proper for it as one of your own children. Do not consider my profession as standing in the way. I would sacrifice that directly so pray, if you require me, take me at my word. Think well on the subject and do what you think best for the family.
I am glad to hear my Mother is well and little Helen too and I think for both their sakes that your determination to let Hyde Park Place and live in the country is a very wise one.
Julius’ letter was kind as usual and he is very cheerful, having a good deal of quicksilver in his composition; he cannot be downhearted for long. Peter seems perfectly miserable out in India. I suppose I shall see him back here before long. Frankie & Alfred are all right, I am glad to hear and Arthur lazy as usual, but perhaps I am wrong in saying that, so I beg his pardon if I have hurt his feelings.
We are rather disappointed at our second battalion not being gazetted, but as we hear it is being raised, it seems to be merely a matter of time. All the Captains come in below me, so that sends me halfway up the list at once. Still, there will be the same number above me, but then there are more chances of vacancies in two battalions than in one. I see no chance of a single step at present, but I have no doubt that there will be a great run of promotion in a few years when once one or two stumbling blocks are removed.
By the bye, the other day I wrote for a cart. I think I mentioned that it must be very light and strong. Those are the principal things to be thought of to make it sell well here, and there must be lamps, as by the police regulations, no one is allowed to drive about without lamps at night. I also want some visiting cards sent out to me. I have my plate here but cannot get cards printed, so must get a new plate made at home and cards sent out when required.
I hope to hear good accounts of you all by the next mail and with best love to all at home, believe me ever
Your affectionate Son
J Wimburn Laurie
P.S. What I have said I mean. If you want me at home, write and say so and I will throw off my red jacket at once or else do a bit of home duty somehow.