______________________________________________________________________________________________

14 Dec 57 Julius on board 'Indus' Mother ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Indus. 14th Decbr. /57. –

My dear Mother

We arrived at Gibraltar about 10 P.M. on the 9th and could not get on shore as it was past gun fire, however the next morning about 6, a party of us went on shore & took a drive all about the peninsular after buying more cigars & getting some breakfast with fresh eggs, of course a great treat.

We came on board again as the Captain informed us we were to sail at 10 & not wishing to be left behind we were punctual, but as is usual in such cases, we were about two hours before starting again.

Early the next morning I woke up & found the vessel stationary. Upon enquiring the cause, we were told that some of the coal dust (of which we had embarked a great deal) had got into one of the bearings of the engine during the coaling at Gibraltar. The consequence was that it occasioned so much friction that the thing was getting red hot & we had to wait while it cooled. Ever since there have been two men continually pouring water on it.

We have passed close to a large Island* this morning which was pointed out as being the place where most of the Neapolitan state prisoners are kept. Not a very happy lot for them I expect, as no boats are allowed to land & the place looked unmistakably like a barren rock. I believe we shall get to Malta this evening about 9 or 10 & start early tomorrow morning so that we shall not see much of that.

Mind you write soon & let me know how everything has turned up regarding ‘Tin Case’, ‘Horse’ & whether any letters have arrived for me. We hope to be in time for the Opera tonight. I understand it is rather good.

It is quite as warm here as in the middle of summer in England. To think that this is the middle of Decbr. & we are thinking of arranging ourselves in light flannels & sleep with all windows open. The Stewards are preparing for lunch so must shut up.

With love to yourself & all

From yr. affect. Son

J D Laurie

* large Island – Pantelleria lies close to their route from Gibraltar to Malta, but the reference to Neapolitan state prisoners is more applicable to Ponza (Bay of Naples) or Marettimo (off western tip of Sicily)