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22 Dec 57 Julius Cairo Mother ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Shepheards Hotel, Cairo
22nd Decbr. /57
My dear Mother
Having arrived at Cairo & after waiting for 3 days, we find the Alma (conveying the mails to England, & which was to have conveyed us to Calcutta) has broken down & the Captain of the Man of War which brought on the mails refuses to take on Passengers, so we have every chance of waiting at least a fortnight & probably there will be no room then.
This is a horrid place & awfully expensive. 10/- a day at the hotels not including wines & drink. A bath is 2/- & all in proportion. I shall not be able to write until next mail, a fortnight, so although very late I thought I would send a few words to let you know our present position.
I expect Xmas day will find me here. I will send you all particulars in my next.
I expect you will see in the papers my telegraph about the overland mail breaking down.
Hoping all are well.
In haste, I remain yr. affect. Son
J D Laurie –