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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 –