______________________________________________________________________________________________

11 May 58 Julius Azimgurh Mother 5, Hyde Park Place (West) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Azimgurh, 11th May /58

My dear Mother

The mail leaves tomorrow so although nothing particular, I must try & write by it.

I heard from Peter two days ago, who is settled in Hong Kong. I only got a letter sent in chance of finding me to say that there was another at Calcutta. He says he never hears from home. I have sent him all news which I know but I cannot understand how it is that he knows I am out here if his last date from England is Nov. 3rd. I hope he will do well & make his fortune. I believe it is a great place for money to be made.

I had a letter from Scoles* (23rd R.W.F*) from Lucknow. I saw him at Cawnpore on my way up, but he was not aware that I was also engaged in the capture of the place. I think it shows that he is grateful for kindness received.

Things go on here same as usual, still in tents. Most of the men are in bungalows. Shaves of the Regiment moving but I hope they may continue to be shaves.

Did you see the Naval & Military Gazette (I think 3rd April) with the article headed ‘Three cheers for John Laurie MP & three cheers more’, which spoke very well for that very ‘energetic member’ as it called him.

I am very anxious to know whether Arthur has passed.

The Capt, our late interpreter, in whose tent I stayed while he was with us, is severely wounded in Walpole’s affair.* He only left us to take command of 5th Punjabis, the day we left Lucknow. He is a wonderfully plucky fellow. I used to tell him he would be shot, as he had no idea of standing under a trench. He used to say if it was intended that he was to be hit it was no use his trying to get out of the way.

The mail goes out immediately, so must finish. Awfully hot here.

from yr. affect. son,

J D Laurie 12th May 58

* Scoles – Possibly William Henry Scales FRCS who died at Dinapore the following month (24th June 1858)

* R.W.F. – Royal Welch Fusiliers

* Walpole’s affair – The defeat of the force under General Walpole on 15th April 1858 by the Rani Lakshmi of Jhansi aided by Tantia Topee