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4 Mar 59 Julius Camp Louira Mother Hyde Park Place (West) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Camp Louira

about 14 miles from Border of Nepaul

4th March. 59. –

My dear Mother

Since writing to you last, we have been continuing our wanderings & are now a short distance from Nepaul. About 5 miles in front of our Camp lies the Serai, or thick jungle running along the foot of the Nepaulese Mountains. It is supposed to contain every sort of animal from India up to Tigers & Elephants, but I cannot say that we have seen much game of any description.

It is a beautiful view from where we are, once a grassy plain up to the Serai, beyond which we see the Nepaulese Hills seemingly covered with Trees & towering above them again the snow clad Himalayas, some of the highest Peaks in the whole range being opposite us.

It is a beautiful sight, when the Sun glitters on the snowy masses.

Unfortunately we have had very bad weather, great deal of rain & thunder & lightning nearly every night. An English storm is a very mild imitation of an Indian, especially when near the Hills.

Coming up to where we are at present was an arduous business – no roads. Troops had never before come the like direction; several rivers to cross. Some we were able to ford. Another again took us 2 days to get over & a great piece of work it was, unloading all the Camels, Elephants &c. First taking the baggage over, then the beasts. The elephants swimming; some of the Camels refused to go on board the boats & had to be carried. Others throwing themselves into the River, then there was the sorting baggage & loading again when this side.

I had an Englishman with my Traps but he thinking himself very sharp, brought a Camel on board a boat without taking his load off. The consequence was about half way over Camel got frightened & took a dive with my Bullock Trunks, Gun Case, Bed & bedding on his back. After considerable trouble I got them again but everything I possessed, from Clothes to Cheroots, writing materials &c. all spoilt.

The only thing was to look pleasant & feel uncommonly glad that I had anything left fit for use.

Col. Kelly’s force is divided in two. He is with one, consisting of 3 Guns, 1 Wing 13 S.I. & 3rd Sikhs & principal part of Jat Horse about 5 miles off, while Colnl. Simpson has 3 Guns, 34th & some of the Jat Horse.

We are the nearest to the Ns I believe. They are supposed to be about 28 miles off. Spies say their leaders are deserting them. Some say there are sixty five thousand; others thirty thousand of them but I should think about six thousand fighting (?) men at the outside.

Jung has given them days to get out of his Territory or give themselves up. Col. Simpson’s orders are to follow them up, if they run, but not to go into Nepaul unless requested by Jung.

Rain is coming down hard. Would make it very difficult marching. I had a touch of fever. Laid me up for two days but am all right again. I suspect Ague will be the next thing for some of us if we stay here much longer.

We have all been trying, the two days we have been here, to bag some Antelope. There are lots about but very hard to get. I was out yesterday & this morning but have not succeeded (altho’ Rifle Instructor) in bringing down any.

The Ns must be pretty well surrounded. There are three Ghoorka Forces after them. One is commanded by Jung Bahadoor & another by his brother, then Brigdr. Horsford & Col. Kelly’s two Forces & I hear two others moving up.

It is pretty coolish here. I suspect it is caused by the rain. I fancy it must be very unhealthy though I am told if we do not get back again soon we shall not be able to cross the rivers I mentioned for some months as they will be so swollen.

We are looking out for Home letters as there ought to be a mail in. I have no doubt the papers are informing you that the Troops in India are all going into Quarters, but ‘don’t you believe it’! It is very miserable such a day as this; rain coning down, everything wet, nearly dark & so cold (or damp) that one is glad of a thick waistcoat & coat. But we Campaigners make the best of everything & have few troubles notwithstanding.

I hope you are all well. Give my love to Father, Mother, Small boys, Helen & all

Believe me to remain (in a very wet tent)

Yr. affect. Son

J D Laurie