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12 Aug 60 Julius Fyzabad Mother ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Fyzabad

12 – 8 – 60

My dear Mother

I don’t think I have written yet in answer to your last letter enclosing Alfred’s. By the way, I was quite surprised at getting such a nice letter from him. He must have improved a good deal. I am glad to see that you are quite satisfied with your new house. The change too seems to have done my Father good. I see his recovery is a very gradual affair, but I hope, though slow, it will be sure. I shall be very glad to get a letter from him when he feels stronger & well enough to write.

I have heard nothing of John lately but expect he is on his way to you. Where is poor Aunt Lloyd now. I hope she is recovering from her state of wretchedness. I wrote to her last Sunday.

There has been some talk of Our moving up to Bareilly. I hope it may end in talk only, as I am comfortably settled here & for India, I think we are as well off in Fyzabad as we should be elsewhere.

In two months the cold season will commence again. Now the Rains are pouring down. My house is just about as sound as any in the Station.

I have got an Assistant now in my M.I. work who will considerably lessen the trouble to me when the Course begins, as it soon will, & allow me occasionally to carry on my Pig-Sticking & Hunting propensities. I must try to scrape together enough to get another horse before the Season comes on as, being a heavy weight, unless I am well mounted, I am likely to be behind hand which does not suit me at all.

I am now trying my patience with ‘Hindustani’. It is really a terrible undertaking but it would be a stepping stone to an appointment if I remain here. Do you know I think I must inherit from my Mother a love of flowers. My garden produces the bouquets for all the ladies of Fyzabad.

If Dr Pennington of Ours calls on you, (as I daresay he will for I gave him a note to you) I know I need not ask you to be civil to him. You will find him a very decent little fellow. He joined us only about a year ago. You do not say much about Col. Guilt. You saw him once, I think.

Arthur & Peter I somehow or other never hear from. I dare say it is quite as much my fault as theirs as I don’t allow myself much time for letter writing. Alfred tells me that Helen is growing considerably. Who is she like? Give her my love & with same to my Father and all of you.

Believe me

Yr affect Son

JDLaurie