2110-1-7-2

3, Temple Gardens, Temple.

Jan: 31:1901

My dear old Mother

I am very vexed indeed that I forgot my letter yesterday. It happened all along of Strachey, who sent me a note asking me to come down to the office just after breakfast. As that is the time I write my letters. I entirely forgot about it, being a creature of routine, & only remembered when I was going to bed last night. Then I summoned a sackcloth and ashes. I do hope you were not alarmed.

I have had an exceptionally busy

week. I have had to read through the whole of the long report of the S. African Hospitals Commision in order to write a leader for the Spectator [underlined]. Also Blackwood [underlined] has sent me Sir Henry Craik's new History of Scotland, asking for my [strikethrough, looks like review] MSS. by Feb. 5th. Also I have promised to write on Lady Sarah Lennox's letters. Now busy reading them. Meanwhile in chambers I have been very busy from 10 till

six. Rowlatt makes a great deal of use of me, and I have prepared first notes for him on two cases.

Strachey is going to the Queen's funeral, so I have to take his place on [strike through] Friday. Saturday will be horrible with the Queen's funeral, & I may go up to Oxford to escape it. I hope you got the Standard [underlined] & the Spectator [underlined] all right which I sent you.

I fear I have no more news.

With love to all

Your affectionate son

John

[various sums added, pounds/shillings/pence in pencil and pen]