2110-3-2-24

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.

Sept: 11: 17

My dearest wee Mother

I have got my affairs more or less settled now. The War Cabinet yesterday made CARSON my representation on the War Cabinet. It is a great comfort to have got a chap I respect, and whose loyalty I can count on. I spent all the afternoon with him here & he said in his jolly way,

"Ye may thrust me to fight your battles." Also I can get access to him whenever I want. It is an infinitely better arrangement.

I send you another letter I had from Mrs Maude. Alastair's Second-in- Command came to see me, Major de Haviland, whom I knew in South Africa. [Apparently] the 15th Division are now out of

the Salient & at Arras. He had just been to Alastair's grave & had seen my flowers. Harry Miller, the padre, is going to have a neat border made & a lot of geraniums etc planted. I have ordered the photos & hope to get them in a day or two.

It is lovely weather again. Susie is coming up to-morrow on the quest for a housemaid. I seem to get

busier than ever nowadays, but I am very well. Sandy has a perpetual sneer fixed on his face owing to having to ward off visitors all day.

I wish I could see you all again. I do hope you are fairly well.

Much love to all

[illegible]

John