20th –

A wire today from my wife that she is setting up the show at Frevent, about 20 miles west of Arras – it ought to be a good place – on the road. I wish I knew who she had got – in the way of doctors nurses & helpers – Once established I know she’ll do splendidly – In fact I don’t anybody [sic] who can do the thing better, neither doctor nor nurse nor worker.

And did I tell you I got a long letter from Miles Backhouse, 2nd in command Northumberland Yeomen, in Belgium 9th Division – It makes me hot & cold to think I’m out of it – He talks of my regt and their losses – and a letter from Linnet who was off to Boulogne –

And I do so little – I saw Lij Yasu today & he received me well & all that - & I told him news – but his sympathies lie on the other side I know – And for the first time for weeks I have written at length to the F. O. not that they want to know much so long as they are not bothered – but I felt I must explain certain telegrams I sent to Berbera & Khartoum – Thesiger makes me ill – I can’t answer his letters lest I fall to cursing –

What’s this of Egypt? Colli has some news which I have not – I hope if we’ve done anything, we’ve boldly annexed the whole thing & kicked out the Khedive & Co.

I ratified the American Treaty – its rather too bad of Washington – there is really enough for a man alone without all their work (though it is not too much) as well – And I went to see the old Abuna & told him I heard from the Italians we had Egypt - & he crowed & laughed & blessed God all at once - & gave me what I went for a translator of English & Arabic documents.

And its late & I’m tired and I’d like to write to you but can’t – there is still the Washington despatch to do, and the post goes out at 7 a.m.
Dick