T. E. Lawrence to his family

Carchemish

Nov. 14, 1912

Letters from Will enclosing one from Roberts: I think the latter is worked out now: one never knows though. Got a razor, and a Doughty as per last letter: many thanks. Order me any clothes you like as per last measurements: but I won’t bring many back with me, and can just as well see to them myself on arrival: you know the cold of December is a very mild heat compared with the Syrian winter, where the thermometer rises to 90 in the shade at mid-day, and falls to 35 at night. There is really no need to get me anything at all as yet: boots all right, and I have stopped wearing boots lately so am set up for life (nearly). I'l come home very light (unless I have a colossal lion-pedestal for the British Museum) and very quickly, perhaps by Brindisi if the boats serve: and will not stay in England more than a few days: perhaps a fortnight in Oxford, and three or four days in London, where we have to squeeze inscriptions in the B.M. Then out here again as quick as possible: you have no idea of how much there is to do here, with tombs being plundered and buildings destroyed every day in the districts round about. We stop digs today week, being penniless: and then tour for a fortnight (we have to call - a return visit - on the big Kurd chief in Mesopot. whom I wrote about.) thence home about Dec. 24: probably: I would have brought Dahoum and the Hoja with me, but alas, we spend our salaries next week on the dig. All very well, and flourishing. On second thoughts don’t bother about clothes. Have two suits still.

N.

Have found nothing yet this year but two basalt long and perfect inscriptions. Town gate next week.