T. E. Lawrence to Major R. H. Scott

Grand Continental Hotel
Cairo.

14. 10. 1918

Dear Scott,

Many thanks for your wire. As we hoped we got to Damascus, and there I had to leave the Arabs - it is a pity to go, and it would have been unwise to stay. I feel like a man who has suddenly dropped a heavy load - one's back hurts when one tries to walk straight.

I'm off, out of Egypt. This old war is closing, and my use is gone. I'm afraid you will be delayed a long time, cleaning up all the messes and oddments we have left behind us.

I have only one thing in Akaba which I value - my engraved British rifle. Please see that it reaches Cairo safely. My regards to the Staff - and my very best thanks to you and them. We were an odd little set, and we have, I expect, changed history in the near East. I wonder how the Powers will let the Arabs get on.

Yours sincerely

T. E. Lawrence