T. E. Lawrence to Edward Marsh

Karachi

2. 2. 27

Dear E.M.,

Some address! I hope you got the camel-ride in good order from Kennington. He told me you had rung him up, and that it was arranged. Since the first time I saw it, I've felt that it was a very fine thing, and it was a disappointment when Aitken refused it, on Bone's advice.

The purpose of this letter is for you to file it till the critical moment, and then remind Winston that he's promised me a copy of his Vol III, shortly to be published. Rumour says that there is no duty on books sent by book-post. Sounds ungracious, as a hint, but some weeks they only give us five rupees, and India is more expensive for troops than home service.

Karachi is not too dismal, but Indians are a bit of a comedown after the other races I've had to meet. There's a suppressed meanness about them which makes me regret our likeness in shape.

The voyage out on a trooper (H.M.T. Derbyshire) was something vigorous in the way of experience. Your improper department has ruled that at sea three airmen can be packed into the airspace of two sailors. Kindly meant, no doubt, to keep us warm and comfortable. But in the Red Sea and the Gulf we grew sick of each other's smell.

Try not to forget that book. Half our day is leisure, and I am not very good at entertaining myself.

Yours ever

T E S.