T. E. Lawrence to Clare Sydney Smith

30.IV.31.

I should have written long ago, but so many new things keep on claiming us here. I have seldom been so busy, and in a strange place there are no hands available for help.

It seems that we shall be here at least a week more.

We have been able to do much, and get more done, so that I do not grudge the time spent. Most of the weather has been awful but I have noted two good Biscuit days. Plymouth will seem quietly peaceful when we can get back. I badly need to hear something harmonic.

This new 100 h.p. engine is excellent. Our 'cruiser' should be much improved. We hope for her launching on Saturday. On Tuesday the Experts arrive to her trials.

It is good that the W/Cmdr. got back at last. I hope the other F/B may turn up soon. 9901 is going to Gosport to-day for her torpedo trials. The R.R. engined Southampton flies beautifully, and Baird praises her loudly. Of course that is part of his job.

No Homer here at least only three evenings in the fortnight. My eyes are all inflamed with salt spray and rain-pellets, and we seldom stop before 8 p.m. and are then tired. As we often get out on the water by 6 a.m. you will see that our days are long. Corporal Bradbury and I relay each other, when possible, but usually both must be on the job.

T.E.S.