25 Feb 1901
The Annex Hotel, King's Cross,
N.W. London
Dear Mother,
I must write you a few lines & let you know that I am staying here on furlough for a week or two. Charlie, of course, will be here likely 6 weeks or more, as I guess he has told you. I will strike up north and see old friends in a couple of days. I met my old chum Arthur Barkes here & have had a good time together. We went up to Woolwich to see Charlie yesterday; he is improving rapidly.
I also met Uncle Bob's Jennie who is in service here. I got a couple of notes from Uncle Bob inviting me to go & stay with him. Arthur also wants me to go & stay with his people up there, so I won't be short of a home for a few days.
The regiment left for home Saturday, sailing on the Numidian from Liverpool. Bye-the bye, I also received a letter from Mrs Tatters asking me up there, as I will try & get down to Liverpool a couple of days before I sail. One of my chums is staying with me &, after visiting his friends, will sail with me, so I shall have company all the way. The people here have treated us splendidly, but you will have heard of all the honours conferred on us.
Remember me to everybody, & hoping you are all in good health.
Your loving son,
Bert