I cannot tell you how shocked I was to hear the dreadful news: only
to-night; but you at home must have heard of it days ago. B----'s
letter was my first intimation. Somehow it came absolutely
unexpectedly: of course, one lives in the middle of these awful sights
and happenings, but he was so strong and so full of energy that it
seemed unbelievable that he should be taken. He has been a friend of
mine, and a very real one, for a good many years now. I saw him not
long ago. He would have been sure to have got a Brigade soon if this
terrible thing had not happened. I have heard no details, but will try
and find out and tell you: unfortunately, his battalion is right at
the other end of the line to where we are, but if I can get down I
will. Dear Mrs. Laurie, I do feel for you most deeply, and my own loss
of a friend as well. If there is anything I can do, it would be a
kindness to ask me, and a relief to do something for you.
Yours very sincerely,
JASPAR FARMAR.
(_From Colonel Anderson._)
HEADQUARTERS, 8TH DIVISION.
_March 22nd, 1915._