30th Sept 1915
Shorncliffe

Dear Emma,

Have not heard from you since Aug 26th.

Well, I have had a few days leave. Espinoza and myself went to London & saw the principle sights. Met Ashton Row, Grandpa Row's half brother. He is about my own age. Publishes guides for various parts of England. He took us through Westminster Abbey. At the National Gallery we met one the curators who knew your father. He was pleased to meet us and showed us through. Many of the expensive pictures are dismounted & placed in vaults as they could easily drop bombs through the skylights.

You never told me how Frank came out in his exam, also what he intends doing this year.

I had hardly returned from London when I was detailed to take a lunatic to Netley, which took us through London to near Southampton. We did not see much of the hospital, returning to Shorncliffe the following day.

We have had very fine weather. I will make up a parcel of picture postcards, etc. that I have collected and send them to you, also a piece of mortar taken from a tower in Dover when we were there. It was being restored. He showed us the various works of Roman period, 12th century, & 17th century on this tower. The materials for the mortar were brought from Italy to erect this tower about 55 BC.

Love to all. Write often

John