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._ DEAR MRS. LAURIE, About ten days ago I received a copy of Col. Laurie's "History of the Royal Irish Rifles" which he had very kindly promised to send me. I was kept very busy on duty, so much so that I never had time to see him and thank him. And now, to my great grief, I have to write and tell you how very grateful I was for the book, and at the same time how very deeply I sympathize with you in your great loss. I need scarcely tell you how splendidly the Royal Irish Rifles did in the battle of Neuve Chapelle, and how grandly they were led by their Colonel. My father had been in the 83rd many years ago, and I had written the history of my own regiment, so we had bonds of sympathy, and I had had several talks with your husband. So you must please accept my very deepest sympathy in his death, and in your very great loss. Believe me, Yours sincerely, W. HASTURP ANDERSON. (_From a cousin._) ANTRIM CASTLE, IRELAND. _March 24th, 1915._ ... I had the very greatest respect for George; he was an ideal soldier and comrade. May God in His mercy comfort you!... MASSEREENE. (_From Mrs. Clinton Baker._) BAYFORDBURY, HERTFORD. _March 28th, 1915._