Writing of her son, she says: "Osbert feels his Colonel's death deeply. When telling me of it, he said: 'I _could_ only write a short letter; I know you will have written to Mrs. Laurie to try to soften the blow.'--'Ten young officers and 250 men have now been sent out from home.'" (_From General and Mrs. Bird._[11]) 22, ALBANY VILLAS, BRIGHTON. _March 29th, 1915._ ... We have not written to tell you how deeply we sympathize with you in your great sorrow, as I know letters are of no comfort in times of sadness, but to-day, in a letter we received, such words of admiration were written of Colonel Laurie that I felt I should like to write and repeat them: "Colonel Laurie handled his battalion to perfection during the attack on Neuve Chapelle, and his death is an irreparable loss to the 1st Battalion." We have always heard what a splendid soldier Colonel Laurie was, and our country does so need such leaders now in the army to bring victory.... (_From General Sir John Keir, K.C.B._) _May 4th, 1915._ DEAR MRS. LAURIE, I have such a deep admiration and respect for your late husband, for Col. Laurie was, as you know, in command of the 28th M.I. in the column I commanded in S. Africa, where I learnt to appreciate his value as a soldier and his many other sterling qualities. After the campaign we used to hear from one another on occasions of mutual congratulation and the like. His loss to the Service is a very great one, but one cannot imagine a more glorious ending to a fine career, falling at the head of the regiment he loved so well, and which he led with such skill and bravery. His name remains one held in honour for all time. Yours sincerely, J.N. KEIR. (_From General the Right Hon. Sir Nevil Macready, G.C.M.G., K.C.B._) WAR OFFICE. _April 2nd, 1915._ MY DEAR MRS. LAURIE, Only yesterday I was aware of your address. I write only a line to ask you to accept my deep and sincere sympathy in the loss you have sustained. You indeed have given to the Country of your best, and if there is any consolation it may be in the fact that my old friend died as every soldier would wish to, at the head of his battalion in a successful action. Trusting you and the children are well. Yours ever sincerely, C.N. MACREADY. (_From W.F.E. Denison, Esq._)[12] OSSINGTON, NEWARK, NOTTS. _July 18th, 1915._ DEAR MRS. LAURIE,