July 31st, 1904.
[DEAR MOTHER:]
We have been met here with a bitter disappointment. We
are all to be sent north, although only 18 hours away. We can
hear the guns at Port Arthur the fall of which they promised
us we would see. To night we are camping out in one of the
Russian barracks. To-morrow we go, partly by horse and partly
by train. A week must elapse before we can get near
headquarters. And then we have no guarantee that we will see
any fighting. This means for me a long delay. It is very
disappointing and the worst of the many we have suffered in
the last four months. I have written Cecil asking her to
seriously think of going home but I am afraid she will not.
Were it not for that and the disappointment one feels in
travelling a week's journey away from the sound of guns I
would be content. My horse is well and so am I. It is good
to get back to drawing water, and carrying baggage and
skirmishing about for yourself. The contractor gave us a good
meal and the servants are efficient but I like doing things
myself and skirmishing for
them. We make a short ride this morning of six miles to Kin
Chow and then 30 miles by rail. "Headquarters" is about a
five days ride distant. Tell Chas my outfit seems nearly
complete. Maybe I can buy a few things I forgot in Boston at
Kin Chow. Fox and I will get out just as soon as we see
fighting but before you get this you will probably hear by
cable from me. If not, it will mean we still are waiting for
a fight. The only mistake I made was in not going home the
first time they deceived us instead of waiting for this and
worst of all.
Love to you all.
DICK.
