Rue du Châtelain, Brussels
14 Dec 1895
My dear Eugénie,
I see that the list of successful candidates for Naval Clerkships is out & that Jack’s name is not among them, but you hardly expected him to get in the first time he went up. I trust his marks are good enough for you to feel confident of his succeeding next June.
I enclose from Florence and myself, £2 as a Xmas present for the children, which please use in any way you think will be best for them.
Hubert’s battalion sailed on 11th from Gibraltar for Cape Coast Castle. They are due there about Christmas day. We are not likely to get much news of him from Ashanti, as they will have a three weeks march from the coast to Kumassi [sic] through difficult country. Hubert is fortunate in having a chance of active service so soon. I hope he will get on well.
We expect Ethel home next week from Eastbourne for the holidays. Archie’s have just begun. He enjoys them for he works very hard, classics mathematics, foreign languages. He gets on too very well with the violin.
I saw Father last September in Paris. He seemed very well. I hope that you are all very well & that business is doing better.
With every good wish for Xmas & the New Year for you all
Believe me,
Yr. Affect. Brother
