7th August 1855
Camp Near Balaklava
Dear Father and Mother,
As I have been sitting thinking about you and home I take this opportunity of writing for I came to the conclusion that you often are thinking of me and often very anxious to know what Tom is about now, whether he numbers with the fallen or still stands the brunt of War ? thro the goodness of providence thanks to almighty God I am quite well at the present and as comfortable as circumstances will permit. Sincerely hoping this will find you the same with all the younger branches of the family, you must tell the little ones that Tom often thinks of them and hopes none of the boys will ever have to enter a campaign such as this, you must not think from what I have said the other side that I am down at heart, no I'm the same as ever, always ready and ever willing with the rest of our gallant Army to drive the Russians from the Crimea. However there's nothing of importance occurred lately, only a few more cavalry sent out to extend our lines over the river.
Before sebastopol a heavy fire is kept up at night which sometimes continues through the day as well but we have very few casualties, at the same time the French and us are throwing up new works and batteries for heavy Guns and mortars, far in advance of those already in action we may soon expect another hard tussle with jack Russ, who in the mean time by all accounts from deserters etc are making some very strong batteries in the rear of the great redan and Malakoff so that if beat out of the latter works they will have these works to fall back upon well armed and if possible make another stand.
If so we shall have to throw up more new Batteries again and thrash them out of that by this rule you see they intend to fight the fortress inch by inch, time will tell all.
Poor Elizabeth says inn her last letter to me, which I received two days ago, surely you will not have to stop out another winter that would be dreadful but I must confess I do not see how it can be otherwise unless something very decisive strikes at the heart of Sebastopol, that place once ours the serfs would find the way to the back door of the Crimea or we would soon show them it but that will all have to be done in 3 months time, or if not we must winter here and hold the positions we have already got which would require a very efficient transport corps.
But I hope we may get the chance of huts next winter as we have had none yet although the first to land on the Crimea.
Cousin James has been laid up with a kind of fever but was getting better and coming out of hospital when i was over the other day, he always desires me to mention him to you with kind regards, give my love to Ann, Susan, Georgina, Bob and Mr and Mrs Charles, tell them I don't forget them, I would write but I am hard up for stamps and cant get any here at the present, I could not send this only I received some from Elizabeth in her last who with our little innocent ?? thank God were doing well and all they want to complete there happiness is (Daddy at Home)
My respects to Mr and Mrs Pilkinton and family and all enquirers, tell Brothers and sisters that the receipt of a letter here is as reviving as a glass of Brandy, having no more to add, I remain your ever affectionate Son
Tom
Sergeant Royal Artillery
send me word whether you received the large letter I sent for you to forward to new Zealand to my Brothers.
Tom