Basrah [Basrah, Al (Basra)] March 17 Dearest Father. Since last I wrote the goal has been reached; we have been a week in Baghdad. But as yet I've heard nothing but what comes in official telegrams, and those scanty. I've had no news actually from Baghdad but I hope I shall get letters this week. I need not tell you how much I long to hear exactly what it's all like. Just 3 years ago I was arriving there from Arabia - 3 lifetimes they seem as I look back on them. I went to tea last week with the Matron in Chief, the notable Miss Jones whom I like. And afterwards she took me to see the wounded Turkish prisoners, or some of them. I stammered into Turkish which I haven't spoken for 7 years and they were only too delighted to hear even a few words of Turkish spoken. There they were, the round faced Anatolian peasants - I could have laughed and wept to see them - from Konia [Konya (Iconium)], from Angora [Ankara (Ancyra)], from Caesaraea [Kayseri (Caesarea Mazaca)], some from C'ple [Istanbul (Constantinople)], and we talked of their homes and what fair country they lay in. Most of them were well content to be done with war forever. "Janum" they said "My soul, what can we do?" I said "There will be rest please God." Among the officers was an Arab of Baghdad, dying poor boy, of a terrible gunshot wound in the lung. He could scarcely speak but when I came to him with Arabic he pulled himself up and whispered painfully. And what do you think he asked me, the only question? News of the Sharif, was it true that his reBellion prospered and were we in agreement with him? I told him briefly that the Turks were almost swept out of the Hijaz, but I thought the boy a much more tragic figure than if he had been dying in the cause of his own people. The Turkish officers laughed and jested; they paid no attention to him - an Arab. I came away with the acutest vision of what the Arabs in the Turkish army have suffered. A desperate tangle the war is here. I long to go up to Baghdad, but it's no good bothering yet. Everyone is too busy and there's plenty of time. But I should like to have seen the first moments. Also there's very little work here now. I've finished all the outstanding things with a great effort this week so as to have the road clear when the moment comes. And now I'm mainly doing rather dull office jobs and seeing the countless people who come in with congratulations and petitions. The congratulations are not often more than skin deep, I fancy. Basrah would have profited by 6 months of Turkish rule in war time; she has been let off too easily.
Your long letter of Jan 28 was a great pleasure. Yes, {Mr} [Name deleted] is an egregious ass and deserves the comments which you and Uncle Lyulph bestowed on him. They'll talk themselves out in time. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.