ALS, one page, 8.25 x 6.5, Military Intelligence Office, War Office, Cairo letterhead, November 4, 1915. Lawrence writes to author Norman Bentwich. In full: “Illegibility is a hard word in which we all run risk of judgement: let us say that I misread the fatal thing: I searched for it just now, & couldn’t find it. The word ‘tea’ is obvious in the 2nd fragment, & I think I’ll clutch at that for a beginning: If you are always in for tea you are a monster: and I won’t find a time, for I’m home every afternoon, and some moment when I’m back I’ll fly over, & sit with one ear on a telephone! One cup only please. Seriously, things are boiling over this week end, & we have never been so busy before! This is a good omen, & a thing to make me very content.” Lawrence also adds a “postscript” at the top of the sheet: “Are you a pro-Jerusalemito, or an anti-Jerusalemite? And do you like Jemal Pasha’s schemes of land settlement, or are you a legalist?” In fine condition, with usual folds (tiny edge separation in blank margin), a few mild bends, and faint scattered spots. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
