T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 110

To Jas. A.L. Brown, The Square, Portwilliam, Galloway. 2, ...... 338171 A.C.E. Shaw Room 2 E.R S R A F Depot Driggs Road Karachi India 12. V. 27 Dear Brown Yes. I remember that first run down in the Lama to Wejh, when you fellows began the job of road-finding in Arabia. It wasn't easy from Wejh, because the country was too large but afterwards from Akaba we were able to make great use of the cars, and they were in action constantly & profitably. We had as many of nine of them once. Your letter after many adventures came out to me here in India, where I do penance in exile for publishing best sellers while in the ranks. I got tired of respectable life in 1925, and E.L. was tired of me, too, I fancy! so arrived & have led an uneasy but on the whole contented existence since. Only I don't like India, & I fear I've let myself in for five years of it. Now about this Revolt in the Desert. I can't auto- graph your copy from here, owing to the deplorable inefficiency of the local telegraph-television sets! If you have a first edition, you'll have either to send it me or to wait till 1931. If a reprinted copy will suit I can write something in it here, & post it to you. Will you let me know? I have only reprints here in hand: & some people are very particular about their first edition. I'm not one of them. Did you know Brodie, who commanded some 10 pounder guns down our way? Last heard of as Banker at Castle Douglas, not far from you. I'd like to know if he is alive or dead. Do let me know if you hear. Yours sincerely T.E. Shaw.