upstairsfromreality

My Dear Henry,

I have just received my orders. I ship out for India on the 19th. Would you have time for me to stay sometime before the 11th? My preparations for sailing will not allow me to come later than that. I would very much like to see you and be introduced to your fiancee (heartiest congratulations, of course!) before I leave the country.

Yours,
John


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My Dear John,
I wish you every success and all safety as you begin your military career. We will miss you here in England, but you will do great things and do well.

I wish you could stay for a few days, but unfortunately I am leaving myself on business and will not be back until after the 11th.

I do have a favor to ask: could you take possession of Father's watch? I fear I should do something silly with it if it remains in my hands. You have always been so steady that I know it will be safe with you.

Sarah sends her regards and wishes that she had a chance to meet you, my only brother. Please come back safe so that one day she can.

Yours,
Henry


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My Dear Henry,

No, I absolutely will not take Father's watch. He left it to you, and I refuse to believe that it will be safer on a battlefield than in your hands. Have no fear of doing something silly with it. Sarah will steady you. Lean on her if you are tempted. I will return safely.

Regards,
John


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My Dear John,

I understand your refusal to take the watch. Be safe in all your travels, and write us soon.

Yours,
Henry


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My Dear Henry,

I have arrived at Bombay at last! It is even hotter than I expected. The city is interesting, but it seems I am not fated to see much of it. My regiment has already left for the front, and
I go to Afghanistan to follow it. I will start for Candahar tomorrow and shall let you know when I arrive. I do not know where I will end up, but letters addressed to the base there should reach me. I will write soon. Give my regards to Sarah.

Yours,
John


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My Dear John,

Sarah has thrown me over. It is my fault, though I must say I am not sure what I did. I was drunker than I should have been, and I must have said something, or done something. I still don't know what it was, only that she wrote me and sent the ring back. I tried to call and apologize, but her brother escorted me out the door rather firmly. No doubt I deserved it.

Keep safe and be brave. You might as well bring some honor to the name, since it's quite clear I won't.

Yours,
Henry


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My Dear Henry:

I am most sorry to hear about Sarah. I know you fight a battle as much as I do. Exercise your will, be strong and brave yourself. You have lost Sarah. Do not lose yourself the way Father did. Let his watch be a reminder to you.

The regiment is moving again. Tomorrow we go on to Maiwand, but I assume we will have moved much farther than that by the time this reaches you.

Yours,
John


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Colonel Marcus Williams
Royal Berkshires
Candahar
1 August 1880

To Mr. Henry Watson

Dear Sir:

By the time this letter reaches you will have heard of our retreat. Captain John Watson was not among us when we arrived back to Candahar. At this point his status is Missing in Action. He is a brave soldier and an excellent surgeon. I will notify you should his status change.

Yours respectfully,
Col. Marcus Williams

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My Dear Henry:

Col. Williams has told me that he wrote to you that I was missing. I hope you have not been too anxious about me. My orderly, Murray delivered me safely to the base. I was wounded in the right shoulder and my clavicle (collarbone, sorry, I am getting medical in spite of myself) was shattered. There was some injury to the artery as well, but both have been skillfully treated here at the hospital in Peshawar. I am now recovering well. In fact, yesterday I was able to get up and move to the verandah for a bit. I expect to be discharged from hospital for a short leave soon and then return to my regiment.

Keep yourself strong. Write to me soon.

Yours,
John


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Dear John

I pawned the damned watch. I drank up my funds to pay the rent, and it was either pawn the thing or be thrown out. I can make the money back and I will redeem the pledge. I just do not want you shocked to see the broker's scratches inside it someday. Like Father, like son.

I am glad you are doing better. I hope they let you have a decent leave before sending you back to work.

Yours,
Henry


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My Dear Henry,

Unfortunately I did not get my leave at all as I contracted enteric fever here in hospital soon after writing to you. I am still weak and ill and have just received the report of the medical board. I am to be discharged not just from hospital but from the army as well. I depart for Portsmouth on the Orontes in two days. We are expected into port sometime between the 10th and the 20th. Will you be able to meet me?

Do not worry about the watch. Seeing you will be enough.

Yours,
John


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My Dear Henry,

I missed seeing you when we arrived in port. Are you able to come see me here in London?

Yours,
John


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My Dear Henry,

I have not received any response to my letter. Are you well?

Yours,
John

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My Dear Henry,

Please write. I am well myself now and am concerned about you.

Yours,
John

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My Dear Henry,

I am going to call on you on Monday. Please let me in.

Yours,
John


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My Dear Henry,

Thank you for receiving me on Monday. I believe you when you say you did not wish me to see you in that state, but the solution is to pull yourself out of it. I am willing to provide you with every assistance in my power. I will not call again if you do not wish it, but write to me at any time and I will come.

Yours,
John


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James Darner
Solicitor, Darner and Fox
17 Golding Street, London
30 June 1882

To Doctor John Watson

Dear Doctor Watson,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother, Henry J. Watson. I was engaged in settling his affairs and am aware that you are his next of kin.

I was able to settle his debts out of his accounts, but no money remained once this was complete. Indeed, to obtain sufficient cash to cover all debts it was necessary to sell the great majority of his belongings, wit the exception of a single watch. As you are aware, Mr. Watson left no will, but his neighbors in lodgings have advised me that he had expressed the wish that you received the watch.

With that in mind, the watch has been cleaned and we can place it into your possession. Please present your identification at our offices at any time during business hours and our staff will be pleased to turn it over to you. If at any time we can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to write.

Yours respectfully,
James Darner


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