FL4651360

6th Octr 1895

Cotmandene,
South Yarra.
Melbourne

My dear Sibby

Your kind letter of 28th Augt.
found me prostrate under the
joint effects of old age & rheumatic
gout which latter enemy appears
to have waited until the first named
had made me an easy prey for
its attacks:- for I never had rh: gout
before. However I have not been
so entirely subdued as to make me
ungrateful for your letter.

It gave me the first news I have
had of your movements in England
and of our soldier Jim, who I
hope will find it worth while to
examine our Victorian military
matters, and stay with me
while he is so doing. Your news of
Send Grove friends (from whom