Diarbekr [Diyarbakir (Amida)] May 7 Dearest Father. Your delightful long letter of Ap 16 has just arrived and I must write you a word in answer. I am very very sorry about Uncle George. What a terrible mortality there has been among our best friends - I scarcely dare open your letters now for fear of seeing some new disaster in them. I've written to Charlie and addressed the letter to 95 as I don't know where to find him. Perhaps you will forward it? Your telegram from R'ton [Rounton] came today, to my immense delight. I replied with a telegram of dates so that you might know my plans approximately. Did you read the letter from the Greek poet which Mother forwarded to me? It's priceless - I enclose it, for I don't think I need send a kind reply. I think I never enjoyed a better laugh. Every sentence is inimitable. Please keep it for me. And you might just inquire in the Palaces about his poems, if you have means. As to Palaces (since that seems to be the subject with which you are best acquainted) I shall be happy to accompany you and the Duke to Rome [Roma] if Mother does not want to go. I think it would be very amusing and I love to see you being de fust. So pray count upon me if needed. Springy's review of my book is delightful - I must write and thank him. It feels like breathing another air to read him after all the tosh Romeike has sent me. Of course Hachette shall have the photographs. I love the Mesopotamian syndicate under Prince Beg to be off! I'm very sorry about Bill Lascelles. What a gloomy outlook for him, poor dear! And also rather perturbed about Maurice who does not sound very flourishing. It's thrilling about Mrs Chatfield! I long to hear details from Mother, but that must wait till I return. I hope Mother will get someone as capable for the W.G. - there's no doubt she ran it well.
I am in the thick of negotiations with C'ple [Istanbul (Constantinople)] in order to get permission to plan an old church which is now used as an arsenal and shut to foreigners. You will remember about the lions, the Commandant and the military council at Baghdad, and understand my difficulty. I brought a letter to the Vali (a charming man) from Khalil Beg, the head of the Museum, in which he begged the Vali to let me plan it. The Vali replied that he was much distressed but could not disobey the direct orders he had received from the Minister of War, Mahmud Shevket Pasha - not about me, but about everybody where that building was concerned. However he telegraphed to Khalil and asked to explain matters to Shevket and got permission from him. I, too, with the Vali's approval, telegraphed the same request to my friend Sami Pasha who is now in C'ple. He is M. Shevket's cousin. The Vali says he thinks I shall get the permission as there is really no reason at all why it should be refused. (He paid me a long visit this afternoon, speaks French well and is most delightful.) We shall see. Meantime I am planning the Great Mosque. I worked at it today from 5 AM till 12 noon and shall go at it again tomorrow. Everyone was most kind; the Vali sent police to look after me and all the sheikhs of the mosque helped me to read the inscriptions and opened all the various rooms for me to measure. I meet with nothing but friendly assistance wherever I go in this country. The only European here is the French Consul, M. Talausier[?], very nice. He called on me today and we walked on the walls together. Tomorrow he comes to dine. I am most comfortable and happy in the Consulate all by muself! Altogether I am enjoying these days here very much. And not least the thought of being within calculable distance of home. Ever Belloved Father your very affectionate Gertrude

I am so glad Gertrude White has recovered.