Sir James Fergusson presents his compliments to Lady Arabella Brooke, and begs to apologise for not having sooner replied to her Ladyship's letter of the 27th October.
Before he received it, all necessary orders had been given for the suitable transport of the remains of the late and lamented Brigadier-General Brooke, and Sir James Fergusson trusts that her Ladyship has been sensible that nothing has been omitted which could mark the respect entertained by the Government, the Services, and the public, for an officer whose loss was universally deplored, and whose death was so honorable.
Sir J. Fergusson ventures to offer his sincere sympathy and condolence with the family so grievously bereaved.
From Lord Napier of Magdala.
Gibraltar,
March 19th, 1881.
My dear Mrs. Brooke,
... It must have been a melancholy satisfaction to you to have been able to consign the precious remains of your noble Husband to the resting-place of his Family—a sad duty, but one of infinite value to you. It is grievous to think that if his advice had been listened to, the lives of many valuable men, as well as his own, might have been saved.... Lady Napier desires her love. With kindest remembrances and regards.
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
NAPIER OF MAGDALA.