November 4th, 1885

London

Dearest Elizabeth,

I hope you are well, as I am writing to you with the greatest yearning in my heart. I know I promised to be home before the first snows of this winter, but I must stay here in London for perhaps a few weeks longer.

Mr. Maxim's invention is far more audacious than any of us could ever have imagined, and I have been tasked by the committee to examine his creation as thoroughly as possible. The others were as impressed as I was, and there is no doubt in my mind that this new weapon has the potential to change the future of our world.

A gun with but a single barrel, able to fire almost as fast as the Nordenfelt gun! Can you believe it, Elizabeth? I felt that I could hardly trust my own eyes, even as I watched the beast in action. In the span of just five short seconds, it emptied a belt of fifty rounds!

Mr. Maxim calls it a "portable machine gun", and I am confident that our Empire will benefit greatly from something as marvelous and ingenious as this. After so many centuries of fighting, on the mainland and in the colonies, this new weapon will surely become a great preserver of the peace.

As for you, Elizabeth, do take care to stay warm. They say the coming winter will be even harsher than the last.

I will write again as soon as I am able. Please tell little Emma that she is always foremost in her father's heart and mind.

With love,

Jonathan