Blake reports that "German Divisions have been coming over the Elbe, surrendering to us rather than the Russians". He relates the state of law and order and finds his conscience tried over whether to take pity on Germans in need, only to feel it is thrown back at him. At other points in the letter, he scoffs at their ignorance over what has been going on, but recognizes how much they must rely on German expertise regardless of whether they might like to.

Blake asks again whether Martha can stay with the Russells before moving on to join him "if and when" she comes over.

Source: Columbia University, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Peter Blake Papers, Fol 19:20-22.