Friend Gallus,

Your letter found me doing well, and I hope this response also finds you in good health and spirits.

I am settling in here in Africa well enough. Needless to say, the place is by no means Rome. I have heard bits and pieces of news coming in about the situation with Catulus. Of course I am waiting patiently for any news or orders concerning the issues here. The legions have been raised and sent to me. They look like good lads and are itching for a battle. Things have been slow and boring and not a decent tavern in the area. I do wish I could have seen the brawl in the Senate. I like nothing more as you well know.

You have only confirmed my fears concerning my mother. I know you have struck up a friendship with her, and I did not mean to put you at the jeopardy I know I face when I arrive home. Juba is nothing compared to what is waiting for me in Rome. I had little choice. She was making far too much a spectacle of things, and I felt the walls were closing in. Leaving at night was the only solution I could see. I do regret missing that pint with you as well as those gladiator games going on in the Forum. I had heard they were quite the spectacle. Speaking of which, you may want to hire that gladiator regardless of my telling mother you had nothing to do with my departure. She tends to believe what she will.

In any case, I do owe you a drink next I am in Rome. Should you here anything in the Senate useful to me in Africa, please forward the information on to me if you would be so kind. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you here.

May the gods keep you from my mother,

M. Antonius