L. Caesar, cos, to M. Lepidus, propr. Hisp. Ult., greetings!

If you are well, I am well. I was delighted to receive your letter and to learn that everything is good and quiet in your - and soon to be my - province. I didn't expect anything else, knowing well your wisdom and clear sightedness. Only a German invasion could have marred your administration, but thanks to the gods (and Publius Nero, I must admit) and the buffer of Citerior, it didn't happen.
As you rightly presume, I intend to demobilize some of the troops you raised; they don't seem necessary any more, but it is good to know they can be conscripted again in the blink of an eye. The fleet I will keep; Ulterior has a long coast and it needs protection against pirate raids. I also intend to make improvements to the roads and cities as needed. I hope the next governor of Citerior will have the vision and the possibility to do something similar for his province; it is a pity that such a potentially rich region does not develop as it deserves.

I am very eager to leave; it will be a great pleasure to see Pulchra again and to be with you, my dear friend, for a few days at least. I cannot, however, leave Rome before the end of my consular year; it would not do to skip the rituals.

I make prayers for your success in the coming elections; I know there are several active and good men among the competition. Your career history, however, should easily convince the people to carry you to the top of the polls.

Until soon, my dear friend, and now and always, take care.