Handwritten draft letter by Cavafy to his brother, John, on both sides of a sheet and on both sides of a piece of paper. The poet's thoughts on the way in which certain historical events may repeat themselves and on the teachings of history. Personal and family news (reference to a visit to Alexandria by the wife of their cousin Ioannis, Marigo Cavafy, from London). Cancellations and emendations, some in pencil. Abbreviations. Interpolated phrases in English. The context indicates that John is in Istanbul, staying with relatives (Zalichi family). On this basis, the draft letter should be dated to 1902.