Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - A long way to Ravello from here, where there is a 'wild wind' whose 'idea of celebrating the birth of Christ is somewhat of the nature of pagan glee'; hopes she and Bob are having a 'sun-warmed and happy Christmas'. Very sorry he has seen little of them both recently; 'this "[Independent] Review" business is dragging [him] about all over the place'; the Prospectus will be out on 15 January, and he will write to Bob then if they are in Italy. Has just read [Paul] Kruger and [Christiaan] de Wet's books [Kruger's memoirs and de Wet's "Three Years War"] with the greatest interest'; quite a contrast between the 'old fashionedness of Kruger' and de Wet's 'piety... relieved by a sense of humour and a habit of looking things in the face'. Praises de Wet's book highly for its honesty, and finds that 'the things he says in indignation against the English, are warrant of the genuineness of the fine things he says at the end in favour of loyalty to us'. He may be 'too simple a man to be among history's greatest', but is 'certainly among the best of the great'. His mother has said something about Bob having his play ["Cecilia Gonzaga"] published soon; asks if this is with Longman's. His own book ["England under the Stuarts"] is going slowly because of the "Review" and his Cambridge work; will give up half of that at the end of this year.
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. [London] :- Thanks his parents for their letters. Came up this morning to go to the Dolmetsch concert. Bessie is well except for a 'slight cold', and says the rehearsals are going well 'though some of the players are rather weak, including the new Madame Dolmetsch'. Is sorry his father's rheumatism 'has been so troublesome', and hopes he will be all right at Zermatt. Has just seen her letter to Bessie, which came this morning.
Is going to see George this afternoon to 'go over the corrections of the first two chapters [of George's England under the Stuarts]; this is 'rather severe work', but he and George agree that these chapters need corrections more than the rest. George seems to like Robert's article [or the Independent Review], as do others, though 'they are not all convinced that Moore's poems are as good' as Robert thinks them. However, did not expect to persuade many people. Does not think either that George will persuade him to like Meredith's poetry 'in his coming article, though it will no doubt be very interesting'.
He and Bessie have not yet heard anything about their building estimates; supposes these are 'in the hands of the builders', but that it will 'come all right now' although they may still have to wait a while. Is going to Seatoller to work for a few weeks in early July; Bessie may join him there for a while, when she leaves Mrs Salomonson. Hopes they might see Caroline at Dorking before then. Is glad Aunt Margaret is 'so well again'.
[In Bessie's handwriting] Wants to 'add a line' to say she is glad Caroline and Sir George are enjoying their trip, and that Sir George's rheumatism has gone. It is 'so very comfortable' being able to stay at Grosvenor Crescent, it is 'so quiet' and 'it makes such a difference not having to bustle about noisy hotels'. Maria looks after her 'like a mother!'. They are just going to lunch at the Moores' before another rehearsal and the concert tonight. Sends love from them both; asks if Caroline could visit them on the 26th or 27th, or the 2nd July, but she must do what is most convenient for her.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Robert gave lots of news about Elizabeth in his letter; interesting that she is translating again; asks whether she finished the novel she was working on last year. There must be a great deal of Dutch literature 'unknown to other nations' as the language is rarely learnt. The poem must be curious; asks whether the language differs much from modern Dutch; it dates from a 'great time in the countrie's [sic] history]. She and Sir George have been seeing neighbours and going into town she has been to London several times. There are great floods: 'the Avon is out all down the valley'. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert will continue to like La Croix [-Valmer?]. They are feeling happier about politics; Chamberlain is 'not gaining ground' and the Government 'make a most wretched show' in the House of Commons. They are expecting H[enry] James, Miss [Lily] Noble, Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green and Sir [Alfred] Lyall for a couple of days tomorrow, and go up to London on the 12th. North Street [Charles and Mary's London house] has been 'started', with 'no drawbacks', and she looks forward to seeing it; Cheyne Gardens [George and Janet's London house] is also progressing, and Janet is very pleased with it. The "Independent [Review]" for February is good, and much attention is being paid to it; hopes it is 'establishing itself'. Has subscribed again to Rolandi [the foreign language bookseller and library], so asks Elizabeth to let her know if she hears of any good French books. Notes that 'the modern world seems to find it necessary to have a millionaire for hero!'. Asks if Elizabeth has anyone to accompany her violin playing. Aunt Margaret [Holland] is still too ill for visitors, and does not even have letters read to her.
Grand Hotel, La Croix, par Gassin (Var) :- Has not yet answered her last letter, having written to his father instead; is glad to hear from her letter to Bessie which arrived today that he, George, and Charles are well. His mother's account of North Street [Charles and Molly's new marital home] much 'interested and amused' them. Hopes all will go well at Oxford [for George and Janet's wedding]; wonders if George will wear a frock coat, but supposes not 'as he will not wear a topper presumably'.
He and Bessie are both well and 'enjoying very fine weather'; he is getting on all right with his work, finishing a play he began last year but put aside having 'got into difficulties'. Now he thinks he knows 'how it should go'. Is going to review Sturge Moore's poems for George, but not until he leaves here, as time spent on his own work here is too valuable; nevertheless, has promised George he will have it ready for the May number [of the Independent Review]. Bessie is getting on 'slowly' with her translation, but it is 'very difficult work, and can't be done quickly'. They have just heard from Mrs Cacciola, who asks several questions which Robert cannot answer: about '"Andrew Johnstone (Charlotte's husband)"', and whether '"Mr Frank Snowball... is a man as honourable and capable in business as his father Joseph Snowball was"' - he was apparently a '"highly esteemed friend"' of Mrs Cacciola's mother. Robert thought his mother would probably know these people, but that as he does not know why Mrs Cacciola is making these enquiries, his turning to her 'had better been in confidence', since Mrs Cacciola could always have asked her directly. In the mean time is writing that he does not know but will find out; since Mrs Cacciola 'has so few friends in England' he feels he should do so.
Asks his mother to thank his father for her letter, and tell him Robert will write soon. Hopes the 'literary dinner went off well'. Bessie will write soon; they both send love. Decisions about their house are now 'more or less settled', though the 'road question' is still not yet quite agreed; expects they may need to spend something on it themselves 'if no one else will, possibly one or two hundred pounds'. They are leaving it to their solicitors to settle. Their friends the Hardys [G H Hardy and his sister?] have not yet come, which is a disappointment.
Burwale, Ashley Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey. - Asks if Trevelyan has any poems for Dickinson's review [the "Independent Review"]. Will be at this address for July, trying to write.
Postmarked Chelsea; sent to Bob at Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Likes Bob's article ["Mr. Sturge Moore's Poems," "Independent Review", Vol 3 (June 1904)] very much; several people have spoken to George 'warmly' about it already. Does not believe it is too 'eulogistic', but 'as high as eulogy can go without being fulsome'.
Wallington. - The Committee hopes Bob will write an article on [Thomas Sturge] Moore's poems [for the "Independent Review"]; expects it will not be ready much before Easter, and hopes it will not be much later. Good luck to Bob and Bessie if they are going to Italy. Asks Bob in a postscript to ask Bessie how to describe [Nicolaas] Pierson on the cover of the "[Independent] Review" 'so as to show what a swell he is'.
King's College, Cambridge. - Has received Trevelyan's review [of Sturge Moore, for the "Independent Review"?] and asks him to send Jenks and the publisher the exact titles of the poems. Roger [Fry] not unhopeful about Helen; they go to Finland today.
1 All Souls Place, Portland Place, W. - Has just returned. Too late for Trevelyan's article to appear in May [in the "Independent Review"]: he should send it to Dickinson at once or it will be too late for June as well. Italy is 'the only country'; Dickinson would be a poet if he lived there.
1 All Souls Place, Portland Place, W. - Will leave for Italy in a day or two; gives his address in Florence. Will meet Mayor there and go on a cycling tour to Assisi and Siena; Wedd will also probably be there. It would be good to see Trevelyan. Glad that Trevelyan is reviewing Sturge Moore [for the "Independent Review"]; he should send the review to Jenks. His own articles on religion will appear in the May and June numbers. Helen [Fry] is 'quite herself', only 'too keen to do things...and difficult to manage.'
1 All Souls Place, Portland Place, W. - Thanks Trevelyan for the copy of the "Birth of Parsifal"; has not had time during term to re-read it, but Trevelyan read it to him in MS. Apologises for asking, in return, whether Trevelyan could help any further with funds for the "Independent Review" [an enclosure mentioned is now missing]. Roger [Fry] has just returned from the US, where he has been meeting Pierpoint Morgan and almost accepted a post [Fry did eventually take up this post, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York]. Fry, Helen [his wife], and Dickinson think of going to Spain at Easter.
Independent Review vol 9 no. 33
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sent a post-card about the [Grosvenor Crescent] Club; hopes Elizabeth has heard from the Secretary. Lunched there when she had to be in London on Tuesday but was not able to see the Secretary; thinks it will be all right if the application is not in by the 20th. Glad some 'pleasant' people have been at the Pension. She and Sir George go to London on the 19th. Charles has been seeing lots of people in Paris and returns tomorrow, though he is not coming to Welcombe yet. Asks if Elizabeth and Robert will be back by Easter, and if so whether they will spend it at Welcombe. Also asks if she will come to see any of Benson's plays [at Stratford], which start on 20 April. Expects they are soon leaving for Sicily; hopes Elizabeth will find her cousin Marie [Hubrecht] better. Henry James has been to stay at Welcombe for a couple of days; he 'is so much nicer than his books, though she greatly admires some of them. Hope Robert's play is progressing; asks when the other ["Cecilia Gonzaga"?] will be published. Enough money has found to begin the new "Independent Review"; G[eorge] is 'continually rushing up to London about it'; he is taking rooms there with Hilton Young after Easter. Caroline has been attempting to read [Richardson's] "Clarissa" but fears she will not succeed; asks if Elizabeth is getting on better with it.
The Green Farm, Timworth, Bury St. Edmunds. - Arrangements for Trevelyan's visit to Timworth: the trains are difficult. If Trevelyan is going to the concert at Northlands [Sophie Weisse's school] he should not spoil it by worrying about getting to Liverpool Street. Is writing on Desmond's behalf as he is busy with his "Independent [Review]" article. Is very sorry that Trevelyan's wife is not coming with him, as she would have liked to hear more about Paul, and the MacCarthys have a lovely piano which was a gift from Miss Weisse (they can only play "The Bluebells of Scotland" on it), but understands that she cannot leave the baby.
8, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Has seen George [Trevelyan]. The difficulty with MacCarthy's Butler article [for the "Independent Review"?] is that Butler's friend Jones has let him see Butler's private diary and papers, and MacCarthy must show him what he has written before publishing. Is busy on Cobden, but is not sure whether he will get it into the "Westminster [Review]" before Saturday. Will try to see Trevelyan on Thursday but does not think he will be able to stay the night. Spent an hour with George and Janet yesterday evening; George read some of his "History" out, then MacCarthy 'discoursed about Japan'.
Thanks for Trevelyan's letter of advice about the article. Has his 'back up' against the Ind[ependent] Rev[iew] at the moment: received a cheque from Jenks for his review which was 25 shillings short of the sum agreed. Does not mind writing 'for love', but does object to having his 'wages chipped at the discretion of that little shit'. Asks for total discretion: must speak to George [Trevelyan] first if he decides to complain. There has been a fight outside the office: Udale had his nose 'scraped'. J. Burns [John Burns?] is probably going to be sued by Harris for libel; this too can only be mentioned to Trevelyan's wife. Would like to visit soon; will bring 'the black wallowing unprofitable & the Marie Kov [?]'. A postscript, reading 'Sir, my name is Otto. Why not make my initials D.S.O?' may be a reference to the Trevelyan's son Paul.
The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Sends an advertisement for the "Independent Review"; Benn will see that Robert's brother George and [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson are on the committee; they are in fact 'the most active members'. There may be varying opinions on the journal's independence, as it is 'certainly of pronounced radical tendencies'; but there is reason to hope it will 'keep a high standard'. He and Bessie send regards to Benn and his wife, and hope to see them again this winter.
1, Garden Court, Temple, E. C. - Originally enclosing [Warre?] Cornish's article; asks Bob to acknowledge receipt if he does not send it back at once; if Bob could give his opinion this might help them [the editors of the "Independent Review?"] to form their judgment. Sends love to Bessie. Postscript on back of the letter informs Bob that Crompton [Llewelyn Davies] has gone to France with [Bertrand] Russell; he seemed 'much better [emphasized] before he left' [referring to Crompton having recently lost his brother Theodore]. The Sangers are expecting the birth of a baby in around October.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear that Elizabeth is well and that Robert is losing his cold; hopes the Booths [Charles and Meg] arrive safely. Sir George has been troubled by rheumatism for a while; thinks he is recovering but he is 'low & out of sorts'; he has been able to work and take walks everyday, not liking to stay in bed which she thinks may have been best. S[idney] Colvin and Morton Philips are coming on Sunday, alone as both their wives are ill; they have also had neighbours visiting for tea. Has been busy with things in the village; Mr Clarke was here this week. They are expecting news from Cheyne Gardens [of the birth of Janet and George's child]; the preparations were made long ago. The ["Independent] review" is 'in a bad way' but George 'has made up his mind to it'. Meggy [Price] has sent her a very amusing letter from Phil [Morgan Philips Price], who 'led the interruptions' at [Henry] Chaplin's meeting at Cambridge in 'a most intelligent & effective way'. Sir George enjoyed Robert's letter about classics and 'keeps it as a marker!'; sends love from him and Booa [Mary Prestwich], who was 'quite anxious' about Elizabeth.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes that the snow in Italy has melted. Spent one night and '2 busy days' in London; Sir George went up for the day yesterday. Spent that evening with Janet, since George was at a 'review meeting' [for the "Independent Review"?], who is very well and 'enjoys the situation to the full'; approves of her preparations [for the forthcoming birth]. Thinks Charles and Mary are staying at Cambo till the end of the month. Mary has 'thoroughly got up the subject of Taxation of Land Values' and has given several short speeches on it; she has also written a leaflet which Caroline hopes to get printed for the W.L.F. [Women's Liberal Federation]. Good that she can help Charles politically. Wants Elizabeth's advice about pianos: there ought to be one at Welcombe, and she would 'like to change the monster in London!'. Has a room at Welcombe to write in now, so Elizabeth can now have the drawing room to herself to practice in. Expects Meg Booth will arrive [in Italy] soon. Asks if Elizabeth is thinking of going to Taormina this year; hopes the Grandmonts are well. "The Times" is 'so hard up for an argument for the sugar tax that they say it is unhealthy and that people should not eat so much'. A party of neighbours came for lunch recently, and more will come. Has had a 'nice letter' from Mrs Enticknap.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Has received his father's letter [12/89] and is sorry to have annoyed him by not writing more often; this is 'not through indifference', and he hopes in future to write more regularly. He and Bessie go abroad next Tuesday, and hope to reach Aulla [home of Aubrey and Lina Waterfield] on Thursday; hopes by then Campbell-Bannerman will have formed his cabinet. The Times's 'assertion about Sir Edward Grey' yesterday caused great alarm, but so far it seems unfounded. If they had indeed failed to agree, someone would be much to blame, but Robert thought George was being 'unduly pessimistic'; he thought if there had been a split nobody but 'strong radicals would vote against Protection' and the election would be a 'fiasco' for the Liberals. Robert doubts that 'principles are not just now more important than men in most minds'. Quotes [from Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 3, 2115-2132], with Grey in Cassius' place, Campbell-Bannerman playing Brutus, and the Times the Poet.
He and Bessie are both well, though have had bad colds. Has sent the first act of their translation of Vondel's Lucifer to the Independent [Review]; George and Dickinson 'seem to like it' so he hopes they might print it; there is more of the translation, but the first act stands well alone. George, Janet, and Mary seem well. Sends love to his mother.