Showing 21 results

31 Sydney St SW3. - Encourages Bessie to come tomorrow evening: the Russells will be delighted. Writing as it is quicker and cheaper than the telephone. Bessie has met his wife once: they came to lunch at the Shiffolds in 1917 with Miss [Dorothy] Wrinch and [Jean?] Nicod.

Dora gave birth to a son this morning, and both are doing well. The Russells were touched by Bessie's kindness when she came the other day; encourages her to visit again.

Pinewood View, Frimley Green. - Has not yet received the invitation Bessie wrote about; wonders if it could be put off for a while, since he is going to America in the winter so could not manage it before the autumn of next year. The Russells are well, except for Dora's sciatica. Both their houses are let at the moment and they are staying at his father-in-law [Sir Frederick Black]'s cottage. There is a motor car, so asks if they could come for tea one day in the next fortnight; their son would come too, as they have no nurse at the moment.

Postmarked Frimley Green, Farnborough; addressed to Elizabeth Trevelyan at Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Is sorry, but the Russells go back to town on the 28th and expects they will both be very busy after that.

31 Sydney Street, London, S.W.3. - Is sorry that when they spoke yesterday he thought Bessie was talking about when the Russells are visiting the Allens: Dora explained afterwards. They cannot come on the 14th, as he is speaking at Leicester and Dora speaking somewhere else, and almost all their weekends are filled up: he will 'preach 4 Sundays running to the atheists of Leicester'. Encourages her to visit them when she is in London.

Beacon Hill School, Harting, Petersfield. - Thanks Bessie for her kind letter; the Russells are now over their anxiety about [their daughter] Kate who has now completely recovered. The operation was late in the evening of the 23rd so Kate had 'a pretty miserable Christmas', but enjoyed her birthday on the 29th. Dora got sciatica from getting out of bed on cold nights to look after her, and is now in London having it dealt with. According to the surgeons there has been an 'epidemic of mastoids as a consequence of influenza', and there has been another case at the school, but that is also no longer serious. They all remember the Christmas they spent at the Shiffolds; John will never forget Julian's electric train. They often hear of the Trevelyans through Charlie Sanger; invites them to visit, as it is a very easy car journey and he thinks they would enjoy seeing the children.

47, Emperor's Gate, S.W.7. - Thanks Elizabeth for writing; it is too long since he last saw her or Bob. Is sorry that they [Russell and Dora, or his new partner Patricia 'Peter' Spence?] have engagements which prevent them being away for a night between the 12th and 19th, but asks if they could come for the day on the 13th.

Deudraeth Castle Hotel, Portmeirion Peninsula, Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales. - Dora is claiming all custody of John and Kate in her divorce petition and presenting herself 'as a conventionally innocent wife'. Russell is very anxious to be able to marry Peter [Spence], but they would both sacrifice this in order not to lose the children. Encloses a typed statement explaining the situation: Dora has concealed the existence of her two children by Griffin Barry in her divorce petition, and does not ask the discretion of the court for her adulteries, which she also conceals; a Chancery suit is being brought to determine the question of custody, and it is important that the Judge should have evidence of Russell's fitness as a parent and of the mutual affection of the children and Peter Spence; the Russells have so far 'had equal rights in the children', who spend term time with their mother and holidays with their father; he wishes this arrangement to continue. Asks if she and Bob could make a statement that Russell 'is not an exceptionally bad father' and Peter 'not an abandoned hussy, but good with the children and loved by them'; this should be sent to Crompton Ll[ewelyn] Davies. A postscript: 'I have also written to [John Edensor?] Littlewood' has been crossed through and replaced with instructions to use Russell's title in the statement. Over the page there is a request that the Trevelyans should visit any time in June, signed P.S. [Peter Spence].

Deudraeth Castle Hotel, Portmeirion Peninsula, Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letter, but thinks she does not quite know the facts: that he and Dora have an agreement which give them equal rights in the children, and he has only asked that this continue, but Dora wants 'sole rights & complete custody'; she is petitioning for divorce and representing herself as a 'completely blameless wife', concealing the existence of Harriet and Roderick [her children with Griffin Barry]. Does not see why Elizabeth talks of both his and Dora's suffering: 'Does the tiger suffer when it kills the deer'?; Dora knows that if she deprives him of John and Kate, 'the whole of the rest of [his] life will be one of unbearable misery', and that to stop her doing so he will probably have to give up hope of divorce. This is very hard on Peter [Spence], 'who wants children, but not bastards', as he himself does. Asks if Elizabeth could let him know 'what version of the facts' she has heard.

Hotel Victoria, London, W.C.2. - Very many thanks for Elizabeth's kind letter. 'Dora has been misrepresenting things'. He and Crompton [Llewelyn Davies] talked last night to Ted Lloyd who now knows everything and can tell her his judgment on it.

31 Sydney Street, London, S.W.3. - Very sorry they cannot come on the 14th: Bertie misunderstood that Bessie was inviting them, and thought she was talking about the Russells' visit to the [Clifford] Allens. Bertie has to lecture four Sundays in a row in Leicester, so they are not now free till the last weekend in November, when they see the Allens. Would be very nice to see the Trevelyans again; the Russells keep so busy that there is no time for pleasure.

31 Sydney Street, London, S.W.3. - Thanks Bessie for all her kindness this Christmas: it seemed silly to write from Lemons Hill Farm [near the Shiffolds, at Abinger]; meant to come over on the last day but 'Bertie developed glands - probably the same flu infection'. Christmas was 'delightful' and John keeps talking about the train, the big nursery, and the hundred bricks, which make a 'marvellous present'. Discusses his and Kate's weight and height. Sends love to the Trevelyans, including Julian, and hopes they will see them in Cornwall in the summer. Bertie and the children saw Dora Sanger today; she is 'better, but far from well'. 31 Sydney Street 'all but sold' on the Russells' terms, and Bertie has got 20 pounds on insurance for a coat which was stolen from the hall when they were away: they are 'doing a war dance, & would like to give the burglar a commission'.

Carn Voel, Porthcurno, Penzance. - Very sorry that the Trevelyans will not be coming to Cornwall: John especially would like to see Bessie and Julian again. They must come for a holiday another year - asks if they could possibly fit in a holiday in July; the difficulty is in finding rooms; wishes there was more room in the house. Bessie must come and see the school. Five or six children are coming from New York. They have 'taken a parents' home for visitors' and she is 'having a delightful time planning rooms, furniture etc.' Valya Rosengotz, son of the Soviet chargé d'affaires [Arkady Rosengolts], is with them; he is a 'delightful creature', a great favourite with the children, and they are 'dreading the severance of diplomatic relations in case he should be sent away'.

Beacon Hill School, Harting, Petersfield. - Was very glad to show Bessie's friends over the school and hear some news of her. Sees very few people, since the school 'takes up so much thought and time' and she does not dare leave it for too long or go far away. Always remembers the day they first met, since it was also the first time she met Bertie; they all thought then that the world would be better after the war. Supposes no-one will now see a 'cheerful and up-and-coming world' like the one she grew up in; at least they can take care of some young people. Having four children and a school makes her 'feel quite aged'. Asks if they see anything of Bertie these days.

41 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey. - Glad to hear that Bessie is settled with such a nice couple. Would like to visit, but they are away on the Continent in September; asks if they might visit for a day when they return. The children [Russell's grandchildren?] are here now; they are going to Cornwall to stay with Dora until school starts in September. Mary [Fedden] and Julian must have had a 'glorious holiday' in the sun; the Russells were in luck to have the sun shine on them in 'that lovely azalea wood' where they walked with Bessie in May or June.

41 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey. - Thanks Bessie for her letters and postcard, and answers her questions: her book is "Wilfrid Scawen Blunt", and was published in 1939 when she was still Edith Finch; is sorry she does not have a copy to lend her. Agrees that the weather is very cold, though the Russells have not had to retire to bed to keep warm like Bessie; hopes she is not ill. They have not yet seen V[eronica] Wedgwood's book ["The King's Peace, 1637–1641", vol. 1 of "The Great Rebellion"]; liked her "William the Silent" very much, but they have been so busy to read much besides what must be read. They both have been very busy since Bertie's Christmas broadcast ["Man’s Peril from the Hydrogen Bomb.”]; she hopes his energy will hold out and that 'passionate sincerity' will bring about the proposal's success. Domestically, they are in chaos: the cook-general's husband is ill so she has been away since before Christmas, they have a little help from a char and from the grandchildren's governess. Their grandchildren [Felicity, Anne, and Lucy] are now in their sole care, 'since their parents first left them and then left each other'. John has been ill; he spends some of his time with his mother, and some with them; it has been 'really fierce and harrowing' for Bertie. They 'love the little girls dearly' however. Sorry the roads are so treacherous; would be lovely to see her when she can get to London again.

41 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey. - Originally some more leaflets [about Bertrand Russell's anti-nuclear proposal]. Bertie thinks he must concentrate on the Indians; perhaps Bessie could write to Queen Juliana. Does not know whether the proposal has been published in the Netherlands; thinks it has in Sweden and Denmark. Must have written 'very misleadingly about John' to give the impression that his mother has helped him: she 'has behaved quite frightfully'. The doctors thought that John might get better if given proper care, which was arranged for him; she persuaded him against their 'very pressing advice' to leave the hospital and live with her; John seems to be afraid of her. He comes 'wandering out here twice or thrice a week' but there is nothing they can do but wait till he gets worse. Their London char has now fallen ill, and the children's governess is now their 'mainstay'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - States the Trevelyans' belief that Russell is an 'excellent and most devoted father' to his children, and there is 'no lack of affection between them and him and Miss Spence'. Hopes that the arrangements made for the children's custody will satisfy both parents; this last statement is corrected from the hope that 'the parents may equally have a share in the custody of the two children'.

Has received a letter from Bertie Russell asking the Trevelyans to send a statement that they consider him to be a good father, and that there is no lack of affection between him, his children, and Miss Spence, to Llewelyn Davies. They hardly know her, but are prepared to do so, and encloses a more formal statement [see 5/291]. They are very sorry for all concerned, and hope that Dora and Bertie will come to an arrangement to share custody of John and Kate.

c/o G. Bottomley, The Sheiling, Silverdale nr Carnforth. - Is very sorry if her letter gave the impression that she was not in 'wholehearted sympathy' with Russell's anxiety over the divorce; it is 'inconceivable' to her that anyone should wish to deprive Russell of his children. She was under the impression that Dora wanted to share the custody of the children with Russell, having heard this through Ted Lloyd and C[lifford] Allen. Has not seen Dora for almost a year. The 'situation seems full of sadness' to her. Hopes that some solution will be reached; could not bear the thought of Russell being entirely separated from the children.

13A Hanover Terrace Ladbroke Grove. - Is sceptical about the translation of his books into German. Sorry to hear that Trevelyan has had mumps; hopes he has now recovered. At heart is miserable about the state of Europe; distractions include dinner with Clive [Bell?] and [Ralph?] Hawtrey, and the new letters of Byron, which he discusses at length with comments on morality. Has also been reading the 'absurd' book [Home Life with Herbert Spencer]. Morgan [Forster] has returned, unhappy because he cannot write (with which Trevelyan will sympathise). Met Bertie [Russell] and his wife at the Sangers'; does not think he will like 'Mrs Bertie'. Mrs [Beatrice] Mayor's two plays [The Girl and the City and Thirty Minutes in a Street] were acted on Sunday [2 Apr 1922, at the Kingsway Theatre]; supposes they were not much of a success but he was interested by them, particularly that acted by her sister [Betty Potter]. Has had long walk with [Nathaniel] Wedd who is 'gallant' but not well; Dickinson sceptical about the psychoanalysis he is receiving. Sends best regards to Trevelyan and his hosts [the Berensons].