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41 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey. - Happy to hear about the party at Birkbeck College [for the donation of R. C. Trevelyan's books to the library] and wished they could have been there. Would like to read Bessie's and E. M. Forster's speeches if they have been printed; thinks with 'admiring wonder' of Bessie having enjoyed making the speech. Would love to visit the Shiffolds, but does not think they can get away; they had an 'absolutely heavenly' holiday in France, but now Bertie is very busy. She worries about him; wishes sometimes that he would refuse to take on what should, it seems to her, be other people's responsibilities. John's book is a short story he wrote a few years ago ["Abandon Spa Hot Springs"], published by the Gaberbocchus Press. She thinks it is good, but 'a slight production for a young man with three children to be supported'; still, Bertie would not be happy if John were not working. They take long walks now and again, this afternoon along the river to Ham House; Bessie's garden and the countryside around must be 'enchanting'. Would very much like it if Bessie could come for lunch one day.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Invites him to tea, to meet Mrs Barger.

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West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking
17-2-41

Dear Mr Pethick-Lawrence,

Mrs Barger is here again, and I remember you saying that you might be able to come and see her one afternoon. If you are free next Sunday (the 23rd) I should be so pleased if you could walk over and stay to tea—I shall be here myself that day.

With kind remembrance to Mrs Pethick-Lawrence and yourself:

Yours sincerely
E M Forster

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—His views on the notion of ‘art for art’s sake’ have changed since the war began. Mrs Barger has been ill.

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West Hackhurst | Abinger Hammer | Dorking
29-12-43

Dear Pethick-Lawrence,

It was very good of you to write and a great encouragement to me. Art for Art’s sake always seemed an empty phrase until this {1} war but I have come to feel that, properly applied, it is valuable and a valuable corrective. I worked the idea out a little further and more provocatively in an article in Horizon which I could show you some time.

My mother joins me in good wishes to Mrs Pethick-Lawrence and yourself for 1944. Mrs Barger has alas been ill with influenza and a threat of pneumonia. I am afraid she developed them down here. I went to see her in her home on Monday and she is convalescent but wont be fit again for a month. I do hope that your household keeps all right. Please excuse this untidy scrawl but the cat would sit on my knee, and returned however firmly I repulsed him.

Thanking you very warmly for your kindness.

Yours v. sincerely
E M Forster

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{1} Altered from ‘the present’.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Agrees to talk to the Peaslake League of Nations Union.

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4–2–44
West Hackhurst, | Abinger Hammer | Dorking

Dear Mrs Pethick-Lawrence,

Thank you for your letter: Mrs Barger and I so much enjoyed coming over to day.

I have been thinking over the invitation from the Peaslake L. of N. U.; {1} my difficulty is that I have not been able to hit on a subject which is suitable. People are more and more inter-ested in the future, and it is a topic upon which I find myself more and [more] {2} doubtful and incompetent. Old age, I suppose!

I should like to come, though, and am free on Friday April 7th (I see it is Good Friday) or later in the year if this date is filled up.—Perhaps I shall be able to think of a subject by then, and perhaps you can suggest one.

Yours very sincerely, with every kind wish,
E M Forster

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{1} League of Nations Union.

{2} Omitted by mistake.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Thanks her for her letter (on the death of his mother). Hopes to visit her soon, with Mrs Barger.

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West Hackhurst | Abinger Hammer | Dorking
16-4-45

Dear Mrs Pethick Lawrence,

It is good of you to write. I am so glad that you, and Mr Pethick Lawrence, knew my mother a little. She much appreciated your visits.

Please excuse this brief answer, but it is difficult to express oneself properly in circumstances such as these. My friends have all been very good to me, especially Mrs Barger. I think she may be coming down here for a week end before long, and perhaps then we may come over to see you.

Yours sincerely
E M Forster

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At the foot is written in pencil ‘Show to FWPL’.

‘As from’ West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Has just written to him at the India Office (seeking permission to travel to India). Mrs Barger may have left her mackintosh in the Pethick-Lawrences’ garden.

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as from | West Hackhurst | Abinger Hammer | Dorking
10-8-45

Dear Pethick-Lawrence,

I have just written you an “important” letter to the India Office—important from my point of view, that’s to say. No doubt it will in due course come before you.

This is rather to say that Mrs Barger may just possible have dropped her dark blue mackintosh in the garden when we called on you the other day, but if it should be found and your secretary would send me a p. c. I’ll call for it. If I hear nothing I’ll conclude it is not there.

With all good wishes, and to Mrs Pethick Lawrence also:

Yours v. sincerely
E M Forster

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Noted at the head ‘12/8/45 not seen’.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Lord Wavell has approved Forster’s visit to India, but the British Council warn that his departure may be postponed as he is only a writer.

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West Hackhurst | Abinger Hammer | Dorking
3-9-45

Dear Pethick Lawrence,

I don’t suppose for a moment that there will be an opportunity for me to pay my respects to Wavell while he is in this country. I should of course much like to pay them—especially since he has been so good as to approve of my visit to India.

I hope that you are, both of you, all right, and not feeling too rushed. I shall be calling on you before I go. I pray that I do go—though the British Council warns me that there may be a last minute postponement, since I am only a writer. I am starting inoculations this week.

Yours v. sincerely
E M Forster

[Added by Pethick-Lawrence in pencil:] I think I h[ave] seen him since & I understand air passages h[ave] b[ee]n arranged.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking.—Has just returned from India. Proposes calling on the Pethick-Lawrences with Mrs Barger at the weekend.

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West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking
9–1–46

Dear Pethick Lawrence,

Just back from India, and perhaps I may have a chance soon of coming over to thank you for all the help you gave me in getting there; also to tell you any scraps of news which might interest.

Mrs Barger comes here to morrow and stays over the week end. Perhaps we might ring up your house on Sunday, and find out whether a call from us is likely to be convenient to you both.

With all kind wishes:

Yours
E M Forster

[Added by Pethick-Lawrence in pencil:] EMF is having to vacate his home fairly soon.

King’s College, Cambridge.—Thanks her for her sympathy (on his removal from Abinger Hammer); he intends to stay at King’s for at least a year. Is hopeful about the outcome of the Cabinet Mission, and will himself will be broadcasting about India shortly.

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King’s College, Cambridge
3–5–46

Dear Lady Pethick Lawrence

How kind of you to write, and to send me sympathy. I was very sorry to leave a neighbourhood which I have known all my life, and, in it, so many good friends. I don’t have to move until the autumn, and hope to be seeing you both again before long. I am going to make this college my headquarters at least for a year: it has most generously given me accommodation.

I am delighted that your husband keeps in good health, and, though not temperamentally an optimist, I find myself hopeful of the outcome of the mission. (By the way, I am broadcasting on an Indian subject next Wednesday at 6.20, if you care to listen in.) {1}

Cambridge, though charming, is cold, and my hand writing even worse than usual in consequence. Thank you again for your letter, and for the interesting Indian news.

Yours sincerely
E M Forster

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{1} Closing bracket supplied.

King’s College, Cambridge.—Is sorry he was not in when Pethick-Lawrence called. Hopes to revisit America in May.

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King’s Coll., Camb.
27–3–49

Dear Pethick-Lawrence

I thought it so very kind of you to let me know that you were coming to Cambridge, and to call on me. Alas I was away, as you will have found. I hope to have better luck next time.

I hope that you are both well, and that your news is good. Mine is; I have been away doing some interesting work, and in May I am hoping to revisit America.

With all good wishes
Yours sincerely
E M Forster

[Added by Pethick-Lawrence in pencil:]
It looks as if I should miss him again on June 21.
24/6/49 Read me again.

King’s College, Cambridge.—Sends good wishes (on Pethick-Lawrence’s marriage).

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King’s College, Cambridge

Thank you for sending me a card: this brings my kind remembrances and best wishes for your happiness.

E M Forster

Feb 18 1957

(Cambridge.)—Will be in Cambridge on Saturday, but his movements are uncertain.

(Undated. Postmarked 12 Mar. 1958.)

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How kind of you to let me know. Yes—I am in Cambridge Saturday, but movements uncertain since I shall have friends visiting me.—So I do not really like to set you toiling up those stairs and possibly {1} not finding me at the top of them.
E M F

Wishes {1}

[Direction:] The Rt. Hon. Lord Pethick-Lawrence, | 11, Old Square, | Lincoln’s Inn, | London, | W.C.2.

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Postmarked at Cambridge at 3.45 p.m. on 12 Mar. 1958.

{1} Indistinct.

King’s College, Cambridge.—Is going away on Saturday morning.

(Undated. Postmarked 13 Mar. 1958.)

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King’s College, Cambridge

I do hope this will catch you. It is an attempt to save you the trouble of climbing these stairs. unfortunately I go off Saturday morning

E M F

[Direction:] Lord Pethick Lawrence | 11 Old Square | Lincolns Inn | W.C.2

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Postmarked at Cambridge at 7.30(?) p.m. on 13 June 1958.

King’s College, Cambridge.—Will expect him on the 14th.

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K.C.C.

Saturday the 14th suits splendidly and I shall expect you at 12.0. unless I hear to the contrary.

E M Forster

[Direction:] Rt Hon Ld Pethick Lawrence | 11 Old Square | Lincolns Inn | London WC2

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Postmarked at Cambridge at 7.30 p.m. on 4 March 1959. The emblem of the House of Lords Library is embossed at the head of the card, but has been struck through.

King’s College, Cambridge.—He may be going to London when Pethick-Lawrence visits Cambridge, but will let him know if he does not.

(Acknowledged 4 Mar. 1960.)

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K.C.C.

Dear Pethick Lawrence

How kind of you to let me know of your visit to Cambridge.

I may, I fear, be going to London early on Friday afternoon. If I do not go I will send you word at Trinity.

Yours ever
E M Forster

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Marked ‘P-L ack: 4/3/60.’

Discusses arrangements for Forster’s forthcoming talk at Peaslake (see 1/284).

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16th. February 1944.

Dear Mr. Forster,

I was so glad to get your most kind letter and delighted that you will come and give us a talk at Peaslake if we can arrange a convenient time for you. August is a holiday month for us. We do not usually arrange any gathering for that month and therefore we should be delighted to fix up an extra meeting to meet you and to consider any subject that you feel inclined to talk to us about. We shall esteem it as a great pleasure and privilege and I will await a note from you fixing the date.

Bank Holiday is on August 4th so I would suggest Friday August 11th or some subsequent date.

With very warmest greetings and many thanks,

Yours sincerely,
[blank]

E. M. Forster, Esq.,
West Hackhurst,
Abinger Hammer,
Dorking, Surrey.

Will probably call on him when he comes to Cambridge for Commemoration.

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10th. March, 1958.

Dear Forster,

I am coming to Cambridge for Commem on Friday next, March 14th and shall be passing the entrance to Kings on Saturday morning and shall probably run up your staircase on the off chance of finding you in. If you definitely will not be there perhaps you will let me know on the enclosed post-card.

Yours ever,
[blank]

encl.

Dr. E. M. Forster, C.H.,
King’s College,
Cambridge.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Tells Bessie to 'keep the Boswell for Beethovenian cycles'; is glad that Bob is reading aloud from it. Pleased they had 'such a nice visit from [their grandson] Philip. I expect and hope that he cried on the chord of C because a chord is too much of a good thing at once, whereas a scale is just a lot of nothings-at-all in a row, and he could deal with them severally'.

Asks if she has heard how Hsiao Chen is; he wrote to Forster after Dr Bluth took him for an x-ray, and 'was hoping to avoid an operation'. Afraid Margaret's operation 'though not making her worse, did not do her any good'; does not know what arrangements Florence [Barger, her sister] is making for her. Understands that 'Evert and his Molly [Mollie Sinton, who married Evert Barger in Jan 1944]' are being very helpful.

His mother is 'fairly well and sends love'. Forster fears they have 'now left it too late and date in the year' for Bessie to visit; looks forward to coming to see her and Bob at the Shiffolds. Now has a copy of Trilling's monograph', and could lend it to her if she likes. It is 'an intelligent but almost overwhelmingly serious piece of work. It praises me for my seriousness; then censures me for my lack of seriousness... but when summing up it suggest that my very absence of seriousness may imply a seriousness far more serious than superficial seriousness'. Was 'rather difficult to know how to thank the author', but he is 'pleased with the book, and tried to say so'. His mother 'cannot read it for nuts [?]'. Has had 'several letters from America, and some tins of food'.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Meant to answer Bessie's 'kind letter' before, but 'these are paralysing days, and it is impossible to write with one's old gaiety, nor has one time to create a new sort'. Went to the London Library the morning after the bombing, and 'saw Carlyle's head stricken from his shoulders, and the theological section ruining [?] through the ceiling of the Reading Room'; wonders whether 'poor Bob has looked in'. Meant to 'do half a days salvaging there, but had to go numbering up all my aunts in Putney. All were intact'. Now he is back home, 'combatting a sore throat and cough with prudence and success'; would like to come over next month, and perhaps as the evenings get lighter she will get to visit them.

Should have 'taken chair for Hsiao Chien on Tuesday', and is disappointed that he cannot; has not seen him recently, but has 'been blessed with an American charmer [William Roerick], a friend of Christopher Isherwood, who has now gone off to Africa'. He was acting in This is the Army [by Irving Berlin], perhaps not known to Bessie 'even by name!', and took Forster a few times to the Churchill Club [at Ashburnham House]. There was a '"musical brains trust" there , Ralph V[aughan] W[illiams], acquitting himself very well, Malcolm Sargent - glib, Wm Walton smartibootified, and Alan Rawsthorne a little drunk'.

Thanks Bessie for the 'cutting for [the National Council for? Civil Liberties'; thinks they are 'a little nervous of adding education to their activities'. His mother seems fairly well, and sends love. 'Bob (policeman) [Buckingham] has been over here mending pokers, window sashes etc. He has had a grim time during the raids'; Forster hears '(from another source) that many more planes come over than we are allowed to know'. Hopes the news of [her daughter in law?] Ursula and family is good.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Is signing the card 'After some indecision... with a slight modification of its text'; though there are 'some weighty arguments against it', he feels it is 'a good thing to testify to the possession of compassion and a heart, when one has or things one has them. Everyone is or is pretending to be so hard'.

After he visited Bessie, 'a cloud, then no bigger than a man's hand, turned into the shape of an aeroplane', and now it really seems he will fly to India in ten days for a [P.E.N. ] conference of writers at Jaipur. Can 'hardly believe it, and of course there may be last minute hitches'. Hsiao Ch'ien has lent him a 'wonderful cane suitcase', which he can 'carry with one finger' when empty. Is only meant to be away for two months, and the household 'hopes to limp through' in his absence, with the help of Florence [Barger], Aunt Rosalie and others. Agnes [Dowland] 'has been very sweet about it, her only objection being that I am sure to crash'.

His only companion will be Ould, the secretary of P.E.N., who is 'pleasant and easy to get on with'; they hope to fly via Karachi to Delhi, where Forster will stay with friends [including Ahmed Ali], then to Jaipur for the conference, then he thinks to Calcutta and Bombay. He may of course 'be turned off the plane at the last moment if a V.I.P. (official phrase for Very Important Person) wants my seat'. Looks forward to going, 'despite the unhappiness and the politics which I am certain to find there'; will be 'such a change', though he fears he will be 'in a daze for at least a fortnight, and lose Chi'en's suitcase during it, with all my clothes therein'.

[No signature - incomplete?]

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Bessie ‘cannot imagine how consoling’ her letter was, ‘nor Bob how well placed his flounce. The whole thing was done without my knowledge [the adaptation and broadcast of his story The Eternal Moment], and the first news he had of it was ‘the ghastly sketch in the Radio Times’. As she may imagine, ‘rows are in progress’: with his publishers, who gave permission without consulting him, as they are bound to do by the terms of the contract; and with the producer [Howard Rose] ‘for his discourtesy in ignoring me, and for supposing that an author doesn’t know anything [crossed through] can’t help over his own book’.

The contrast between ‘this insensitive hack’ and Leonard Cottrell, producer of The Celestial Omnibus, is ‘extraordinary’; Cottrell consulted him throughout, and invited him to Manchester for the rehearsal. Will let her see the letters if she likes. Is ‘taking it all to the Society of Authors’, and then will ‘ask for an interview with someone in the B.B.C., as this sort of thing must be stopped’. Notes that they acted legally [in obtaining permission from his publishers].

Looks forward to visiting soon. The cold has been ‘terrible’, and they are ‘still not feeling the better for it’. Chi’en was ‘nice’, but Forster criticises his English: ‘I once ventured to Chi’en that his lectures were becoming difficult to follow. He beamed and continues to deteriorate. Something is wrong with the Chinese after all, I fancy’. Went to Cambridge last week ‘to speak to Indians’; did not see Bertie [Bertrand Russell], but his lectures ‘continue a huge success, and the other dons are most critical: - jealousy partly, partly the uneasy knowledge that he upholds humanism in a community which has betrayed it’. His mother sends her love.

W[est] H[ackhurst] (Postmarked Abinger Hammer, addressed to ‘Mrs Trevelyan, The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking’) . - Thanks Bessie and Bob for their 'kind letters' and for [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy's address; thinks he only met Suhrawardy once, at the Shiffolds. Expects to stay in Calcutta, probably in November.

Now looks as if he leave London on Thursday for an 'airport near Poole. All very odd'. Is 'looking forward to it - with occasional tremors'. Has 'been inoculated against 3 sorts of typhoid, cholera, smallpox', and Chi'en has lent him 'a lovely light suitcase'; asks if he has mentioned that before. Sends love, and says that air-letter is best if she writes [to India].

A postscript in another hand gives Forster's address to the beginning of December as c/o Thomas Cook, Queensway, New Delhi.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Does not know Binjori's [Abdul Rahman Bijnori?] works as he ought to, and does not feel able to take the chair; wishes Trevelyan would do it himself. Suggests asking someone from the East such as Narayana Menon, though perhaps he is too little known. Discusses [Elizabeth] Daryush's poems. George Thomson should have organised the [Apostles'] Dinner, but is going into hospital. Took tea with Chi'en [Xiao Qian]. Agrees that Silvia S. [Sylvia Sprigge?] is now far away.

King's Coll. Cambridge [headed notepaper]. - 'Delighted' that Friday 3rd December suits her for him to visit, 'What luck for me!'. Suggests coming on an early afternoon train from London; sees there is one which reaches Ockley at 2.13. Thought of suggesting himself for lunch at the Meades [Lionel Meade, rector of Abinger Hammer, and his wife?] on Saturday, then 'going on to the Hammer to see Bone and arrange about the felling of some trees in the wood' if he can. Will be at 9 Arlington Park Mansions from Wednesday to Friday; until Wednesday his 'Movements... err on the side of uncertainty (Other people's fault of course!)'.

Agnes was 'only paying a visit to Florence "as a lady"', and has now returned to her own flat; she seems to have enjoyed herself and 'laments' leaving '"just as she was finding out where all the things were kept"'. Currently, Florence is thinking of keeping on as she is until Harriet [her old maid] returns, as she may do one day. Thinks Florence would now be 'very pleased' to hear from Bessie about her news; she has 'taken up all her old employments [after the death of her sister]'.

Sends love to Bob and Bessie, is looking forward to next Friday.