Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, near Bath.—Acknowledges that his last letter may have been inopportune, but hopes that Smith will consider his requests when he is rested. Argues against his opposition to the war, referring to Dawson’s articles in the Dublin Review, and suggests that the ‘irascible’ side of Smith’s nature is obstructing his reason. Is disappointed that Smith feels unable to use Hamson’s letter, as he thinks that employment in the War Office would be little different from employment as a state teacher, though he acknowledges that, given Smith’s opinions, he might find the atmosphere there intolerable. Has not been able to sound D. Christopher [Butler] on Mirfield. Air-raids are frequent. Recommends a place to buy breviaries and commends him for saying part of the Office daily. ‘If you can spare my type-script of your paper to the boys here I’d be glad to have it back.’ Bernard [Orchard] found Smith’s As You Like It article difficult to follow but ‘pregnant’.
Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, near Bath.—Advises him to send Hamson’s letter [probably recommending Smith for work in the War Office] to Captain Walker quickly, if he is likely to be travelling for a month or two. Is sorry that he has been experiencing air-raids, and urges him not to worry. Encloses a rosary. ‘Ireland I fear is out of the question now. I’m not convinced that you ought to establish yourself there, but here I admit I speak without deliberation.’
Service held 5 March 1988 at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Trinity College, CambridgeDownside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, near Bath.—Hopes he is well, and that he will not have to return to Caracas. Invites him to visit. Asks whether he has seen Hamson yet.
A promise: "In consideration of your playing bowls this afternoon, I undertake that I will never again say anything disrespectful of the [Roman] Catholic Church."
Hardy, Godfrey Harold (1877-1947), mathematician