British Red Cross Society, First British Ambulance Unit for Italy, Intendenza IIIa Armata, Zona di Guerra. - Thanks Bob for the 'paper re Molly's moves', which he has signed and sent back to Sir Hugh Bell. Glad to hear where Bob was and what he was doing; expects the work of [the Friends War Victims Relief Committee] will 'come in more than ever' during the armistice, whenever that begins, and 'a library if well chosen may be very much to the point'. Sorry to hear about the death of Bass [Sebastian Burtt?] Meyer's brother [Philip?]; if Bob sees Meyer, he should tell him that George's unit 'hope to get the Star lorry on the road again before demobilization': he will understand. George's unit have had a 'quiet year', except for one week in June. He has started writing again, and the 'beauty of the sub Alps and Iuganeans [Euganean Hills]... is in itself a resource'. Notes in a postscript that the unit's base is 'within 2 miles of Petrarch's house' [at Arquà] which is as genuine as [Shakespeare's] house at Stratford, with the 'cat that was in his room when he died' stuffed and mounted over the door of the room.
Seatoller. - Thanks his mother for her letters, and for the Times [Literary] Supplement. The article on Petrarch was interesting; he is a 'gentleman' Robert knows little about, and though the article was good it does not make him 'particularly anxious to be further acquainted with him, at least with his poetry'. The weather has generally been good, and he has got on 'fairly' with his work. Was 'very sorry about Searle [his death] though... expected it'.
Sent on his mother's letter to [Roger] Fry: 'unfortunate that it is a pastille', as they are 'rather difficult to deal with' and he doubts 'travelling improves them; if Fry thought he could do anything Robert could possibly take it with him when he goes South [see also 13/21]. Supposes George does not want him to read more proofs [of England under the Stuarts]; of course if he does, Robert would have time and willingness to go through more at Wallington. Hears Aunt Annie will be there, which will be nice.
Has little to say, as 'nothing happens here'; Bessie will arrive on Friday, and seems well. Hopes both his mother and father are well.