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(Published by The Booklovers’ Resort, W. Kensington. Undated. Date from the British Library Catalogue.)

26 Carlyle Square, London, S.W.3. - Sending Gow an advance copy of the article in Encounter: Laurence Housman's essay, with Carter's annotations, on A. E. Housman's De Amicitia [GOW/F/5/4].

20 Merton Street, Oxford. - Thanks Gow for his letter about Housman.

Department of Manuscripts, British Museum.—The volume of extracts from A. E. Housman’s diaries presented by Laurence Housman will be closed until 1967.

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29 Beaufort Str[eet], Chelsea. - Hears that Marsh has done well [in his civil service exams] but not 'what particular function' - colonial, military, or financial, he will choose; hopes he is 'satisfied and happy'. Sorry that Marsh could not come to Wallington, and hopes he has good hunting and fishing in Scotland. Asks what he thinks of the Czar; would like to meet 'a live deer-stalking tyrant'. Has taken Copse Cottage, near Friday's Hill [home of the Pearsall Smiths]; Bertie and Alys [Russell] left for America today, and Logan is soon leaving for Italy, so Bob will be glad of occasional company. Intends to hire a piano for Marsh and [G.E.] Moore; has four bedrooms, three sitting rooms and four sculleries. Tells Marsh to return from Scotland 'not too religious, and... without loosing [sic] your artistic instinct' as he is 'required as a patron and lover of young art to guarantee a guinea of the... fund for Roger [Fry's] exhibition at Cambridge, which will include works by Conder, Ricket[t]s, Shannon, Steer, W[alter] Sickert, Rothenstein, Maccoll, Savage, Houseman and Tonks [emphasised]. Also wants Marsh to get [Desmond] MacCarthy and [? Francis] Balfour, for whom he himself does not have addeses, to contribute; promises to do so should be sent to A[rthur] E[verett] Shipley at Christs [College Cambridge]. Has been writing letters all morning, imagining what he will look like in the new frock-coat which he is having made for the wedding of Roger [Fry] and Helen [Coombe], at which he is to be best man.

Longmeadow, Street.—Returns a portrait. Asks about his new home, and describes Coronation festivities at Street and Shillingford. Discusses her own and Laurence’s health.

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Transcript

Longmeadow | Street
June 8th 1953

My dear Jerry

I have just come across the enclosed which you had asked me to return. So sorry I omitted it before, as you think it so remarkably like your Mother. But I just cannot see it except perhaps a bit like her smile, yet L. is inclined to agree with you. I do so want to know where you are, whether the move to the new home has been effected, and The Mount House sold satisfactorily. I mourne† that my memory of it must become an empty shell without you and Cicely there enjoying the improvements you had made to render it such a fair and well appointed home. I hope you will send me snap shots of the new abode, for of course I cannot visualize it at present. I wonder where you have been for Coronation festivities, for no doubt in either place you have been raked in as an efficient organizer. Street was not adventurous. A baloon† race and a good Concert were items, and the factory did well with many-coloured flood lighting very beautiful on the trees round about. Last week Gerald, Jay, {1} and Nicola came over. At Shillingford they celebrated with a pig roasted whole. Gerald gave the pig, and his help in the roasting. They got instruction from an expert within reach who yearly roasts a deer, and made a spit with a wheel to turn, and lots of wood was contributed, but only partial success resulted, for a strong wind was unpropitious so that the heat was not steady. However half roasted chunks were cut off and distributed to be finished in home ovens. Gerald brought in one which we had for Sunday dinner, and very good it was. Nicola is a beauty—such a lovely colour. She is now of the age to be rather a handful, wanting to get her hands into everything—cooking or coals. L. had a bad fall breaking two ribs some weeks ago. Otherwise he is all right, but for failing memory. My sight and hearing are going, and I am very tottery, but can still do household chores and gardening. Do write soon. You must have so much to tell. Much love to you and Cicely

Ever your affectionate
Aunt Clem.

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‘R. 12.vi.53’, indicating the date of reply, has been added at the head in pencil. Most of the marks printed as full stops resemble short dashes.

{1} Reading uncertain.

† Sic.

(The book referred to in the caption is Clemence Housman’s Life of Sir Aglovale de Galis, published in 1905.)

(The signatures are each preceded by the words ‘Your affectionate uncle’ or a similar expression. The following note is written in pencil on the envelope: ‘These signatures of LH. may have some sale value for book lovers or author worshippers.’)