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Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berks, Dec. 20 . - Very kind of Bob to send the poems [the first "From the Shiffolds"]. Knew the [epistle to] "Philip Erasmus" - expects it appeared in "Horizon" - he is a '[l]ucky baby to have such a poem waiting before'. Wrote for a copy of "Windfalls" as soon as she heard about it, but was too late; will get it at some point, but the paper shortage is 'maddening'. Hopes that Bob and Bessie are well and managing to keep their 'lovely house warm'. They themselves have just managed to get a builder to 'cement [their] wall enough to keep out the rain', but 'get on all right & are expecting two French friends for Christmas'.

The Press of James A. Decker, Poetry Publishers, Prairie City, Illinois; send to Trevelyan care of "Horizon". - Received the November issue of "Horizon" today, containing Trevelyan's essay "Simple Pleasures"; this has given him 'more contentment in the reading' than anything else he has seen for months, and he would like to publish it in the United States. His Press has only published poetry, but he is 'anxious to make an exception' for the essay. Cannot offer 'outright payment', but suggests royalties of 25 percent on all sales; is thinking of a 'nicely-bound small book to sell for a dollar' for which sales might be 'very satisfactory', but is keen to publish 'just for the pleasure of setting' it. Will send the letter by air; if Trevelyan accepts the offer Decker can have the book ready quickly and send him as many copies as he likes, free of charge.

Draft of poem on first page, which may be incomplete as it begins with only part of a question: "When the last notes were dying? Since alone...'. Nature notes on the lesser dodder (Cuscuta epithymum), which is 'now in flower on our Surrey heaths'; perhaps for "Abinger Chronicle, pp. 2-4; mentions 'a characteristically pompous reference' to the plant 'in the (egregious) Erasmus Darwin's "Loves of the Plants". Bottom of page 4 has a list in pencil of the different categories to appear in "Simple Pleasures", with initials besides most categories, for example, 'A. Animals - birds - insects' or 'D. P. - Dangerous & Painful pl[easures]'; the essay itself begins on p. 4 in ink with a general introduction, followed by a list of pleasures. Trevelyan has then added the category initials besides each one in pencil. Additions and corrections in pencil; some red pencil. Pleasures belonging to the different categories - sight, sound, touch, etc are then brought together. Two loose sheets with further notes on pleasures, one mainly continuous prose one with prose on one side (this sheet also has Tet Htoot's name written on it), list on the other,

Book also written in from back pages in, for a dialogue between 'Muse' and Poet' (on recto with additions and corrections on facing pages); notes on a new fall of snow.

Garricks Villa. - Enjoyed Trevelyan's visit, and hearing his latest writing, though feels he needed to have read them to be able to comment helpfully; is sure that he appreciated the address to God and the reply. Wishes Trevelyan had stayed to lunch on Monday; feels the 'simple pleasures' need 'framing' in some way [a reference to "Simple Pleasures", published in "Horizon" in November 1941], and mentions a translation from the Chinese. Raymond Mortimer has come out to dine. Molly very cheerful today: these 'sudden down-pours never last long'.

Central Office of Information, Montague Mansions (Block ), Crawford Street, Baker Street, London, W.1. - Confirming that the COI have been granted reproduction rights in their "European Information Review" of Trevelyan's article "Simple Pleasures" from the November 1941 issue of "Horizon"; payment of the agreed fee of 4 pounds 4 shillings will follow 'in due course'.