Arms, S. 1942. Telegram only.
Blaschko, H. 1942
Chadwick, J. 1940-43
Council of Austrians in Great Britain 1941
Arms, S. 1942. Telegram only.
Blaschko, H. 1942
Chadwick, J. 1940-43
Council of Austrians in Great Britain 1941
With carbon copy of letter from R. A. Butler to Arthur Gaitskell, 5 Nov. 1963
With carbon copy of letter from R. A. Butler to Winifred Le Gros, 17 Jan. 1957
Apologises for giving a bad impression of the Broughtons, Rhoda Broughton a great admirer of Tennyson, reading matter of Broughton girls, parish work: [The Priory, Kenilworth]
Edmondsham House, Bournemouth. Has received a letter from Munby in which he questions whether Mrs Shelley was in fact married, and argues her point that the Shelleys were married, saying the point is important because she is "a believer in marriage." Mentions that she was under no obligation to the family but found Mary Shelley a fascinating figure.
Claims to be grateful for Sidgwick's criticisms, and goes on to discuss his reaction to them. Refers to the 'sentence or two on Atkinson', to which Sidgwick had referred. Contends that 'modern science, correlation of forces and Darwinian theory included, has not in the smallest degree altered the logical weights in the Theistic problem.' Comments that Laplace's remark itself 'shows that it was as easy to him as it is to Darwin to dispense with the idea of a Personal God.' Discusses the relationship between the 'field of Law' and Theism. Claims that 'the scientific idolatory of unknown "Forces" is just as seductive and as atheistic in the age of Epicurus' as it is in the present day, and asserts that 'the problem is Metaphysical, not Physical, and is unaffected by the advance of Physical Science.' Concludes this point by claiming that a change in the text on this issue to suit Sidgwick's feelings on the subject would be untrue to him [Martineau]. On Sidgwick's advice he has 'struck out the reference to [Miss] Proct[er], but 'cannot let F. Newman go.' Refers to the 'great circulation of Newman's books (The Soul and he Phases)', which seems to give sufficient support to his impression, but admits that his reputation as an '"unbeliever" closes against him an immense circle of readers acceptable to his brother's books.' Claims to agree with Sidgwick's criticism '(up to the last line)' of his sentiments 'in pp 20, 21', but cannot see how that criticism applies. Clarifies that he did not intend to imply that 'without Piety, Charity is impossible', and discusses the relation between these two 'affections'. Stresses that 'it is only to the corporate use of dogma' that he objects, and admits that, for the individual who can think out his beliefs into clear statement, 'the process may be very important.' Claims he has tried to add a little emphasis to the reasons on which Sidgwick dwells for using the word "Christian", but believes that all of them are present in the text.
Martineau, James (1805-1900), Unitarian ministerWolseley Bridge. Encloses item to be sent to Mr Dean [wanting], enquires whether his frank is good.
Montepulciano (Prov. di Siena). - Is sorry that he will not be able to see Trevelyan again on this trip to Italy (due to his stay at Montepulciano and a visit from the Maclagans [Eric and Helen?] are coming to Metelliano), especially as the news from England [the formation of the National Government] is worrying; would like to hear Trevelyan's thoughts on the matter. Feels guilty about the subscription to 'L. & Letters' ["Life and Letters"], though his debt might be balanced by Trevelyan's subscription for "Pègaso". Hopes he is enjoying his time at I Tatti; at Montepulciano all is as usual though there is a sense of something lacking.
216 L.A.A. Bty. R.A., 151 Castle Boulevard, Nottingham. - Looks forward to receiving Trevelyan's new book of poems ["Aftermath"?]. Returns "Adonais", which he enjoyed very much. Has just finished Santayana's "The Last Puritan", which is beautifully written but sometimes insipid, and "The Quest for Corvo" [by A. J. A. Symons], as recommended by Joan [Allen] which he loved. Asks if Trevelyan could lend him an easy novel in Italian.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - She will already have received his telegram [46/118] and know that 'everything [the birth of his son Paul] went off well'. Bessie is 'doing very well, and had a fairly easy time, it seems'. The baby is 'quite strong and healthy, and seems a good size'. Doctor Clark arrived at about 7.15 pm and the baby arrived around 8pm. It was 'very good' of his mother to offer to come back if they wanted; luckily this was not necessary. Her staying for such a long time was a 'great help and comfort for Bessie'. Is glad to hear his father is well.; will write to him. Since it is 'rather late', will go to bed now.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Understands how difficult it must be to arrange to send her boys [Charlie and Bobbie] from Ireland on different days, and has 'real pleasure' in acceding to her request; he supposes that if a 'satisfactory escort should offer itself the right day' she would let Bobbie come. They do 'care very much' about this matter, as cases like this are 'often used as a precedent' by people who have no real reason to delay return. Since, by preparing everything in advance, the school can usually begin work the day after the boys arrive, 'Bobbie will lose rather more lessons' than Mrs Trevelyan imagined; however, they will 'make the best of that' and hopes he will catch up soon. Glad to hear that Bobbie has been 'well and happy' and that she speaks 'happily of his general progress'. They have been 'truly concerned about the Booths' trouble [Tom Booth's ringworm; see 45/116], of which Mrs Arnold has just informed Mrs Trevelyan, and hopes they will soon have good news from Bobbie 'on that score'. Sends best wishes for the new year.
110 Banbury Road, Oxford.—Has been settling down to the new term since returning from Italy. At Florence he met Bottrall, whose appointment to the British Institute is apparently part of a plot to get rid of Goad. ‘They are building the façade of grandeur in Italy (see the press accounts of Hitler’s visit), but there’s not much but aeroplanes behind it.’ Parma shows signs of poverty, while Florence relies on the sale of bric-à-brac. Many in the Basilicata are said to have returned from Abyssinia with admiration for the valour of the blacks, and many others from the same parts are [fighting] in Spain. Sends a snap of Rodo [his son]. Plans to come to Cambridge when terms ends to look for Enea Vico prints in the Fitzwilliam.
Dargwen, Kings Road, Lancing, Sussex. - Very kind of Trevelyan to send him a copy of "From the Shiffolds" for 1948; is 'delighted by the fluency of diction & hopefulness of thought' in the poem to [Goldsworthy] Lowes Dickinson, in which Trevelyan seems to have 'broken through the iron bands that sometimes restrain' him 'under stress of strong emotion'. Knows exactly what Trevelyan means in his "To Know And Not To Feel", but can also trace the opposite tendency in himself: the 'magic [emphasised] of things has declined', but he gains increased enjoyment from his eyes, and he now 'especially rejoice[s] in stereoscopic [emphasised] vision': he may perhaps say that his 'attitude has advanced from the savage to the infantile'. Sends best wishes for the New Year.
7 Selwood Place, S. W.7. - Kind of Trevelyan to send them his poems for Christmas [his "Collected Works"?]; is 'very ashamed' not to have written to thank him before, but had little time during the holidays to write letters. She has now found a cook 'at last'. They have just sold their cottage: this is sad but they want to retire to Oxford eventually so it is 'no use getting too fond of Pollingford'. Hopes to see Trevelyan before they move in April.
Aldeburgh - Shares his thoughts on reading 'The Worship of Nature': muses on the universe in his breakfast egg, refers to Barcroft’s lecture on the mystery of how eggs came into being; quotes the 'Punch' Einstein limerick; refers to Dr Gann’s discovery in the Yucatan, and Sir Aurel Stein’s excavations in Central Asia; doesn’t think they will strengthen Elliot Smith and Perry’s diffusion theory; refers to the festival of Ucharal as described in [Edgar] Thurston’s 'Omens and Superstitions of Southern India' and ‘droit du Seigneur’ in Coulton’s 'Medieval Village'. Mentions a fierce storm in November and subsequent flooding in Aldeburgh.
Postmarked Chelsea. - Janet has had appendicitis; had a 'very successful operation this afternoon'; 'all is well'.
Postmarked Haslemere; addressed to Trevelyan at Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Trevelyan for "Mallow and Asphodel"; congratulates him on "Juno's Peacock" and the "Quern-ladies".
The Mill House. - Continues the explanation of his sonnet from the last letter [9/116]; after jokingly describing the poem as 'terse, weighty, thrilling, magnificent, Dante-Baudelaire-Rossetti lines', he confesses that he does not think much of it, and wishes they [the "Speaker"] had published the translations they have returned. Is getting on 'fairly well' with the new plan of his play. Has only seen the Frys once since Sunday; he is 'very busy'. Is going to see Sanger in London on Monday before he starts [for Greece]. [George?] Moore has invited to join him, MacCarthy and another on their 'wonted Easter exhibition', this year to the Lizard in Cornwall; has been the last two years and liked it, but will decide nearer the time. Suggests that she might use the library as her study while he keeps the little room; noise does travel from the kitchen, but a baize or felt door would improve matters, and the Enticknaps are 'very quiet people'. Gussie is at school all day; he has in the past been 'a little noisy' in the evening, but is improving. Sophie has asked what books he would like [as a wedding present], suggesting an edition of Thackeray, or Browning (which he has); Thackeray would be good but perhaps he prefers Meredith. Has a Goethe and Heine; has read some "Faust" and means to do more; gets on quite well with a translation and dictionary, but very slowly.
Delighted to hear Butler is moving back to Cambridge, compliments him, having read 'Passing of the Great Reform Bill'.