Stuk 2 - Letter from A. E. Housman to G. C. A. Jackson

1 folded sheet

Transcript

Trinity College | Cambridge
19 May 1927

My dear Gerald,

I have your letter of March 24 and am glad that lions and influenza had not then made an end of you. I have never had influenza yet, but shall probably have it to-morrow.

I am interested to hear of your intentions about taking a research degree and possibly coming to Cambridge. Of course I should be glad to see you here, but it is no good asking my opinion and advice, which are valueless, as I stick to my job and know hardly anything about scientific studies here. Do not call Nicholas a Professor: he may perhaps become one some day, if he is good, and so may you; but Professors do not grow on every bush.

The eclipse of the sun on June 29 has evidently been arranged by Rupert, and Hartlepool is to be the most eclipsed spot. North Wales will be sprinkled with Fellows of Trinity sleeping out on mountain tops; but those are youngish men, who want to be able to tell lies about it in their old age to a generation which did not witness it; and I cannot expect to live long enough for that. Most of June I shall spend with old friends in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and at the end of August I expect to go on a motoring tour in Burgundy.

I hope you will keep well, and not fall out of your aeroplane on to geological objects, however attractive.

Your affectionate godfather
A. E. Housman.

My godfather {1} is now 88, so it is not an unhealthy profession.

—————

{1} John Tuppen Woolwright.