Item 37 - Letter from Bernard Dickinson to James Smith

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Lancs.—Is glad that Smith plans to apply for the post at Fribourg, and gives advice. Sympathises with his troubles and those of his aunt, who he is sorry to hear is unwell. Is disappointed in Leavis, whom he had thought above anti-Catholic bias, but it seems that everywhere useful people—like Father Britt-Compton, who did much of the work in the Geography faculty during the war—are being dropped when ‘those of the more favoured colours’ come along. ‘Leavis … has spoken to me in the most glowing terms of you—that you were too good for the English faculty and that they wouldn’t let you in, in case you showed them up, etc. Of course, I know he thought you should have swallowed the British Minister(?) in Venezuela, or played up to him. Personally, I’m heartily glad that you are out of that hell-hole.’ Recommends a dentist in London. Asks about Smith’s writing, and hopes he will soon be free from examination papers.