Pièce 41 - Letter from Bernard Dickinson to James Smith

2 single sheets

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Has mislaid Smith’s last letter. Sends a belated testimonial [2/5] from Father Petit, who is preoccupied with the founding of a seminary in Nottinghamshire. Hanrahan is sure that Fribourg will give Smith an adequate salary, which might be supplemented by work at local finishing-schools. Would like to do more writing (he started writing verse again seriously two or three years ago), but lacks the necessary strength and solitude at present. Is busy with Christmas activities. ‘You will be examining, not so amusing, I’m afraid, but I hope you are keeping up your spirits.’ Sends news of [H. S.] Vaughan, a contemporary at Downing, who has asked after Smith.