Stuk 226 - Letter from Bertrand Russell to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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Fallen Leaf Lodge, Lake Tahoe, Lake California, U.S.A. - Not being in England is 'like being absent when some one whom one loves very much is dangerously ill', but it is impossible because of the children and the need to earn money: it is good that Conrad is out of it, and they try not to think about the war; this is easier at present as they are on holiday in the mountains. Has just finished "An Inquiry into Meaning and Truth"; feels that preserving as much as he can of 'our perishing civilisation' is all he can do for the world at the moment, 'in the hope of a Renaissance in a thousand years'. Is still a pacifist inasmuch as he thinks 'peace the most important thing in the world', but does not think there can be peace while Hitler prospers; has 'always thought some [underlined] wars worth fighting'. Is glad of what Bessie says about Julian; his children are also 'a great joy' to him. John feels he must go back if called upon to fight but for the moment he and Kate are both doing well at the University of California; Conrad is 'altogether delightful'. Peter is trying to get British children to safety in America, but this is very difficult; they 'hope the American government will send ships'.