Item 52 - Letter from E. M. Forster to Elizabeth Trevelyan

1 sheet

W[est] H[ackhurst]. Note at top of letter reads 'FOR BOB OR BESSIE', but it is addressed to 'Dear Bessie'. - Does not think she need worry about Florence and Margaret; when he saw Florence recently she was 'comfortably in bed', and when he rang on Tuesday Harriet said she was much better. Believes that Margaret's x-ray was satisfactory; she is 'now in the non-danger ward, and quite bright'. Expects Florence will write to Bessie later; she is resting as much as she can, and Harriet deals with phone calls.

His mother has been ill with 'cold, weakness, etc'; she has now recovered but is 'by now means the better for her illness'. Has concealed from her the 'extremer side of Margaret's trouble: said it was just a tumble'. Feels 'sick of everyone's health, including my own'.

Turns to 'a different kind of nuisance', which he was going to write about to Bob. Asks whether he has any news of Hugh Sykes Davies, who is 'giving a lot of trouble to the London Library'; he has books out worth over seven pounds, and 'won't answer letters'. Forster thinks this has been going on for over a year'. Wrote to him at the Committee's request via The Shiffolds about six months ago, and received no answer; the Committee have also written 'fruitlessly through their solicitor, and are contemplating prosecution, though they hate the idea'; Ilchester [the President] particularly has been 'very nice about it'. If Sykes Davies would 'only write, and acknowledge his existence and his whereabouts they would probably calm down'; wonders whether Bob could 'have a try at him', and fears that he is 'one who, when in trouble, always runs deeper into his hole'.

If his mother keeps well, they hope Bob will visit; he has 'already favoured Molly'.