Pièce 34 - Letter from Frances Dakyns to R. C. Trevelyan

1 letter

Lillywhites, Westburton, Pulborough, Sussex. - Replying to thank him for the 'lovely Christmas gift' ["From the Shiffolds"] does not mean it made 'no impression' on her: has read and reread the poems 'with great pleasure and thankfulness', especially the one to Goldie [Lowes Dickinson]. Thinks she gets continually worse at writing to people. Has only now finished with the 'wretched Busch Concerts (1948) and sends Bob the 'dire result' [no longer present]. Asks if she can come to see Bob about it: he said something 'very sympathetic & consoling' after the last Kingsway Hall concert. Feels 'responsible for the financial disaster', but George Booth has been 'overwhelmingly kind' and .offered to write off the whole debt if necessary'. Has also written to [Arthur?] Lister Harrison who originally promised some support. The 'great blow' was the American Federation of Musicians, led by Mr [James] Petrillo, banning recording anywhere outside America, which meant the recordings of 'those beautiful performances of the Cantatas', as well as the 'support and financial aid of the Columbia Gramophone Co.' were lost. Would not have suggested the Concerts without the promise of the support, but it was too late to cancel when news of the ban came. Adolf and Hedwig [Busch] have had a son, Nicholas, who is two months old.