Item 96 - Letter from Peter Grant Watson to R. C. Trevelyan

1 letter: typescript with autograph signature.

West Melville, Northam, Devon. - Very pleased to receive Bob's 'Christmas greeting of poems' [this year's "From the Shiffolds"]: the translations makes him wish he knew more of the authors; regrets his 'lack of a Classical education' more often as he gets older. The 'smattering of science' he gathered at Cambridge was enough to 'awaken [him] to the limitations of the scientific approach'; is sure Bob's translations give the 'right feeling'. Will have them 'bound up with the other two one day'. Hopes all well with Bob and Bessie. He and Katharine are in their new home: they 'sold the Torrington house quite well', then he 'dared greatly and bought an old and lovely and enormous house' at Northam, with two acres of grounds surrounded by a 'high stone wall', which had not sold at auction. Has divided the house in two, sold one half, and got their half and most of the 'lovely old garden' for around one and a half thousand pounds, not dear for today's prices. The rooms are large and beautiful, and the house near both Bideford and the sea. His autobiography ["But to What Purpose"] has been held up at the binders again, but he is assured it will be out on 14 January. Has in fact written two books after it, and is just starting another; did 'little but foreman's work' during the alterations to the house, and 'enjoyed it'. Hopes to stay at Peaslake in February [see also 18/67?], and would like to visit the Trevelyans. Sends Christmas and New Year's best wishes.