T. E. Lawrence to J.G. Wilson

Bridlington

20.11.34

Dear Wilson

I'm glad you are taking the plunge; and glad it's you and not me, for there'll be a lot of work entailed. The moving of that enormous stock, its re-valuation... heavens! If I were wealthy, I would run an account; but alas, after March I come down to 26/- a week. This R.A.F. has been not merely a joy but a living, to me.

Is the new to be Bumpus? And where will it be? And when? Send me a 6 lined letter of news, as soon as you decide to let people know. I expect you will be printing a notice, for all your victims to learn where the new altar stands.

I laughed when I read your very proper sentence about our dear Queen. Clearly it is time the Chaucer relapsed into obscurity again - otherwise it will grow too big for my cottage. It's a wretched book, as Morris built it: too heavy to go by post! So will you please send it to Sir Herbert Baker, at No.2 Smith Square, Westminster - by one of your delivery people, if you use such aids to distribution? I have some stuff to collect and take away by rail from Baker's house, there, and shall bear off the Chaucer amongst it.

I agree with you. It's a marvellous possession, and very good to read. I haven't ever finished it, so it will solace my empty hours at Clouds Hill, Moreton, Dorset, which is the address, I hope, of my old age. A very fit address for an ex-airman, too. [8 lines omitted]

Hoping to see you one bright day.

Yours

T.E.S.