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T. E. Lawrence to Pat Knowles
Ozone Hotel,
Bridlington
31.I.35
Dear Pat,
Only a month more: I
cannot persuade myself that it is really all coming to an end. Almost
daily I trip myself up in some research or advice concerning boats,
something that might take weeks to fruition.
Good news the Ram.
Also good about your affairs. [4 lines omitted]
I caught the train
just after you went (it was a good idea, that pillion ride - though
pretty awful pillioning with a suitcase and masterpiece in one’s arms!)
and dumped the m-p in London on Emery Walker, to be photographed half
size and collotyped, 100 copies. That is my frontispiece - 'airman 1934
type' - if ever I put together my notes on the R.A.F.
China is obviously
well, and busy too, the house being full of visiting Europeans. It must
be wearing on the soul to have everybody who calls a godly person. Not
my society, theirs.... They expect to be on their way down to the coast
for England, this time next year: and have clearly no other plans.
I have thought of a
good idea, which is enclosed in the shape of many largish stamped
envelopes. Will you save yourself trouble by dumping into them, at
intervals of about ten days, all letters that arrive there for any of my
names? I have warned some of those with whom I have to correspond, that
my only future address is Clouds Hill... and so they are likely to send
their letters for me more and more there.
Don't make a task of
it, nor attempt regularity. Just send up an envelope when the mood takes
you.
Chambers (Jock) has
made a life-like noise again, and asks if he can spend his leave (April
22 - May 11) in the cottage. I have said yes, with me or without. [6
words omitted]
I am trying tonight
to write some letters to Yorkshire fellows, and if I manage them, will
enclose them for you to post. If I send them from Bridlington they may
make efforts to see me... and that is inconvenient. The boats keep me
all day, and are dull things for strangers.
Otherwise? Nothing.
Let's see... enquire re clinker from Dulleston. Fire-logs from Wareham.
Digging out the end of the tank for putting on a reinforcement. The last
should be done and dry by April, for us to fill against the fire
raisers: I am nearly complete with the engine-and-hose-and-pump order.
Yours
T.E.S.
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