Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/197
21.1.1904 midnight
C/O H.V.McArthur Esq
Dearest one, just a word before I go to bed. I suppose you are safe and well, or you would have written. Your visit now is still a sweet influence and yet it reminds me sharply of the folly of my present existence - so I must try to write more and I think I can, because I have three more books form the “Chronicle” - an Australian poet, a book called “Animals that have owned us”, and a new edition of “The Temple” (George Herbert).
Last night I went to see Morgan. On the way I was weighed on a proper machine at a chemists; I am 11 stone 7 1/4; so I have put on 5 pounds since I came back from Warminster. Morgan was much disheartened by his condition and prospects, and was to see Ferrier (the nerve specialist) today: and I am anxious to hear the result, because his condition is very much like mine - I got back rather late and could not sleep at all.
Today I have been better. For I sketched a pretty good review in the morning. Then I called at the “Pall Mall Gazette”. [illegible] kind reception but was (as I expected) not offered any definite work as a reviewer,
Then I may do a book occasionally. Then I went to see mother and father and Ernest. Nothing has happened yet, but I am still anxious, and because mother would suffer terribly. This evening I have seen Milne for a few minutes and for the rest of the time have listened to dull and grisly sea stories from a friend of Hugh’s.
And now I am tired, and capable of nothing except the thought of how I shall work tomorrow and of thoughts of you and Merfyn and Bronwen. Kiss them for me and ask them for some kisses back from me. I am theirs and yours, my own sweet little one.
Ever and wholly, Edward.
Goodnight