Letter from Edward Thomas to the poet Gordon Bottomley. Sent from Elses Farm, The Weald, Kent. Archival ref: 424/1/1/1/10/60
12.vi.06
My dear Gordon,
This is bad news, and I look for good very soon. Yesterday as Helen and I were walking in the fields after supper, and hearing the last of the nightingales - almost the last - we were wondering whether you were in London then and why you did not come straight here and take us by surprise. That made me sorrier this morning when I got Emily's letter - which thank her for. Expectation of seeing you both quite robs one of the little letter writing I had in me before. And I have been arranging for you and Emily to go to Evans on Wednesday or Thursday and then to Hooton - Well these things don't matter if you are going to get well quickly. But you made me your debtor by a letter on the 23rd of May - also your creditor (by getting me I could not come to you this summer). I didn't answer because of the book which still demands a month's copying and I fear some more chapters. And now while I am uncertain how you are, how can I laugh with you about the Academy and Harold [illegible] school for backward boys who have not read Newnes' other publication, 'Tit Bits' - or that the man who is painting me is only a kind Welsh fool? No I will wait and hope that Emily will again let me know how you are. Helen and I send our love to you both. I am ever yours Edward Thomas