August 26th 1918
Dear Lucy
Once again, with the permission of a beneficent govt whom it is presumed over rules all our deeds for our mutual improvement and benefit I am writing to you, though what to write is as big a puzzle to me as what to get for dinner is to the much tried and worried housekeeper.
I do not feel in the humour to discourse upon some abstract philosophy, such as should dogs curl their tails out or let them hang limp, should COs be allowed to complain when their eggs are boiled hard or given extra allowance of salt. Is it unlucky to walk under a ladder with a top hat on, or get out of bed the right foot first? All these and many other subjects may be crying out aloud for discussion and solution but I pass them by with a cool indifference, feeling that none but the exalted and lofty minds of Smith, Brown etc can deal adequately with such weighty matters.
I am tired of saying the commonplace things so intend to leave them out altogether, although I know that it is the common things which make up the sum total of life. As I am not living it does not refer to me so I can look down from my exalted altitude, or up from the depths, whichever way you like best and smiling, say, why all this thusness, why worry so, why bustle, why scramble for what you can get? Come this side of the wall and you will have all you need. A regular supply of food, diet varied, a sufficient amount of labour to keep you from ennui and leisure enough to cultivate the habit of contemplating. A vast array of servants to wait on you, both for temporal and spiritual needs. Healthy books for the mind and occasional music, both military and sacred. All these things are to be had by the slight sacrifice of all that man most desires and loves.
Our talk the other day was the epitome of brevity. You managed to tell me all about your four months’ holiday in one sentence of fine words. […]
Lucy Dear, my space is gone and I feel that the letter is very unsatisfactory but I trust you will feel my love is yours X
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
August 27th 1918
My dear Frank
How can I answer your letter as I wish. We both feel the bitterness of this struggle very keenly just now, you particularly because of the monotony of your existence. Now is the time we must not let our courage falter. I felt very bad about it all on my way home last week. Our interview was not very satisfactory I admit. While I was waiting at Bedford station I opened your books as I had an hour to wait for the train. I chose Browning to read and found a little help in ‘Evelyn Hope’. We shall love and be united in other lives after this and I often feel it would be easier to die than live as we are doing. I am so sorry I could not say what I wanted, but I felt rather full up. What could I tell you fresh about our holiday when I gave you almost a diary of our doings. Although I could not talk as I wanted it was something even to see you.
We shall be together again some day. I know just how you feel and know this mood well, but dearest, it will pass. You must not deny me asking your advice on plans. You are still living and present with me in spirit. Doors and keys cannot part us. I think of you every moment of time and feel myself incapable of helping you even mentally. I know how difficult you must find it to write to me and I think it wonderful you have managed so well. Your letters have been so much help to me.
[…] I had your letter this morning and also a depressed one from Mrs Thomas. She is not looking on the bright side just now, really no one is, but there must be a silver lining dear and we shall see it soon.
Do not give up hope. You say I have the hardest part but I have not, only to keep cheerful and try to keep others so. I had to cheer up Mrs Williams this morning. Sometimes this is very hard especially when I get depressing letters.
I have been thinking over what I can do. I went to see Miss Walkden, but she was out. [Taking] the little cottage and let[ting] this house again is not possible, as I could not get one near here and I do not feel inclined to go right away for the winter, so the only thing is to keep on as I am going till Mr Palmer leaves me again and then let his room again and do any needlework that comes along. This is about all I can do to give the children proper attention. I shall manage all right as if I get short of money I can sell the piano or anything else valuable. I suppose your idea of selling up is that we shall want all different stuff when we go to New Town but do you think that cannot be for a long time? I suppose shareholders will have first chance and I should like to be in the making of it.
We are indeed fortunate to have progressed in thought as we have, to make it possible for us to be in the beginning of something fresh which will be so much for the good of the future generation. It cannot be said of you that your life was in vain. We shall accomplish something yet and I hope we shall be allowed to work together. Life to me without you is nothing and not really living but I have to make it appear so for the children. I do not wish their happy young lives saddened by our sorrows. They will have, there’s no doubt, in years to come, and they do not understand now what we are going through. I feel you are storing your mind with knowledge which will be useful for them later on. You have a good memory and I only have constant and faithful love and would never fail for whatever you set out to do.
All this is writing just as I think and perhaps does not help you one bit, but I do not seem to be able to write trivial events. Our doings are so commonplace and I think are of no interest to you just now.
[…] Mr Cree and Miss Wilding came up last night and we played a game of Whist, such a long time since I handled cards.
Katie has come today for a week, she is rather worn out so I have to look after her and cheer her up now. Dad is coming on Friday till Wednesday. How lucky for them I am here. Of course they bring their Rations.
This is a funny world to live in now. Mrs Middleton tells me that it is almost impossible for people to get leather and nails except through a boot mender, who does not sell. The boot menders are afraid they will lose their jobs after the war […]
Now my space is almost gone. I shall be anxiously looking for you letter next Tues and do hope you will be feeling better. We have accepted our position willingly. We had the choice and can do nothing but take the consequences, however hard we find it. We felt this the right road for us and it will widen out to the fields presently. Just now it is very stoney and dark.
Cheer up my dear husband. I am sorry I am unable to help you.
Ever yours lovingly
Lucy
September 2nd 1918
Mien Amato Edzinon125
You can tell by the heading of my letter that I am in a sweeter frame of mind than when I last wrote. It is always funny to me the way you watch my varying moods and generally you diagnose them correctly, but permit me to clear away some notions, which it seems you possess which I think are erroneous. Firstly, as the parson says, I have not lost hope. I am as certain now of winning through as ever I was. My words referred to the rumour of an early release which seems to be prevalent amongst both ourselves and our friends and I both spoke and wrote strongly about it because I feel that to place any reliance on such things is weakening […]
Seeing you gave me permission to speak and even desire that I should do so, I will mention what I have in my mind. As to your nursing institute I think that would require too much capital and take too long to get a real return. Lodgers of the ordinary type do not pay and are generally a nuisance, so don’t think of them as being able to render what you require. Your idea as to needlework is good and it will be the wisest plan at first but what I have been thinking of is this. Why not try and start a post trade. Lots and lots of women are now in industry etc who have hitherto made their own underclothes, or their children’s etc, who must now find little or no time now to do so, are compelled to buy at shops and you know what shop goods are. You must think out what stock things are most needed and work out prices etc, then get someone to write a good advert and insert it in the most suitable papers and books and when you orders come you can execute them on the spot, your cash will always be to hand and I should think it possible such a trade has the field for a large output.
See what Miss Walkden says about it. Buying your own materials and not dealing with the middleman should give good profits. Get all the ideas you can and put the best to your own purpose. Such a trade would be independent of locality although in a large way Letchworth would be a set-off against sweating etc. The capital required would not be great.
I do not want you to leave Letchworth for you must have the sympathy of friends and the pleasure of pleasant company. I shall always have pleasant memories of the garden city as I have spent many pleasant hours amongst the sturdy champions of the ideals for which we stand.
[…] It is nice to know you have a house full this weekend, the weather is grand and the clouds are really beautiful. Such rapid changes in them. First huge leviathans passing by, then triumphal cars drawn by glorious animals and filled with laughing nymphs or some majestic personage, and these pass rapidly away and in the blue are seen filmy dappled clouds like the sands on the sea shore or the mudflats of a wide river reach. Here and there an island will arise around which can be seen sea horses sporting in the incoming tide, but there I shall fill my letter with these babblings if I don’t stop.
Sorry to hear that Mrs Thomas is so downhearted but her husband will be home soon, as he has nearly done twelve months on the scheme and can claim work where he would like to be. I feel that if all had taken our position the whole question would have been settled long ago. However every man to his taste as the old lady said when she kissed the pig.
[…] You expressed a desire for knowledge when you were here, well now that is just how I feel. I should like to start afresh and take up Drawing, Mechanics, Elocution, Music and languages together with lots of other subjects. As I am half way through this life and still got to live under the curse I’m afraid it will all have to be left for the next few incarnations. I’ve just read The Valley of the Moon again and must say I got more real incentive to live and greater knowledge of human life than one would get through reading Ruskin for a thousand years. Adieu.
Sept 3rd 1918
My dear Frank
I was very relieved at the brighter tone of your letter this morning. This reply will be in instalments; I now have a few spare moments so am commencing. I was out collecting all the morning, got home at one and then had to get a move on to get some dinner by ¼ to 2, have cleared away and tidied up and just going to get tea ready. Katie has taken Morris to the post and Grandpa is dozing in the front garden, under the laurel which now makes a good screen from the road. The girls are playing in the back garden. Miss Wilding is coming up this evening for a game of cards. Yesterday at 6 Katie Dad and I with Morris went to the ‘Pictures’. I had not been for a year. It was not bad but I never was keen on them. I was glad they were not war pictures. Morris was highly delighted and very interested. Mr Palmer has taken Chrissie and Dora once, and Dora is going again on Thursday for remember he has tickets. The house was packed for the 8 o’clock show. People want amusement. This is a lovely day, the best Katie has had; she looks very worn (didn’t you think I looked well?). I expect she feels the anxiety of housekeeping. I am afraid that does not worry me very much. I feel rather ashamed of myself sometimes, for worrying so little considering all things, and looking cheerful. My father is very well. He and Katie seem to get on very well together. Their tastes are somewhat alike so they agree; he also likes ‘Jack’ so there is no friction there. Mr Palmer has a large trade in marmalade just now, and made 3 gallons in the copper last week and more going for tomorrow.
Katie has just come in with a bad wasp’s sting on her neck so I must leave off to apply the blue bag etc.126
9 o’clock. A little more while the four are playing cards. Supper over, children gone to bed, my application effected almost instant cure. Dad seems to be enjoying the game and Katie says he has not played for a very long time. Do you know, somehow they appear to me to live only on the surface, as it were. They do not go deep into things and I believe that is the general way with people, they just take things as they are and are contented with everything as it comes. I often think of The Valley of the Moon and the Harvester and cannot but find how enjoyable such a life must be.
Going into two houses this morning where women were washing and cooking and children were playing [and] crying, I felt how silly to crowd together like that and thought so much better my cooperating scheme of living would be, but not one in ten women I mention it to agree to it. They seem to think a number of people could not live in harmony.
[…] About your idea for my work, it is good, I do want to rescue my economic independence, but it will be a hard struggle to attend to home and children properly as well, but I shall do my best and they will have to be useful too, but I do so want them to have a real good time and plenty of liberty as they have now.
I have been asked to take two new lodgers who would pay me very well, but I have decided not to take them. As you say, ordinary lodgers do not pay and it means giving all one’s time. I also want to feel free. How strange this desire for knowledge should be so strong within us now, when our lives are half run out. If we satisfy this desire will it benefit the future race any […]
Wed evening. I have not had one moment since 7 this morning when I got up. Dad and Katie have just gone, and Mr Palmer and the girls with them, so I am left with Morris. Their coming and going still seems strange without Mother and it makes a little pain, tho’ I think we all feel most sorry for her, missing so much in life, we none of us can talk about her. I encourage the children to keep her garden tidy and pretty at Norton. Next Tuesday I shall be all alone with the children.
This afternoon Dora has been to Miss Bartholomew to tea with some of the Esperanto Class. She had a good time, I think, and the class commences again next Wednesday. I am so glad you have got on with it so well. I am afraid I have too much to think of to concentrate on it but I intend to have a good try. I have got to see about the Adult School again soon and Miss Reynolds has sent for me to go and see her so I look like having a pretty full time.
If my letters are a little disjointed I hope you will forgive me, and know that although the time is long since you were in our family circle in the flesh you are with us so much in our thoughts and conversation, it would not seem at all strange for you to share our next meal. Now I must get this off to post.
With best love, hoping for a good letter next week.
Your loving wife Lucy
The children’s letters are postponed till next week.
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
September 11th 1918
My dear Frank
I must apologise first for being late getting this letter off, but Mrs Bland came yesterday morning and as she stayed till this evening I could not get the time to myself for writing […]
Our picnic for last Sunday was off, the weather was much too wet. Dora particularly was disappointed, because she had got the loan of Mrs Palmer’s bicycle and had invited Lily Wheeler to come too and bring hers. However she went to Howard Hall Adult School with Mr Palmer as he was giving a paper on ‘Hardy Country in his books’ and she had a few little runs during the day. She likes it very much and will soon ride very well. I am sending mine to Munts to be done up.
Mr Cree is coming up tomorrow to fix up a place for the new chickens. O yes, Morris will help; rather, he likes to be in everything and he is happy working (like his father). He and Dora have been digging potatoes for me this evening. I have not got a very good crop but shall be glad of the small ones for the chicks. Sorry you think them dear but Mr Tickle and I think them very cheap. Pure bred birds are selling at 25/- and he is trying these cross-bred on the strength of my good luck with our ‘Mongrels’ so [I] hope they are a success. The greatest difficulty will be food and that will be rationed.
Now I am on my own again and have a little more time I must see about the Adult School. I am going to call on all the members and see what can be done to start again in the hope of making it go […]
I went to the ILP Branch meeting at the Skittles on Sun evening last […] There were quite a number present, including Mr Pease who looked much better. Miss Lawes as chairman did her duty well. We are commencing the Sunday evening meetings from Sunday next week and of course I hope to attend all I can. Mrs Osborne is doing most of Moss’s work while he is away from the office (National Labour Press). She and her husband have had a little holiday together and he has recovered from the slight illness he had.
I saw in the press that the Government had decided to send you all to Wakefield. I hope I shall be able to get all the children to see you first. Mr Hall Jones would like to come next time, he said, but I think it had better be Dora and Morris as I said and you are expecting. It will have to be on the Sat. as I cannot keep them home from school just as they have restarted.
I am afraid nothing can be done for poor Katie. She would be a great deal worse if it were not for Jack. She may be better in a few years, her health is not good and the conditions of living are not the best she could have and housekeeping is not easy for her just now or for anyone.
[…] I think I must stop now. Mrs Middleton has given me two books for you but I am reading them myself first, I hope you don’t mind.
Lots of love from the children and myself. Kind thoughts and greetings from a number of friends and comrades.
Your wife
Lucy
September 23rd 1918
Dearest Wifey
I must say how greatly I enjoyed your visit. You looked so well and happy that it was like walking into a garden of beautiful flowers to behold you. Morris and Dora too seemed to me to have dropped from some celestial city, so sweet and clean and full of love were they. I cannot express all that I feel but must say that I know the real joy of a father’s heart and were I a poet I could perhaps then express it in words. After all it is not what one so badly expresses by words or deeds but what one really feels that matters. I want you make it up to Chrissie dear for not being able to come. Give her a special hug and cuddle and lots of kisses from Daddy and tell her Daddy knows she loves him dearly.
I trust you had no unfortunate adventures on the homeward journey. The weather seems to have been especially favourable to Jack for Sunday has been awfully dull and cold. We did not say much to each other but to be together is enough when Love and Sympathy flow so freely. I am shocked at the skin disease you spoke of. Perhaps it is a new species of bacteria from the front. I hope you will be able to steer clear of it ... Does it recur?
I am pleased with the books and you must thank Mrs Middleton and Mr Cobbold for them. The New Testament is just the thing because I can read a portion every day and being familiar with the content I shall be better able to transpose the Esperanto. Do you remember me asking for a Handicraft book some time ago? Well if you want to set Katie and Jack on the book stunt just ask them to go to Foyle’s Charing Cross Road and look one up for me. It will open a new avenue of interest to them and perhaps result in me getting what I desire. The book I want should give a fair knowledge of nearly all the handicrafts and trades. As Foyles’ have about 10 miles of books on all and every subject under the sun, moon and stars and are ready to assist buyers by all means in their power this journey should not be in vain. The last paragraph reads like an advertisement but it isn’t really.
[…] I still have a hankering for that Cabinet[-maker’s] shop and when we get to New Town I shall see that I get it. If you can get any information relating to NT I should like to hear it. Ask Clapham Lander or Dr Crowley if you see them.
I am glad you are taking up the school work again as I feel it is most important and I wish you all success. I understand that one of the privileges at Wakefield is unlimited correspondence, so you had better practice on P’s typewriter so that you can get your replies off a little more quickly; also they will not be supervised. In many ways it will be better but I feel it is being shunted into a siding. Whilst we are in prison we are a thorn in the flesh to the Govt, when we get there they can say look how well we are treating them and the real issue will be lost. […]
Lots and lots of love to all of you
from Daddy to Mother Dora Chrissie and Morris
32 North Avenue Letchworth
September 24th 1918
My dear Frank
Your letter received as expected, yours are always to time, sorry you cannot say the same of mine. Yes, we did have a nice visit on Sat. How could I help looking happy when it is such a pleasure to see you and to know you can keep well and cheerful. As you say we did not say much to each other but have spent many silent ½ hours together since first we met and I hope we shall again and before 10 years too.
I have not much news for you now. Miss Bartholomew has sent some Esperanto books, which I am sending on to you. […] I went to Miss Blackburn [to do her] sewing, yesterday afternoon and this morning. What a fine room Miss Gay has, large and beamed, 2 fireplaces one at each end, windows each side and door into the garden and one into hall. Miss Blackburn is one of the many I suppose who want someone to sew for them. Her wardrobe is in a sad state of neglect. The children do so dislike coming home and finding me out. It makes them cross and this evening Morris and Dora had a few words while out, up by the post office and Dora left him. It began to get dark and I felt anxious so went off to look for him. I met Sheila Matthews and asked if she had seen him and presently she came running after me with him. She had found him in the hedge in the lane to the Manor House […]
About that skin disease: I suppose one is likely to get it at any time while the germ or parasite is about. I have unfortunately got one on the ball of my right thumb, can scarcely hold the pen. It was very painful all night and all the morning but is getting better. I was afraid I should have to go to the Dr again […]
Adult school meeting on Thursday afternoon but no lesson. I found Mrs Myles out today so have to call tomorrow. She goes to see Peter again on Monday. He is keeping well, but she is very downhearted so I must try to cheer her up. They feel the separation like us. Now I suppose I must stop and I have only written chatter.
Love from the children and myself.
Your loving wife
Lucy
A letter from Fritton on Sat. He sends kind regards to you and I am to tell you they are doing all they can for you all. He says, what a Meeting there will be some day! […]
September 30th 1918
Mia Amata Adzino
Your letter was prompt and gladly received. So your new chicks are satisfactory, that is well. I trust they will take a copy from their near neighbours and prove very fruitful in the egg laying department. Don’t forget that there is big can of tar in the garden and it might be useful if Mr Cree and Cobbold want a job. Glad that Marshall is giving you a clean-up for the winter. He is most generous and deserves great merit as a landlord.
As to the books, you need not trouble as they are now in Letchworth even if you have not already got them. The Esperanto books will be welcome and you must tell Miss Bartholomew how much enjoyment I am getting from this study. I’m sorry to say my memory plays all sorts of tricks with me and refuses to act as I would like but I have never yet forgotten mealtime.
So you have got another job. Well it will probably pay better than needlework and certainly will not be as tedious. Have heard nothing of Kays lately. Are you still their representative? I saw a good tip the other day and pass it on to you. Get a Continental Commercial directory and write to the various firms asking if they need a representative and to forward samples [and] particulars. You may light on something which would pay you well and be easy to handle through the post etc.
You always were fortunate in having men friends I believe, both young and old, and I hope you always will be for after all men can be useful at times and though women now are trying to do all the men’s jobs I think it will not last or if it does the human race will suffer […]
Oct. 1st 1918
32 North Avenue Letchworth
My dear Frank
Glad you got my last letter more promptly. I know it must seem too bad of me, when you have to wait, but I know I am forgiven for the many times it has happened. I will try to get this finished tonight then posted in the morning. I feel very tired though. I was walking round from 10.0 to 1.0 this morning and then sewing all the rest of the day except getting meals ready and putting children to bed. It is now 9.30.
Mr Palmer has been to the Branch meeting of ILP, just came in. I felt too tired to go and it was a dreadful night wind and rain. I never was out in a worse. It was worth going to, the speaker was a Miss Stevens from Bermondsey, Trade Union organiser. She gets through a vast amount of work, holding meetings, 24 in a week, running clubs and classes of all sorts and socials but the women are joining up at the rate of 2,000 a week in London. (Miss Lawes said I was to tell you they have a 1000 members in Hitchin and Arlesey). The subject of her talk was the demobilisation of women, she was very enthusiastic and knew what she talked about she had been in jam factories and domestic service.
This is an important question: what will happen about women workers after the war? Miss Stevens was staying the night at Crowley’s so I saw Mrs Crowley. She wishes to be remembered to you and I was to tell you the New Town scheme was going on, the next book is ready for you and you shall have one at once. The site will be the next thing to decide, two are being considered, but she did not say where […]
I have filled in a paper now for coal, coke and gas ration. I daresay I shall be allowed far more than I need or can afford. I am going to have Pugh for my coal merchant. He brought me 5cwt coal today. 10-5 for each so you can see what an increase since you used to pay Perry. Mrs Middleton can have 6 tons if she wants. Of course if Mr and Mrs Palmer are here they will help pay for it and it will keep the house warmer […]
October 7th 1918
Dearest Lucy
Your cheery letter to hand. Glad to know all are well and shall be more pleased to hear that the spots have all disappeared […]
Now I am stowed away out of danger and deprived of activity BUT there is a time coming and let it be soon when I shall be back in the ranks of those who are fighting poverty and greed, ignorance and evil. Undoubtedly the woman worker will be a problem after the war but I think the man fighters will be the biggest problem. How to get him back to work, along the lines of old and existing ideas, I mean, of course. Will he be content to go back to the weary unexciting and monotonous labour of the prewar workshop? Again, will the housewife be content to struggle on with the small wage of old after having had the opportunity of endless lodgers at high prices, high war wages and regular allowances?
I know high prices for goods and food are the order of the day and that many people are feeling it very much, but the very searching makes money cheap, as it were, for its outlet is so restricted. At any rate mine is for I have not spent anything for over twelve months.
Glad to know that New Town is coming into being, for I can go on building my day dreams about it and I find it pleasant occupation to visualise in my mind’s eye the rising town, filled with an energetic, virile people working and playing with equal pleasure and eagerness. The children a joy to behold, free and happy with full opportunity to learn the lessons which nature would teach, together with the wisdom man has acquired through the ages at hand for them to draw upon.
What has Perry done that you discard him? Has he been called up? I know he was a patriotic stay-at-home who liked to get his fighting done by proxy but he was a decent sort in spite of that […]
I amused myself last night by reading some of your letters of last year. In one you say ‘I don’t think this awful war can last much longer’. A year has rolled by since then and still it continues and we are no nearer Peace than then […]
All my love to you all from Daddy
Oct 9th 1918
32 North Avenue Letchworth
My dear Frank
Glad as usual to have your letter. I suppose you are well although you omit to say. We are all quite well, all spots gone but one on my arm which is nearly well. I don’t think we shall have more trouble with them.
I got through a good bit of needlework last week but it was a great trouble to me with sore hands it feels so nice now they are better and I shall be able to get through a good lot this week. As you know I am always busy and so keep well and happy as possible.
I went to the Adult School last Sunday evening. Palmer gave a paper on the country of ‘Hardy the Novelist’. There were quite a large number present. All the young men land workers seem to belong, the only 2 of the oldest men were Jones and Brayshaw, oh I forgot Francis of Sollershot End. Brayshaw has to go before the tribunal on Friday next. He has been left alone till now but he is 50. He may get off, you know he is at the Estate Office.
I also went to the ILP meeting at the Skittles on Sunday evening. It was very Political, a subject I am not keen on but I was interested. It is well to know all I can. The speaker was a Mr Humphries and his subject was Proportionate Representation. I expect you know all about the scheme. It seems to be working well in several places and I should think it decidedly better than the present system. There are quite a number of people turn out to these meetings […]
Mr Perry has really done nothing. He left me very short of coal all last winter though he will be very glad to be discarded he has more custom than he can supply and the other man is near at hand. I am more likely to be served. Coal is short and so are men for carting and we cannot very well carry it home.
[…] Dora has read a lot of Tolstoy and likes them very much. As to the other by Gould, I only read here and there, but I rather liked it, however, as you say Campbell’s New Theology is more concise.
In some curious way all those sorts of books seem to feed as I read, I digest them and they pass away and I am sustained for the time, then want fresh food. They certainly help me very considerably to live my life, I suppose in the same way as people must go to Church or Chapel. I do not mean to say I have not my own thoughts but I can only live by them and not easily express them. I think you understand me.
The problem of the women workers is involved in that of the new fighter to a great extent. In the first place he will not go back to work along the old ideas and the existing ones will not be [enough] when the war is over for the housewife. I fancy there will be trouble. She will not be willing to give up going out to work where she has been doing so, or having lodgers where she has been having them and the returning husband will probably object. But there are thousands of wives who will have to work to keep themselves and children to help out and it will be allowed by a grateful country. There are many now who are having a struggle now to manage on the allowances with a young family they cannot leave to go out to work for. Then there are the girls earning £2 or £3 a week: will they be willing to go into service for 5/- or Laundry or anything else for under 10/-?
Mrs Middleton and I were talking about this yesterday and she predicted plenty of crime and misery for some time, so you may well get ready to fight against ignorance, evil and so on. I hope I have a privilege of doing a share somewhere. I have a feeling I should like ‘Welfare’ work in Mothers’ ‘Welcomes’ rather than Trade Unions or Clubs. Anywhere I shall be willing to help in anything that will be any benefit to brothers or sisters. Surely that would be better than making fripperies even if by so doing I could make plenty of money.
How quickly this month has gone. I will hope to bring Chrissie and Mrs Middleton (if she can come) one day next week, perhaps Thursday.
Now I must stop, thinking of the Labour Song ‘Goodnight, Goodnight’.
Lots of love from us all.
Your ever loving wife
Lucy
October 21st 1918
Bedford Prison
My Dearest Wifey
If your visit gave to you as much delight as I myself derived therefrom, then it must be counted an unqualified success but of course there is always a fly in the ointment as they say, ours was the brevity of the time of bliss. I think Chrissie has grown a great deal and looked very well. Just get them all to look after their teeth and clean them every day. In these days of decadency it is so necessary and nothing adds to beauty more than teeth like pearls. I am not afraid of you making them vain by saying this.
On reviewing the visit you seemed to me like a study in black and yellow. The effect was excellent and if you are having a dance this year I suggest black and yellow for you, but perhaps you would prefer to wait until I get home again before you indulge in such frivolities.
I am afraid we did not say what we wanted to say to each other and that I felt rather tongue-tied, but it is impossible for one to describe the feeling which comes over one when he suddenly meets with two such sweet but rational creatures as yourself and Mrs M. You bring a glimpse of a different world and I have been here long enough now for these conditions to have gotten very commonplace. It is strange how man so readily adapts himself to [his] environment. In outward things at any rate, for instance one never thinks of such things as collars and never has to hunt for a collar stud or run to catch a train etc. These things, if thought of, seem to belong to a dim and distant past and yet we know that, given the opportunity, we could take up the old and real life just as if no break had occurred. Let the time be soon I say and I’m sure you will most readily endorse it […]
Frank
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
Oct 23rd 1918
My dear Frank
I am sorry I could not possibly get your letter written yesterday. I hope I am forgiven. Yes I got a great deal of enjoyment from our visit last Thursday. Chrissie too and Mrs Middleton. It is the first time she has visited a prison, she enjoyed the chat immensely, but as you say the time is all too brief. Glad you liked my colour scheme but why only at a dance? I should always like to look my best, not vanity you know. I gave the children your message about tooth cleaning. I am always at them but they are always so busy enjoying themselves. Glad you thought Chrissie looked well, she still increases in weight so must be better. I have had a dreadful cold at the weekend but it has nearly gone. I was afraid I was in for ‘flue; it is very bad in different parts of the county again.
We had a very pleasant time in Bedford last Thursday, had a nice little lunch in a café and walked through the arcade. On Hitchin station we saw Miss Lees on her way home with about 70 girls. She told me this news, that the Skittles had been commandeered. We find this is correct, also the Howard Hall and the Reading Room [on] Gernon Road, also the boys’ club, so now we have nowhere to hold meetings. There is a Labour meeting at the Skittles tomorrow, but we might not be able to get in. […] Isn’t it shocking? [No-one] knows why but the general impression is 2000 munition workers coming and they are to be billeted there, I have heard 2000 Serbians. We shall soon know.
Miss Armstrong is working hard to get members for the Women’s section of the Labour Party. I am giving her names of likely people and the latest to join is Mrs Barker [of] Cromwell Green, they will be glad to attend the meetings Mr Cubbon is going to talk to. I believe they are to be a Study Circle for Hobson’s book on Finance. I have been asked to take a meeting, finance boiled down to everyday affairs. I don’t think I feel equal to it , but I can talk in discussion.
My next piece of news – I have a Belgian girl lodger (temporary). This is the tale: on Saturday evening Mr Palmer was rather later than usual coming home and I felt so queer I told Dora she could stay up for him and I would go to bed, 8 o’clock, when in he came with this girl. Would I shelter her for the night and could she have his bed and he would sleep on the couch? It seems she came from Birmingham to work, never dreaming Letchworth was so crowded. She was sent to Mrs Rix and she got him to try and get her somewhere; they did try and found it impossible, so he could do no other than bring her here (are you thinking of another Belgian girl he took home?) They went to about 40 houses Sunday and Monday and she is still here.
He went to London yesterday, home, till tomorrow, then he will try again to get her put in somewhere. Of course she has started work and has to be there [by] 7 o’clock so I have to be up early and it makes more to do all day somehow. And only on Friday I told someone that I did not like Belgians and would not have one in my house nor take munition money but what could I do, not turn her into the street.
This just proves the need for a hostel for girls we are agitating for, you would be surprised at the overcrowding here. I know of one house with 11 new lodgers and father, mother and daughter, 3 bedrooms only. It seems a dreadful state of affairs but there everything is of a piece these days. My great hope of a speedy peace seems to be fading away. I have felt very disappointed today, and sad with intense longing unsatisfied. I suppose it must come some day this year or next, but I somehow feel afraid of what may happen first. I daresay you know that Ostend and Lille have been evacuated and Antwerp next, then the Belgians will begin to get busy building up. They have already commenced in Ostend […]
Love from everyone the children and all the love
from your wife
Lucy
October 28th 1918
Dearest Lucy
Your letter is full of surprises […]
Miss Lee’s news is very cheering, also your last remark re women. Surely now we shall soon see some of the stalwarts marching in honour to Westminster, and I’m sure they will make things lively if only in the tea room. As to the Belgian girl, does it not strike you that whenever we make foolish boasts we are often confounded. Have you analysed your dislike? You have now a chance to put internationalism into practice. It may be nasty but the result will be good.
As to munition money you are quite right not to seek it or lay yourself out to cater for those out to get them. […]
As to the taking of the halls in Letchworth, perhaps your surmises are all wrong. Where are the munitions works in which the workers are to be employed? Why should Serbians be sent to Letchworth? Have you thought what will happen should peace be declared soon. The army will not be disbanded at once and housing them will be a problem. Perhaps the Skittles may be wanted for the boys to come back to for the winter.
Glad Dora is settling down to Esperanto, she will find it very useful when she gets to other languages at school. Send me along some more Esperanto books and also the French as suggested. Don’t bother about the other books whilst you are so busy […]
Did you see the airship when you were here?? I got a good view of it on Sat. It is a lovely thing and sails through the air so gracefully and seems to be easily managed. Man has accomplished wonders in the material world and when he has made so much progress in the moral world which of course will happen, then indeed he will have cause for self-congratulation, but until then progress is like putting the cart before the horse […]
32 North Avenue, Letchworth, Herts
Oct 28th 1918
My dear Frank
I hope you note that I am writing this letter, or beginning it, on Monday eve, before receiving yours. We are all well and I still have the girl here so I am kept pretty busy with 2 lodgers. We have been unsuccessful so far in getting her a home. The children and I have just been to a missionary Pageant at the Mission. They liked it immensely, especially Dora who is very keen on plays and acting. If we do go to London at Christmas time and there are any Pantomimes I shall let Katie take her.
We had a meeting at the Skittles last Thursday, first to protest against the probable near loss of the place for meetings. Aneurin Williams127 has been written to and several others and it might be left to Letchworth. Secondly, to hear Mrs Hunter report on the first Women’s Conference at Caxton Hall of the Women’s Labour Party.128 It was splendid and shows what ideas and ideals we have and what good must result if allowed to put them into practice. No doubt we are on the move and must keep moving on and forward. Ethel Bentham, Mrs Snowden, Maria Philips, Mary Macarthur, etc were on the Platform.129 […] Sorry about the neuralgia, lots of people are suffering from wrong nerves now. I went into a Chemist shop today and all along the counter were bottles of neuralgia mixture but they are more busy with people buying quinine for this ’flue. It is very bad about indeed, almost like a plague. Leonie, my Belgian girl, tells me they are expecting to close down again, so many have fallen ill today. I hope we all steer clear of it and you too. Chrissie says ‘don’t think about it or talk about it then we shall not get it’. Drs and Nurses have it as bad as anyone. It is the same as trench fever so you can guess how it comes, brought of course by the soldiers.
[…] I cannot analyse my dislike, it is only a silly prejudice against [the Belgians] as a race and perhaps because I do not know or understand them. Of course I get on well with this girl, and it is one more experience for me, only I am not pleased at getting up at 6. However the next fortnight it need not be till 7 as she will be working at night and leaves at 7. You might amuse yourself by thinking how I can sleep 7 people and a child in 2 double and 2 single beds. Mr P. sleeps by himself and at present lays a mattress on the floor in the sitting room. I have given my cradle away at last. A woman with her ninth child was very thankful to have it […]
We had a splendid evening at the Skittles on Sunday eve. last. Mrs Vali—spoke on a certain Regulation that the women are up against.130 This Reg is to get rid of an evil very prevalent and at the same time makes it appear that vice is necessary. I was glad to see so many young men and soldiers (quite a lot) to hear the women’s opinion of it and they were quite keen and joined in discussion and questions. I think we are certainly getting on when men and women can meet and talk together on delicate and hitherto banned subjects. I will explain more fully if you like. The Howard Hall are trying for the Vasanta Hall Sunday morning meetings.
I have still not heard for sure if they are Serbs coming, but there is a new factory to be opened and I heard today it is for shell filling, so they mean to carry on a while yet. But I also hear that the Belgian factory have a form for Belgian men to sign if they wish to stay on to build bridges when peace comes. None have so far, as they all want to go back to Belgium, so perhaps the Serbs will too, then it will leave the Halls clear for the boys. [W H] Smith’s factory will be clear too of the air boys. Did I tell you Hendon Airdrome is [to be used] for a postal service?
Yes we saw the air ship when in Bedford and remarked how steady it sailed along. It will soon be a common way of traveling. […] We think things, or rather the peace offensive, steadily moves forward.
[…] Mr Palmer has gone to Guildford today to a sale of a fruit farm and nurseries, he only to be a small partner of 3. I told him it was only another spasm of his, he wants a change he says […]
Best love from Dora, Chrissie and Morris
and your loving wife, Lucy
November 4th 1918
Dearest Lucy,
Your letter was like a gentle shower of rain falling on a thirsty field. It is so full of human interest that I can live through the scenes quite easily as I read its pages. Am glad to know you are all well during these days of epidemics. So am I and the neuralgia has been better also. I trust your fit of depression has passed away. For myself I feel very hopeful that the end is near and that we shall once again be able to talk and work for Christ without incurring the wrath and venom of Government and their satellites.
[…] It is very strange that the Belgians do not wish to remain in this ‘Land of the Free’ but prefer to go back to be neighbours to the family of Beelzebub after all we have done for them too. Where is their gratitude?
[…] The book you sent on Town planning is interesting and it was good to read the words of our compatriots Brunt and Kidd. I think that Garden Cities will come into being providing Govt make it possible to get both lands and money cheaply, to be used through local authorities or Public Companies. Private efforts cannot cope with these things as it is too spasmodic and too greedy. I eagerly look forward to hearing more of [the] New Town.
If you feel so inclined you may sell the newest additions to my wardrobe whilst prices are high. Am not sending the visiting order next week unless you especially wish it.
[…]
Lots of love to you all and regards to the lodgers.
Yours lovingly Husband Father
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
Nov 3131 1918
My dear Frank
Sorry again this will be late reaching you but you cannot imagine what little time I have. You need not send the order next week, we will have the letter this time instead of a visit. Perhaps I shall not have to come to see you again. I should soon solve the puzzle if you did walk in, only too pleased if it should happen.
I had a nice time in London on Monday. Leaving here 7.55 I was up at the Priory by 9.20. Katie and I spent the time from 12 till 4 in Oxford St in Selfridges. I had never been in before and really enjoyed seeing so many people and so many goods. I also bought 4 towels which cost 10/-. We could have gone to a theatre but did not care to venture risking the ‘flue’. It rained little and was an awful night. Dad, Jack and Katie saw me in the train at King’s X and Mr Palmer met me at Letchworth 11 o’clock, so I had a good long day. Everything was alright at home too. The change has done me good. I have so much to do, the same things it seems over and over again and catering is none too easy just now. In spite of what you say I think I cheered the folks up too. […]
Our Belgian girl is supposed to be on night work this week but she hurt her arm on Thursday and the factory was closed on Friday and Sat for ‘flue’ cleaning and the Dr will not let her start yet. She had to go and see him on Friday. He asked who had bandaged her arm she told him the missus where I live. He said is she a nurse it is done so well I couldn’t do it better myself. I tell you this to show I have not forgotten your first aid practices and I felt rather proud of myself. Isn’t it just my luck though, always to have to look after people.
[…] I have got some news for you about [Noel Palmer]. He has bought a fruit farm at Guildford with Milton. 41 acres freehold, 14 tomato houses, Grape House etc, possession at Xmas. He has sold the business here and the house next door and he thinks ‘Redcroft’ is sold. He saw Milton last Sunday and they are thinking of applying132 for your help, sort of general repairs and useful help. There is a staff of 8 or 9 now, also a motor lorry. Should you like it? Providing of course we could get a cottage near; be sure and let me know next week.
I am writing this letter with the children playing schools with Nellie Briant. Norton School was closed on Monday for a fortnight on account of flue. The epidemic seems to be abating, glad to say. I hope you keep free, of course. I have heard Bowry and Williams have it and hope they are better. I felt anxious about you till I had your letter.
I think now we shall have ‘peace’ very quickly; if only the fighting ceases it will be something. Tonight’s news is Germany must accept terms of armistice at once and yes or no, no discussion, so it looks like only a matter of hours. I tell Leonie she will be back home in the new year. She could hardly believe it, she does not read the papers although she can read English and speak it well. She is quite the ordinary type, short and fat with a lot of black hair. Of course [she] makes a great favourite of Chrissie, and [is] generous with them all, she is fond of children and is 21. I took her to the Skittles meeting on Sunday evening and as we went in the Internationale was being sung in Belgian.133 The […] subject was the Internationale.134 I think she understood and enjoyed the meeting. The large room was full and half the small one, but we got a seat up near the front and I was glad to see Miss Lawes and Miss Lees there […]
Dora and Morris went into the Common this morning and got 1lb of blackberries which I have made into jam. We shall only get 4oz ration now and 24 oz don’t go far, just about enough for Mr Palmer and Dora. We are getting used to Marg, we have our one once for Sunday tea. Cheese is much more plentiful. The extra ration of fat in place of meat will now be nut butter which we can get in the Co-op.
Sorry I did not give you the subjects discussed at the ILP Conference: they were many. We were chiefly interested in housing, or at least I was. It is very important for the women to have every convenience and comfort to carry on the work of housekeeping properly; it should be catered for [??] as a business and not for women, or rather mothers, to have to put up with any old thing (such as stoves and baths).
I shall have to stop now. The children are very interested in the story.135 The Skittles is still available for meetings next Sunday; Mr Butler is taking Esperanto the International Language. Dora seems interested in it and enjoys the lessons. We are having our school each Thursday afternoon now till the general meeting at the end of the month. I have quite a job to keep up interest and get the women to come. Our study circle on Finance has not commenced yet but the women’s section [of the Labour Party] are having a meeting tonight.
Now I must stop. Lot of love from all the children
and your loving wife Lucy
November 11th 1918
Dearest Lucy
Your letter breathes of London rush. As I did not expect it until Friday I was not disappointed. Am glad to know that all are well and to be able to say ditto with regard to myself […]
How the munition workers will like being stopped of pay for all time? When they get back to civil employment after receiving pay, whether at work or not, is one of the questions I am going to keep an eye upon. They are certainly being taught some lessons. Everyone seems to think that the sorry business will soon be over, but I am not so sanguine about release as some of our chaps are, so do not be too optimistic. Of course you cheered the old fogies up. Your very presence would do that. A ray of sunshine will make even the darkest dungeon bright […]
Now as to your momentous news. What am I to say. First I congratulate Noel on his good fortune in getting so lovely a spot to settle down in. The surrounding scenery is just delightful. All hills and dales, woods and dells, with little brooks and rivers flowing through them. Then the people of Guildford are quite proper, even classy I am given to understand, whilst the educational facilities are equally excellent I think the ILP and NCF are strong there too and even errants are tolerated. After reading all this tosh you will wonder what on earth I am driving at. It is just to show you how you have put a proposal to me which may alter the tone of the whole of our lives. Something like the way you sprang the other job on me, eh?
I appreciate the offer of course and am quite willing to give it my fullest consideration but what about terms etc, of which you say nothing. Is it just a generous impulse to get me out of prison, or army services considered of real value to them? It is just such a job as I would like and think I am fitted for, but will it give me the freedom I desire? What about its effect on my ideal and the New Town of the future, the better environment for the children and their education? I do not want to develop into nothing better than a money grubber. Now I have put some of my thoughts about it before you to show you that I have considered it a little and what I suggest is this. Let Noel make whatever arrangements for my release on these grounds which he thinks fit, and after I am released we will undoubtedly come to an arrangement satisfactory to all parties. I think that he will not be successful in obtaining my release on these conditions. As for myself, I have done two years and can now see the end in sight, so shall not make any effort to get free by accepting conditions. If they give me my liberty to assist Noel, well and good, but if they say I must abide by any rules laid down by them I’m not taking it. You need not tell Noel this unless you like as I feel sure he does not understand our attitude towards Work of National Importance.
Do you only want a cottage? Four walls, tiny rooms, water outside, no bathroom, no private garden, and probably a troop of disorderly animals always around. How does it fit in with you remarks re housing in a later paragraph? I know what I want and it isn’t a cottage unless you stretch the meaning a good bit. I shall await your reply to this with impatience so don’t keep me waiting any longer than you can help. I hope I made myself clear as I do not want you to have the impression I am not enthusiastic about it. My thoughts are full of it and I have built many air castles but the cold light of reason dispels them and leaves me doubting. This environment is conducive to doubt as everything is so unreal and nothing happens.
[…] Oh as to Insurance. Get rid of it as I do NOT want to have any more to do with it. I might become an Eastman. I am sure I have a dual nature, one of which is grasping, selfish and practical in the worldly sense and with which I could become a cynical ‘buyer in the cheapest and sell in the dearest’ sort of chap. The other is idealist, gentle and loving full of sympathy for humanity which could if followed lead me to do something for the race. These are always in conflict and whilst I have been here I have seen myself, as it were outside myself, and what I have seen makes me fear for the gentler elements. Perhaps this morbidness is largely due to the prison influence which will be counteracted when I get back to natural life again […]
Lots of love to all of you from Daddy and Hubby
Nov 14 1918
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
My Dear Frank
I expect you are very thankful to know that at last hostilities have ceased, I cannot rejoice knowing that so many precious lives have been sacrificed – Hitchin has gone mad, and London I believe – and expecting industrial trouble. The Belgians have demonstrated here and the Belgian Socialists have paraded with the red flag. Yes it is fine to know how Labour in other countries have rallied round the Red Flag. I thought Germany would fall in line when they threw off the Military Power.
Of course lots of people are asking when you are coming home. I had a letter from Lizzie yesterday asking. Your mother is still with her for a few days longer, she keeps fairly well.
I have told Mr Palmer what you think of his scheme and he wrote a letter last night (in Milton’s name) to the Sec of Home Affairs. I shall be looking for a reply every post and you will eagerly look forward to my next letter, I know. Mr and Mrs P have gone to ‘Normandy’ the farm today and they will probably look around Guildford and round about for a house. I told him what we thought about a ‘Cottage’ […] of course it will be the standard rate of pay, which now would not be more than 38/ or 40/ but I am sure you may leave it, they will be quite fair and just. No doubt Pass would be glad of you at once but somehow I don’t want that for you. New Town will not be ready yet and we have got to get a living till then and it may as well be in good surroundings and happily. […] I have got my Belgian lady into Mrs Barker’s house, she went on Sunday (unwillingly). I have had a very bad cold this weekend and felt collapsed and crumpled up on Monday, but had a little rest and feel better again. I have been overdoing it again, I do a good lot, you know, single handed and always feel anxious about you and want you home. I felt your presence on Monday. I have got some work allotted to me for the Election because I haven’t enough to do.
The Labour Party are having a dance on Sat evening at the Howard Hall. I expect I shall go, having promised to help with the coffee. Hope we shall have a large number present. It is for the election fund. Do you know that Lovell is to be the candidate? Of course we do not know when the election is to be but it is expected soon.
You will be sorry to hear that my cousin Marie passed away last week after a few days’ illness, Flu and Pneumonia. It will be sad for Jack to come back, a stranger to his children, and she has worked pluckily to keep things going for him.
[…] One cannot help feeling morbid at times in any environment, but it must be shaken off. Everyone looks happy now and flags fly from nearly every window, all kinds. The street lamps are lighted and many curtains are left undrawn including mine.
[…] I have heard no more news of New Town but shall probably write to Miss Jefferies in a few days, the papers have not come she spoke about. They will be able to go ahead now, it is lovely to think work will now be construction instead of destruction. All the works here [were] closed until today. Now my space is gone and my news has run out. We all send our best love, still hoping to see you soon,
Your ever loving wife Lucy
Am airing all from wardrobe. You have nothing to sell, I ought to buy for you.
November 18th 1918
Dearest Lucy
Your letter is full of all the emotion to which human frailty is heir. I detect the quiet joy which runs deep and needs no outlet in noisy demonstration. Also sorrow for the lost friends in which I join you. I received quite a shock at the news. So Jack is one of the fortunate ones who have come through the whole campaign without a scratch and then to get this blow […] As to the reply to Noel I am not greatly concerned because I feel it is all a frost. The more I think of the proposal the less it glitters and time alone will tell how it will turn out.
Glad to hear you helping in the election; having now the vote brings with it additional responsibilities with which you can help to mould the future, and if the future is to bring forth better results than the past woman must play a large part, as from her alone can come the impetus toward a saner, sweeter world for she inherits the race urge for conservation, whilst man, who has always been the fighter, inherits the force urge which is the desire for present satisfaction. I hope you will understand the gist of these few words as they are pregnant with meaning for the future generation and around them will the battle of Life be played.
I should much like to be out to help in the coming contest but [Lloyd George] is too astute to let us go until after that is over. Remember me to Casey when he comes and tell him I often think of his sweet music.
Your news re the Belgians is cheering as it omens well for the future. They will not live at enmity with the Germans but you will see them fraternizing with the German comrades. The collapse of the war is not a satisfactory thing from the allies’ point of view in a political sense, because to treat with a socialist govt is quite a different matter from treating with a capitalist govt. The game of diplomacy has no place in socialist politics because openness and publicity coupled with justice and fair play completely rout the orthodox diplomat who wants always to make economic or territorial bargains the foundations of his treaties and above all will not allow the light of day to shine upon his works.
The terms of the Armistice are stiff, but, in spite of that, if a spirit of reasonableness does but prevail at the peace conference the whole business may be conducted in such a manner as will ensure an opportunity being given to all to recover sanity and a real peace become the aim of democracy. It is up to the common people to settle once and for all what is to rule in the earth, force with its wars in all phases of life or goodwill and cooperation, based upon the belief in the oneness of humanity no matter what colour, race or nationality.
[…] No need for you to air my wardrobe yet as I do not expect to get home for another three months if then […] I send you all my love and lots of sweet nothings which mean so much to those who understand.
Yours ever Husband and comrade
32 North Avenue Letchworth
Nov 20. 1918
My Dear Frank
Your letters give me as much pleasure as mine do you and for the same reasons, we look for and find the personal touch and shows how much we long and look forward to the society of each other. It will not be long now I feel sure. We have now had 2 years of separation, and still wish for the company of each other. Enough of this, forgive me please.
We have no news yet about Guildford and you. Moss is applying for Ray Cree in the same way. I hope it comes off as Marshall wants this house and I only want to have one move. You see I am in a peculiar position. Mr [Noel] Palmer is [the] tenant and sublet to me. I could be turned out. Now he is leaving they want me to go too. Of course there are no houses to be had here at present. The Belgians are going very soon, some at least and Mr P is asking Ladd if there is a chance of one this end of town and I can ask Miss Bartholomew. Mr and Mrs [Noel] Palmer only went for the day to see their new home. Milton went too, also his mother and brother Maurice, M is very keen on having you, and a house (or cottage) is coming vacant in the village and he is speaking for it in case you can go. I have been wondering if I should go straight there and wait for you, or whether you would rather come back here. I should have to go and see it first and find out about school. I had hoped not to have to move till I had you to help, but what is to be will be and whatever comes to be done I can tackle. I should like your thoughts and advice on this matter. Of course I am not very keen on a fresh place till you come too, but I wondered if it would be best. New Town will not be ready yet, and you would be getting more fit perhaps in a beautiful place and congenial work. Of course I shall make them promise to take you on as soon as you may and try to get a wage settled. Just think this over well please, I don’t suppose you would have any trouble to get work if you cared to stay here till you go to New Town and no doubt you could start work there as one of the earliest settlers; that is what I should like in any case […]
I am glad to say my cold is much better but I cannot quite shake it off. About the needed rest: we could very well change places for a bit. Mr Palmer is more help than anyone I have had here and he always gets up first and lights the fire so they are not so bad. The children are very well and all go to Gym now on Monday evenings, that is 6d. 2d each and I had to buy them new rubber [shoes] but it will be worth it all, I want them to grow fine men and women. I had a serious talk with Dora on Sunday evening about herself and the race and her future and the advantage of getting all the education she can. She takes it all in with great intelligence and is not too young for it, she is developing very rapidly and is going to be a big girl. Her mind will also be large and opinions broad. You will be able to go teaching her where I leave off. Chrissie and Morris are growing very fast too. I often think they are quite different to what they were two years ago. I feel I have lived nearly a lifetime since you went away and have had so much experience. Will it be of any use to me? I am afraid I shall not be of much use in the coming election though workers are badly wanted for the Labour Party. You seem to get all (after) War news, and your remarks are generally about right. There is much to discuss and great problems to settle. I don’t know how the late Munition workers like the great decrease of wages, it is such a big drop to 25/-, and 30/- girls up to 18 12/- with the cost of living as high as ever: it is not sufficient to live on or to be kept in lodgings. Of course people will gradually go back to their own homes and their late employment where possible. We heard yesterday that Germany was going to mobilise again and make another stand. It would be very dreadful, wouldn’t it, to start [the] slaughter again. Last Sunday was thanksgiving services everywhere and I went to Howard Hall. Mr Sadler spoke on Humiliation and spoke with great courage of matters not mentioned by War parties.
I went to the dance on Sat and enjoyed myself very much, dancing with 4 different men. There was only a very small number present, 34, but we had a very good time, they are to be continued every other week. I am taking Dora next time. I shall have to stop now. We send you all our love and kind remembrances and regards from all enquiring friends.
We still hope to meet soon,
best loves from your ever loving wife
Lucy
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
Nov 24th 1918
My dear Frank
Your letter helped me very much. It gave me the suggestions I was wanting. Do not worry about me, I am not at all overwhelmed with my difficulties, though of course it troubles me a little to have to make a new home for you to come back to. This will make the third time you will have come into a house you have never seen. One thing I know, you trust me to do the best possible for you, but I must say it seems as if I am arranging your life for you at any rate for the immediate future. I do hope the move to Guildford is the right thing to do. It seems the best for your sake and you say the place is lovely. P says so too. I also will regret for several reasons leaving Letchworth, but we are doomed to have many changes it seems and it all means new friends and new opportunities for good if we use them.
The village is called Normandy and is 5 miles from Guildford and 3 from Aldershot. A station called Wanborough is about 10 minutes [away] and a good train service. Mr Palmer is going next Tuesday, coming back on the 14th to vote, and hopes to be able to move his furniture on the Mon. Mine could not go with his, but could go at the same time and if he has not found me a cottage he will store it for me. His house is not large, only 2 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms and kitchen scullery. There are two houses together but the other one is for a market gardener. They have a staff of about 10 men which will be increased as soon as possible. There are 14 tomato houses, stables and outbuildings and you are wanted for repairing and keeping in order those barrows etc, general carpenter or wood-worker or everything else as far as I can make out. It seems to me what you will like to do. Is it? There are 41 acres and Jones has 6 so you can guess the size of the place.
I must see Mrs Middleton before I finally decide. She will have to see if I can still have help because we must live and I cannot possibly keep us all. How glad I shall be when you are allowed to work for us again. I shall of course sell the piano and perhaps the couch and the big double bed and get one of Palmer’s small ones instead and also have his rush pull-out chair. I will take those long planks and posts of mahogany […] and all that is in the coal cellar. It may be useful for you.
I have asked again about the amalgamation fee due to me, and Eastman says I shall have it direct from Birmingham soon. I have not got my agreement but believe I have to give the Cooperative Society the option of buying the business, but I may go to see Pounds. I have asked for this agreement several times […] I should like to get settled for Christmas in case you come home, but I am not hoping too much. Of course, I know it will not be before the election. Am sorry I had this cold so bad, I could not go out with bills last week. We are disappointed that Lovel has withdrawn and a new man will be standing as Labour candidate, such a pity I think.
I went to Spirella Hall with Mr Palmer last Sat eve to hear Lord Robert Cecil, my first visit there. I expect he will be returned again but, as you say, this is not an important election, just a scrap one to try and clean up the mess and straighten out a bit. There are so many important matters to arrange and Lord Robert C said there [are] troublous times ahead, or words to that effect, I am afraid so too. I should like to come again to see you if possible before I leave here, if I go and you stay. How uncertain everything is, we can only arrange from day to day it seems […]
I must now stop, keep well and cheerful, we shall meet soon.
Lots of love from us all
Your loving wife Lucy
Harvey Smith has bought the goat.
Dora will write to you next week
November 25th 1918
Dear Lucy
Your letter is so full of problems that I do not know which one to tackle first […]
Now as to future arrangements I can only suggest, of course, but you must act as you think fit. Firstly about the bungalow. They cannot turn you out, and if necessary you could get any magistrate to give you a restrainment order, so make your mind easy on that score. Ask Brunt as to this if you feel inclined. For my part I say get out as quickly as you can. I know you feel like that too. I suppose Noel is moving down to Guildford at once and that the house he is going to is fairly large. If so why not all go together and then you could be ready to take the cottage when it falls empty. At any rate the furniture could go with his even if he cannot put you all up for the time being. He could surely store it in a room for you whilst you could get a lodging in Letchworth for a time, or stay with Katie for a time, or perhaps Mrs Thomas would be pleased to welcome all our little family. Mrs Williams could accommodate you perhaps.
I quite agree about taking the cottage and will accept the job tentatively, as the scheme I there worked out for myself could just as easily be carried into effect at Guildford as elsewhere. The scheme would only be put into operation if the job is not a success, so I need not elaborate it to you as it will afford you food for thought to try and guess what it is and needless to say you will not talk of it.
[…] Even if you succeed in getting a cottage I suggest you end all but absolute necessities with Noel’s move and do as the Belgians did, be content with a bed, fire and cup and saucer etc. and visit your friends when you feel the need for looking at pictures etc. It is a great pity you are to have all this trouble, but I can see no other way out of it. Is the Adult School let? If not, try that, as it would just suit for the time and I dare say they would let you have it. I have no more suggestions unless you buy a caravan and live in that which I am sure would suit the children but you would find somewhat cramping during the winter time.
You are mistaken when you classify Ray Cree with myself as the position is quite different. He is one of the HO scheme chaps and entitled to his freedom at the end of twelve months’ compulsory employment, whilst I am a prisoner who has refused to make a bargain with the government. I have not the least reason to think that they will grant Noel’s request so don’t count on it at all. The absence of reply is just what I expected. Put not thy faith in autocrats.
[…] As to Germany remobilising you must be wrong, as it is quite impossible for her to do that. She is no longer dominated by one central force and […] all the little states which comprise the German Empire are busy with their own internal affairs although linked up loosely by the socialist movement amongst them.
I hope my suggestions will be useful to you and that you will soon see a way through all your difficulties. You said that when Noel came to stay with you again it would lead to something, and by jingo it has. It seems to mean leaving Letchworth and all old friends and starting afresh. I shall regret this for many reasons but as you know I have always felt that Letchworth was only to be a sojourn by the way and as much as most of our friends are scattering too and the island is small after all, we shall meet them again from time to time. Put all the work you can into the election and give my word of cheer to the comrades who are working hard for the cause of the people […]
I trust your next letter will contain some suggestion of the brighter days which I feel sure are ahead for us. Take courage and struggle on my brave comrade and all will come right. Accept my love and heartfelt desire for our speedy reunion
Your loving Hubby FTS
December 2nd 1918
Dearest Wifey
[…] Of course I know that the dream is the reality and will come true again, whilst prison is only the transient thing but the present is very much with me just now. Perhaps it is the weather which certainly is not good and dull days do react upon us. But enough of this, to borrow a phrase from you, am glad my suggestions appear useful to you and as to instructions I would not dare issue such things. Are you not a modern woman and would you not feel it an indignity to be ordered to do anything by your husband?
Your description of the village has given me food for thought. I do hope you will land at a decent cottage. As to coming to a house I have not seen, as you say it is not a new experience and there is a spice of novelty about it. Some people go through life placidly and smoothly, seeming to get no startling incidents to disturb them, whilst our lives seem to be all incidents and no placidity. I hope the future does contain a peaceful time in which we can look back on the past and feel that our time has not been ill spent. I think that the prospects you hold out to me, regarding the new employment, are A1, as there seems to be infinite variety and variety is the salt of life, just as constancy in love is the chain anchor upon which all happiness depends.
I cannot say how eagerly I look forward to coming amongst you all again. Undoubtedly I shall find you all changed to a certain degree as the events of the past five years have wrought a change in everybody, whether they are aware of it or no. I expect to find the children grown both in body and in mind and though I naturally should have preferred to have watched the growth on the spot, as it were, I am sure that I shall better understand them through my absence, because the change takes place so gradually that it is almost imperceptible to those who are constantly with them […]
Have you written to Mother yet? If not try and do so as soon as you can. I often think of her.
I shall have to spend a day or two in London so as to buy tools and things for those I possess will not be sufficient to meet all requirements.
[…] The New Town book is a long time coming but I do not despair for the Quakers move slowly when they are on a big thing. Don’t trouble about Lovel. He was not the right sort of chap for the job and has been useful as a peg to start operations with. The women should have run a candidate but of course as Lady Lytton is related to Lord HE such a thing would be bad form. You cannot realise how much our political machine is a family affair. I had meant to keep politics out of this but King Charlie’s head must appear.
As I have exhausted all my suggestions for your future in my last letter I will not add any more, beyond saying could you sell the swing but keep the rope belonging to it and so I’ll make them another if it is needed when I get home again. Isn’t it rather running our heads into it to move so near to Aldershot seeing that it is such a large military centre? Did not Noel stay there for some time years ago?
I will send you the order form to visit me next week but if you find you must come before then you can come without it. I would prefer to see you next week and will put my books ready for you to take back as they do mount up so, and I do not want to hire a cart when I leave here to take them away […]
Kiss all the youngsters from Daddy and accept the blank space as being filled with all the sweet things you would have me say. Kind remembrances to all the friends and all power be given you to carry you over your arduous task of house hunting and removal. I expect Morris will enjoy it. I trust they are all well and the Flue will not come near to any of you. I eagerly look forward to you reply. I send you my Love and Desire
Yours ever Frank
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
Dec 3rd 1918
My Dear Frank
I did not receive your letter till this afternoon and as they come so regularly in the morning of course I wondered all sorts of things […] Lately I think we have had more difficulty to keep contact by writing, at least I know you have, myself I can always feel I am talking to you while writing.
Yes, my life is very real and I believe I live every moment of it. But I must admit that the dull days of last week made me feel very ‘off’, or was it your spirit heavy with me? You know how much we rely on one another for strength. I shall be glad when you get home or the acc may be overdrawn on one or the other, eh. As you say these last days (we hope) are the most trying for the uncertainty as the ‘duration of separation’.
Anyway we will be strong now, won’t we, you in your small corner and I in mine (large one). I feel a great responsibility rests on me to decide what to do for the best. Mr Palmer went off this morning and will look out a cottage and let me know […] I have got some boxes and tubs from Palmer but I am still undecided about waiting for you. The Belgians are leaving here on the 10th Dec to the 13th so there will be houses, but they will want doing up, I should think, so in any case I expect to spend Christmas here.
Katie wants to have the girls for a week in the New Year to take them out. I have written a card suggesting the probable move but have had no answer yet. They will not argue, I know, to a change again! I shall most likely take the opportunity of leaving them, and staying for a week or so at Mrs Thomas’s or elsewhere. I wish you could be in London at the same time. My fowls, the four new ones, will go straight to Mr Palmer’s till I can house them, the others I intend to sell for Christmas. Mrs Clarke has bought the goat.136
[…] As you know the Polling day is the 14th but we shall not know the count till the 28th. I am doing my little best. I think after all this is an important election tho’ the next one will be more so. I am afraid our new candidate does not stand such a good chance as Lowey but they seem to think the village are sound and he is an agricultural Union Man. I do not think we were ready to run a woman, but I hope some of those who are running will get in. Have you heard about the Albert Hall meetings and the electricians cutting the fuse because the hall was refused or rather cancelled? Of course it was granted in a few hours so Labour got a victory.
[…] The site for New Town is chosen and they want £75,000 to buy it. I don’t know where. Mrs Crowley promised me the book as soon as it was out. Mrs Middleton says once the place secured it will soon go ahead, so ‘Normandy’ will be only by the way. Then I hope our days of peace will come. One thing, we have not stagnated you know, and although your body is confined your thought is free as air and your mind is busy all the time in the land of make believe if you like. I must stop now. Dora is writing you a little letter. We all send our best love to our dear daddy and husband.
Your loving wife Lucy
December 16th 1918
Dearest Lucy
Once again I sit to pen you some thoughts. I feel you must be a trifle anxious as to my health so I will say at once that my pain has left me and I am now as usual. I trust both you and the children are in good health and will remain so. The election has come and gone and I hope the results will prove satisfactory as the most ardent enthusiast could wish. As for myself I feel that the true issues at stake have been obscured and that the workers will once again find that they have been cheated. But enough of this subject.
You tell me that although my body is incarcerated my mind is free to roam where it will. That is true but liberty always becomes licence unless there are natural boundaries to keep it in order. Social customs hatch law and order from these boundaries in ordinary life and thus keep one in check. With thought too, the everyday contact with life, the family circle, papers, books and events give balance and tone to one’s thought but if released from all such restraints and forced in upon itself the human mind must either stagnate, revolve upon itself and thus see all things out of proportion or else indulge in the license of invention.
[…] I have been reading Dombey and Son again. It is surprising how fresh these old stories are. I think it a good habit to read books over again. You get them fixed in the memory and points which are overlooked in the excitement of first reading come out clearly and a better estimate of the author’s purpose is obtained. Of course there are some books which will not bear re-reading and their name is legion in these days when everyone endeavours to get into print.
I am adding to my very small stock of knowledge by reading how to doctor animals. It is very interesting but if anyone wishes to keep horses or sheep, pigs, cows etc it would be well not to take a course of training first as the impression one gathers is that the animals are always ill and but rarely recover from most attacks. However some time will elapse before I shall be buying stock so the fearfulness will have passed away by then. Perhaps this is the result of too large a dose, eh […]
Dec 19.18
32 North Avenue Letchworth Herts
My Dear Frank
I certainly have been feeling rather anxious about you and I am very glad you are a little better. I hope you won’t get the pain again. I am really very sorry I do not answer your questions in your letters, I thought I did when I could. The words ‘you notice I forgot’ sounds like Eastman and not as if I read your letters through a dozen times and carry each one about with me even to bed till I get the next.
[…] I can quite understand how you must feel about so much time and liberty for thought, I myself have often wished I could or need only think of one thing at once, so many different occupations and so many people and so much knowledge of outside affairs makes one’s brain inclined to whirl. I am glad to tell you I am having a rest and more peace and room in the house.
Mr Palmer took Mrs P and baby back with him on Monday morning, they will come back some time in Jan to move when their house is cleared of people. He had not been able to find me a house, so I told him we should have to wait, in the meantime what about staying here, he said go somewhere else if I could get, so I am applying for the one next door to Mrs Williams. I think that Marshall cannot turn me out while Mr Palmer pays him my rent, it must be Mr P that gives possession. Marshall is nothing to do with me, all the same I do not want to be awkward and shall get out if possible, but not to leave Letchworth just yet. I shall do as I think best and when you come home will do just as you wish.
You do not mention my visit to you. I always am glad to see you and to feel and know you really are still in the flesh, it helps me so much to go on and renews hope of you being home with us all again some day, although the time is so brief it seems like a dream. It makes quite a day out for me; I do not get home till nearly 3.30. I have found a Cafe where I can get a cup of coffee and bread and butter for 5d and a large pleasant room, only I always wish you were with me […]
Yes the Election is over (this one) and we all wonder what will be the result, seems a long while to have to wait a fortnight to know. I went to ‘Greens’ meeting on Friday night, and was not home till after 11. It was in the Picture Palace and was full up […] We had enthusiasm from speakers and audience and the women seemed to turn up well for voting, Wittimore was full of it when he came here, you know I suppose he is an ILPer and to think how he went on in 1914, do you remember? G Thomas is still at Dartmoor, altho’ his year was up in Sept and Mrs Thomas has not seen him since she was here when you was home. Jack is also there. Ray Cree too. Also Wiltshire, he expected to be home last week but was kept back for another month. Frances is still at Shillington and White is working at his own trade in Hitchin, Clarke is still free not at home.
[…] I am writing to your mother again this week. I should like her to see the children, I do not think she is happy with Alf’s wife. She told Katie she always got on so well with me, I hope she is at Carrie’s when our girls go up to London. You will be glad to know my new chickens have laid 2 eggs today, they are fixed at 5½ each, so I must keep count and pay myself back the 2.10.0. 3 of my old ones look like laying too, so perhaps they won’t die yet.
I find I am on my fifth page, hope it will not matter. We are all well and try to keep smiling in spite of our troubles which seem all man-made but we forgive all our enemies and love everyone. The children all send lots of love and plenty of kind loving thoughts from everyone you know or who knows you. You know how my heart goes out to you and all my love with it. I hope and pray we shall soon be together again. May you have peace and health,
Your loving wife, Lucy.
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
Sunday evening, Dec 22nd 1918
My dear Frank
I am feeling a bit sad and lonely so thought I would start my letter to you. I have just answered your mother’s letter, she sends her love to you and hopes you will be home soon, everyone says that now and seem to expect it.
It has been very wet and rough all day and we have not been out. The Esperanto class gave a little concert last night. Dora only had a sentence or two, but she sang with the others (5 of them) of course all in Esperanto. Mr Cubbon was there, also Mr Brunt. I asked him about that book and he knows where it is and it is quite all right.
The children are quite happy and full of Christmas, went to the Common yesterday for ivy and decorated the rooms. Dora made a lovely laurel wreath for your photo. Of course they often talk of you and wish you were here – we should do this or you would say that or sing something that we remember, they all sing like birds.
[…] My space has run out as the girls have taken a page. I have not written all my thoughts to you. Remember I am always thinking of you and sending my love across space to you.
Your wife, Lucy
December 23rd 1918
Dear Lucy
Your letter was just what I needed to put me right again. After my bad turn I had become very down, as the old ladies say, and could only look on the black side of things, due I suppose to loss of vitality through not getting my usual outdoor exercise, but am feeling quite myself again.
Isn’t [it] wonderful how the time flies away, here we are at another Xmas. I have just enjoyed reading your letter of last year in which you described how the children enjoyed themselves and how even you managed to find the time passed pleasantly even though I were not with you. My sincerest wish is that you may this year have a happy day too and it is certain that the horizon is much clearer now as it can only be a question of weeks to our reunion. The war is over and peace will come speedily because delay is so dangerous to the financial and commercial interest of this country. There is bound to be a rush for the markets of the world and the longer England keeps her war strength the slower she will be in recovering her previous peace condition of industry.
I don’t suppose for a moment that things will ever be the same but somehow or other the authorities in these matters do not learn their lessons very quickly and they will try to go on in their old ruts until compelled by the forces to alter their course. The arising of Labour will mean a new outlook and a new moral tone, if only Labour can be established as the first charge of industry, and thus a sound subsistence level established. Then, in spite of the greedy competitiveness with which society is permeated, we shall see the coming into being of a nobler and better race. A race whose ideals will be large enough to embrace all mankind in a fellowship of love and service.
[…] I should like you to get Chrissie a tambourine and Morris a triangle as I am sure they would appreciate them. These things will help them in their plays and dances and if Morris has any musical talent in him he will find an outlet through this channel.
[…] Lucy, dear, please send me some Esperanto books. Get some of the periodicals if possible as the subject matter is good.
My letter does not convey what I should like to say but you must fill in the gaps believing that my thoughts are always with you and my love constant.
Your loving husband Frank
December 30th 1918 Bedford Prison
Dear Lucy
I got your letter on Xmas Day. Sorry to hear that you were lonely and sad. Perhaps your liver is out of order, you had better try a course of regular diet for a while, that, together with a strict routine of exercises, may work wonders. Perhaps you are pining for the ‘flesh pots of Egypt’ or are feeling the loss of your genial lodger who has been so indulgent to you. All things are fleeting in this life so make the best of it and cheer up.
The weather seems to be making the best of it for I am sure the rise of the sun from his bed of down, ie the clouds has been glorious on several occasions lately. If I stop in prison much longer I shall become a sun worshipper his beauty is so real and his significance is unbounded.
There are one or two things in your letter that call for answer so I will attend to them before I forget. Glad to hear news of Mother and to know that she is well. Also that the chickens are doing their duty in that sphere of life in which it has pleased the Lord to place them as the prayer book has it […]
Do try and send me the Esperanto book I asked for as I am making headway with the language and wish to keep up my interest. As you know I am a bit of a butterfly. ‘No not in looks’ but in jumping from one interest to another sticking at nought […] If by any chance you should see a copy of Shelley’s poems or could borrow one I should like to have it. I have had my interest aroused in Mythology and his poems are a good exposition of the Greek myths. I’m afraid that from a commercial point of view all my reading will be useless but I will endeavour to make amends when I again get my liberty […]
On reading the letter through I notice I have omitted to mention my state of health. I therefore rectify the omission (I am well). Trusting that both you and the children are in the enjoyment of good health and that you have recovered you usual cheerfulness of spirit, I send you all my love. F
PS Wish Chrissie Many Happy returns of her birthday from Daddy.
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
January 1st 1919
My dear Frank.
Once more it is New Year’s day. I hope this will be better than the last two for us all. Glad to know you are Well. I am better, the children are best, at least Morris is. The girls are not home yet. I expect them tomorrow, on the one train they can come on without changing. This will be their first experience of travelling alone; how they are growing up. An invitation came for them to go to [the] Browns [on] Wilbury Road to a tea party today. This is the first time they have been taken notice of since Wilfred was here 2½ years ago. I meet Mr and Mrs Brown sometimes. It would have been a dreadfully rough night to come home from. We are very lonely, just we two, but [Morris] likes to have me to himself. We read and play draughts, which he likes very much and we go out. I treated him to the pictures last night, 6 o’clock show with Miss Wilding. She is leaving her old ladies in March and going to [the] Palmers in June.
I hear that Wiltshire is home and I saw Francis on Mon. He has been home, very ill, but is now recovering. He sends you greetings. We are all disappointed about the election results, all those who are at all pacifist are turned out, Snowden, Henderson, Macdonald etc.137 I expect you know there was a big Coalition Majority. I hope the country won’t be sorry for what they have done. Only one woman in and she a Sinn Fein. So many people did not vote at all. Katie said Dad wanted to vote Labour (coming on) and then said he wouldn’t go at all but she persuaded him to vote for Dickenson but he is not in.
Well, we had quite a nice time in London: children happy and good as gold, so made things very cheerful, although Katie had muscular rheumatism and could not stand upright. I had to Dr her. They still feast but Dad could not get any drink (what a blessing to many). I took the children to see Carrie on Christmas morning; of course she wept […] I will see Miss Bartholomew for the Esperanto books you want and will send you a Shelley […] Mr Fox has come to Letchworth as the people are leaving his house. I have not seen him.
I have not got a house yet, so no answer from ‘Morris’, Mrs Williams’ landlord. It is rather expensive but the convenience is worth it and only 3/- more than this and easily let too.
[…] Of course you know a lot of Belgians have left here and more going. There will be 120 houses vacant and 150 applicants, without me.
[…] I note what you say about a tambourine and triangle. Morris wants a flute! Will see what can be done. He also wants socks and boots. It is quite nice to go out at night now, all the lamps are alight. How did we endure all the time of darkness? Our dawn is coming too, soon I hope. Now I must stop, roll on time with my next letter. Have done as you asked with the two you sent me this week.
Love from Morris and
Your loving wife Lucy
32 North Avenue Letchworth
January 2nd 1919
My dear Frank
I do hope you will forgive the delay in answering your welcome letter, but last evening when I settled to write I had an attack of my old enemy neuralgia, and all this morning I was out and this afternoon the girls went to a party at Nellie Briant’s house, and I had to make an extra fuss of Morris and read to him till he went to bed, and then the girls came home and have just settled them to bed and having my supper while writing this, 9 o’clock now. My time is very fully occupied. I am sorry to say the children have all got bad colds and coughs. I am afraid they have been indoors too much. I also had a bad turn of Sciatica, [it] took me on Sunday and I could not move. It was better on Sunday afternoon, though it stopped me going to the social and I have not heard if it went off well. The weather has been very damp and that may have caused it. I believe a great feature of the Socials now is the performance of the Labour Choir, under the direction of Mr Gomersal and it is very good too. We went to Mrs Gregory’s last Friday and Chrissie had her birthday party on Sat; only 4 little girls and I could get no margarine, only ¼ of butter to last the week, and I had had none since before Christmas but as long as I can get nutter I can manage. The children enjoyed themselves and I provided a grand feast out of nothing as usual.
We went to a Christmas at Bedford House. Miss Wales next door [to] Miss W was there too with her eight, making 15 children.138 They had rare fun. It is wonderful to watch children enjoying life and its pleasures and they ought to have plenty of it I think. The seriousness of it comes soon enough.
[…] I don’t know whether it is really more cold than usual or whether it is the quality of our food does nourish sufficiently. Miss Lawes holds this view, she told me yesterday; she had never felt the cold so much. She misses so much dried fruits: currants, dates, prunes etc. which are not impossible to get, are quite beyond people only receiving a small income. They are very sad just now and Miss L very rebellious. The sailor brother has been drowned. He leaves a young wife and a little boy of 3 in Canada. This sort of thing one is always hearing and makes one wonder what do we live for [...]
Chrissie has got a new game, Snakes and Ladders, and Morris dominoes so they have now plenty of amusement but they will be glad to go back to school. The girls go next Tuesday and Morris a week later. I certainly have less time when they are at home and seem more tired. Of course there is always more to do in the winter time and the days are very short just now. I sometimes wish we slept all the winter; it would suit me fine, only it would be wasting one’s life.
I do not think I have anything more to say this time, only to ask if you would like the Adult School handbook or lesson sheet with daily readings. Will you let me know if I may send them to you?
Now I must stop. Sorry the letter is not so long as usual, but perhaps more news next week. The children all send love to Daddy and mine as usual to my dear hubby.
Your loving wife
Lucy
January 6th 1919
Bedford Prison
Dear Lucy
Your first letter this year to hand. It is not nearly as newsy as the letter of last year nor does it cover so large a field of social welfare. I am afraid you [are] unwell or at least as little faint by the way. You must cheer me up and make an effort as Dickens says.
I know the time of separation has been long but surely you have had some compensation for my absence. Friends have rallied round you and I feel sure you have had opportunities of getting closer to the children than perhaps would otherwise have been possible. Just compare yourself and the children with Carrie and her family. I think much unhappiness can and does come to homes in which the father is placed too much to the fore.
Your picture of Morris and self playing draughts gave me great pleasure and I trust the companionship between you may never be broken […]
As to myself I can say that in spite, possibly because, of my imprisonment I have not altogether wasted my time. I have made progress in Esperanto which may be useful if I ever get the chance to travel on the continent and will certainly be a great help to the getting in touch with progressive movements in other countries. I have had the opportunity to think over and thrash out many of the problems which have perplexed me and have done a considerable amount of reading, some of which has been useful. After all our lives are not given us just to get enjoyment from but that we may play our part in the great programme of progress laid down by the Master Mind. I am well aware that we differ as to what constitutes progress but in spite of that there is a guiding star for us all and it comes to each separately. I mean the knowledge of right or the voice of conscience, this must determine our action and if we follow whither it leads all will be well.
You are downhearted over the election. It is disappointing from one point of view, I admit, but when one remembers how persistently the glamour of victory [was promoted] by the British, and no mention of the other Allies and the part they have played or the uprising on the part of the enemy, coupled with almost fanatical hero-worship of [Lloyd George], one has cause to be proud that there are as many workers who are not led away but are determined to work out their own destiny. Promises by politicians of the LG type which are not carried out are like fowls, they come home to roost and the future contains some very grave and serious problems which will require careful handling. Clap trap does not cure social ills any more than Beecham’s pills cure poverty.139
[…]
32 North Avenue Letchworth
January 7th 1919
My dear Frank
It seems my letters to you lately do not give you the satisfaction or pleasure they used. I am sorry but I do not intend to convey the impression that anything is wrong with me, altho’ when I wrote to you last week I had rheumatism badly in neck and shoulders and knees and felt the miss of the girls. I am quite better again now.
I am afraid I cannot agree as to the compensation for your absence. I have perhaps kept closer to the children so that they should not miss you very much but of course I cannot be you as well as myself. As for comparing us with Carrie and her children, or any of them, we don’t come on the same page. The girls heard Katie and Carrie say I was wonderful and they cannot understand how we can be cheerful. I hope too that my son and I will always be pals, I think so.
I did not feel equal to New Resolutions. I don’t think I have ever omitted to before but they so often come to nought. We can only go on from day to day, so many changes happen in a year nowadays. This time last year I never expected such a long holiday in lovely Devonshire.
I saw Mr Fox on Sat. He finds it colder here but he will have to stay awhile […]
I cannot say that last year was altogether a failure although it contained some, and some disappointments too. For one thing the Adult School has been. The last 3 weeks I was the only one present. We are having the Annual Meeting tomorrow when I give up office and Mrs Myles too. The last year certainly contained experiences, one of which I cannot ever forget and seems always with me, but [a] change of house and you home to talk to and be with, especially at night, will soon wear it off. I am glad you feel you have not altogether wasted your time and perhaps you will be able to help me when problems perplex. No, our lives are not given for enjoyment, but for the progress of ourselves as well as the race. I feel sure it must be so, else why these trials and experiences? This short span for each one cannot be all, but that I am content to leave, the next life is of little interest as no-one really knows or remembers (for sure) a previous existence […]
Katie seemed very poorly and the girls said she was really ill one day while they were there. She is much happier than she used to be and Jack is still around; that is the reason. He lives in the house and is very good to her, makes her take care of herself and does it for her. Dad just accepts it and takes no notice. Of course they did not talk about you, only asked how you were and when coming home. We avoided subjects we do not agree on. We have made our stand and they know it.
On looking further into the Election results, the position is not so bad and not so hopeless as at first appeared and as the [Labour Leader] has it ‘our propaganda must be unceasing and our organisation strengthened. We shall soon be in the flowing tide’ […] Another correspondent says ‘the five ILP spokesmen in the last parliament have as the Times truly says “paid the price” of loyalty to their principles, but I fancy the organs of reaction are rejoicing too soon at the “annihilation” of the ILP. Mr MacDonald and Mr Snowden and their colleagues are as powerful out of Parliament as in and the ILP is not robbed of its spirit by a parliamentary defeat.’
I have not got a house yet. I called on Mr Morris on Sat but he would not give me an answer then. Miss Whale next door is leaving for London and would like me to have stored her furniture, so that would have been one room let till June and I should have had no increased rent, and then another room to spare. That would have suited me nicely but as she was to know tomorrow morning and move on Friday and I have heard nothing yet, I may consider that is off and not to be.
[…] Mr Eastman wrote on Monday telling me to send him my book to save rewriting as I could no longer continue to collect! Cheek. I answered by return that I wanted to be quite clear about purchase of business before I finally gave up. I am still awaiting a reply.
I had a letter last Friday from CO Information Bureau, Adam St, Adelphi asking your previous employment, if it was still open, I said doubtful, and if there was any other sympathetic employer willing to give you work. I gave Bradley Pass and Milton … Guildford as he has applied to War Office for you. A reply was asked for immediately, of course I did, by return. I never heard of them before, nor has Mrs Middleton. Perhaps it is some idea about release on the expiration of your sentence as you have done over two years. That was one of the promises that was not fulfilled, and with men who had done one year on the scheme, some seem to get out alright. Mr Thomas said last year there were 1,200 odd at Dartmoor and now there is only between 300–400. Of course some can’t stand the work and exposure. Jack is very unhappy about accepting the scheme, but they have not got the Friends in London so you can understand why he did it.
Rowntree Gillet is coming here soon to speak at Howgills. I might get to see him. I have heard nothing of Newtown, but have you heard of a Commonwealth Community to be opened near Ross? I was told [the] Wiltshires were joining them eventually. He is home and started work at Kidds (temporary), soon find something better. The pay is small and work impossible some days. Yesterday I received interest 1/5 (2/- less income tax) for the London City and Midland on Stock, to be signed by you. (I think it can wait.) I believe it is what Miss Jefferies spoke about, but I have received no papers in your name, as she said I should, so now I must write to her.
I have not said before how nice it is to go out at night and have the street lamps and electric lights to guide us from the ditches […]
I hope I have not exceeded the limit in this letter but the sheets are smaller than usual. Paper still keeps very dear, but some things have come down a bit and we shall soon do without coupons.
I hope you are well. Love from us all.
Your loving wife Lucy
January 13th 1919
Bedford Prison
Dearest Lucy
Your last letter was an evidence of the fact that you were in a better frame of mind, for which I am thankful. I like to think of you as always cheerful and bright, surmounting all the obstacles, as they rise in your path, with a courage born of faith. Sorry to hear of the Rheumatism. It must be catching for I myself have been suffering a little with it. The weather keeps mild and the sunrises and sunsets are very beautiful but do not last very long. I hope we do not get so severe a winter as last year, but time is rolling on nicely.
I do not know whether you find time drags or not but for myself the weeks fly by which is a great consolation as each week brings us nearer to freedom and to reunion with those we love. Do not dwell too much on a speedy reunion but just wait patiently. It will come all right. Am sorry to hear about the Adult School but perhaps it will revive. How is the Men’s school? Have you paid them a visit recently? I have heard nothing concerning the Ross Community but should you get the details please send on the information as communes are in the air just now.
Now for a startler. Are you willing to go to the South Sea Islands and settle there? After getting your breath and giving the matter a little consideration perhaps you can reply. I have just read the life of Henry Drummond who was a great man in the Presbyterian Church and he paid a visit to those islands some thirty years ago and describes them as containing all that man can desire. To be sure the natives were cannibals, but such trifles as those should not deter COs.
The scenery is magnificent and the temperature is subtropical. One can get three crops a year and grow everything one wants from maize to melons. As to clothes, well the natives wear but little and they work less. Drummond says they are better off than Scottish crofters. Conscription and such like troubles would vanish and general elections would be things to read of but not take part in, whilst the women’s question would solve itself. Capital is necessary of course, so perhaps it is as well that you have got such a goldmine in your chickens from which you may perhaps draw that which will be required. We could buy a fairly large estate for a small sum and native wages are low compared with European. Do not mention this scheme to anyone but think well on it.
I have received Shelley and it is like having an old friend from home to see the familiar binding. A world without books to a man who can read would be a solitary world indeed. I am at present reading a most interesting book by A Upward, The Divine Mystery, in which he describes the origin and growth of religion. It is most interesting and I am afraid if widely read will cause a great stir amongst some of the orthodox folks. For instance he connects the taking of the sacrament with the ancient rite of human sacrifice, when it was supposed the virtue of the victim passed to him who should partake of the remains. I will tell you more of this when once again we sit together round the fireside.
Esperanto books not yet to hand but I await them patiently […]
I hope you manage to hear Rowntree Gillett as he is sure to have a cheerful message. Sorry New Town does not seem to be making headway but we must have patience. Evidently the parent company is not formed yet […]
32 North Avenue Letchworth
January 15th 1919
My dear Frank
Glad to say I feel much better. Had a very busy time since I wrote you last week, helping [the] Palmers move. Mrs P did not come because the baby would need all her attention, so he came last Thurs eve, and we were Friday and Sat packing etc. The house and furniture was in a dirty broken condition. He went back on Sat eve leaving Miss Wilder, Mr Cree and I to see things in the van. Leeke packed goods in [the] Railway van. Such a day too was Mon and Tuesday; the horse broke down so could not finish till Tues. They like Normandy very much and still want you. I told him you would go for a holiday, perhaps later on, and see how you liked it.
I shall probably be going to the first house opposite here, Mrs Hardy’s; her husband was discharged last Sat and has work in London. My application will come before the Directors last Tuesday and I shall hear by post. Mr Pearsal is giving the preference to Soldiers’ wives, but Mr Ladd the Sec. said he would do what could for me. The house and garden will be small but convenient and the move easy and cheap, so I hope it comes off.
You certainly gave me a startler by what you proposed. You mentioned it before but I did not think you were serious. It would require great consideration of course. Would the climate suit Chrissie? I’m afraid not, and what about New Town? Aren’t we getting too old to make a fresh start in a new country? I should like very much to travel for a year or two. Of course we can only think of such plans. We may all have to leave England. There are rumours of you all being sent to France for four years on reconstruction so it is well to prepare ourselves for anything in the way of surprises or shocks, more separation or anything.
I have no details about the Ross Community and have heard no more.140 I saw Mrs Wiltshire at the Social on Sunday evening which was a great success, such a social feeling of fellowship, everyone seemed cheerful, I quite enjoyed it, only it is not nice to come home alone and all the children asleep. They are very good about me going out. We have started our Adult school on Tuesday evening again, now there is no fear of raids. We had only a few [people] last Tues but it was such a night yesterday, and today the weather is lovely, quite a feeling of spring in the air. I am sitting with the kitchen window open and washing blowing in the sunshine outside. We shall miss the openness but never mind; perhaps every disadvantage has a compensation.
[…]. The women’s Labour Party are now holding meetings once a week at Common View, with the idea of the coming election to do with the changing of Rural to Urban, and local matters [that] should be of interest to women, if parliamentary [ones] do not. I heard of such a lot who did not vote at the Election because they did not understand and did not know their husband’s views and would not go against them. I believe even the majority of men do not understand politics.
I have two Esperanto books for you; hope you will find them of interest. Tickle tells me he has sent you some Punch;141hope they will help to pass the time. I do not find the time drags at all heavily. I am too busy and even the time you have been away does not seem so long, unless I look back and think what a lot has happened and how we have all grown.
[…] Love from us all hoping you keep well and strong in spirit.
Yours ever Lucy
20.1.1919
Bedford Prison
Mia Amata Edzinon
You last letter cheered me muchly. It was newsy. So the Palmers have gone at last, lock stock and barrel. I thought somehow you would be requisitioned for the job. I hope your own will soon be over
I am pleased with your arrangements and hope that Mr Pearsall will give a favourable reply.
Now as to the South Sea Bubble, it is only a bubble as far as I am concerned but I thought I would send you a shock and had a quiet laugh over it to myself. My work lies here in England if there is anything more for me to do. There are troublous times ahead and it seems cowardly to me to run away and find a place to take it easy in.
As to the rumour you sent, I suppose you did not trace it to its source. I do not believe it because it is absurd. Do you suppose that men who have spent nearly three years in prison for refusal to be coerced against their will for one thing will accept coercion for another thing equally bad? The idea underlying the rumour is not ‘Can the CO’s do useful work?’ but make them do something and so smash them. I do not think the Govt want any more trouble: this they can avoid even if it means keeping us in prison longer.
I am glad you are strong enough to look a further separation in the face calmly as it shows you still have a reserve of faith. Glad the ILP Social was such a success and that fellowship was its principal feature. Wish they could pass some of it on to us, as we so often feel shut from the world which we know so well and it is not good to be forced in upon oneself for so long. Thank Tickle for the three vols of Punch he has sent and say they are very welcome. Talking of books, Wiltshire has my Ingoldsby Legends. Perhaps Dora would like to read it […]
I wish you all success in your school efforts and I am sure it will go on again and become a force for good amongst the women of Letchworth. Women are awaking everywhere and although the war has temporarily diverted their attention from this thing and drawn them into its many ramifications it cannot hold them always and this thing will look for fresh channels for their energy. Schoolwork offers just such an opportunity for coming together to gain strength and courage and knowledge.
[…] I send you all my love and my spirit longs for thee. Be of good cheer. After the clouds have broken the sun will shine for us.
Yours ever, Frank.
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
January 21st 1919
My dear Frank,
Glad to get yours this morning and glad to see no depression. I must tell you first that I cannot have the house opposite, so goodness knows where and when I shall be moving. Mr Cree and Mr Cobbold were going to help me this week. I believe Mr Cree goes to Normandy next week, but I don’t think he will stay there long somehow. Of course they want him when their goods arrive to help put straight. He would have been so much use to me helping with chicken houses and sheds. However I have not got a house yet and doesn’t seem very likely to get one, although 800 Belgians are going next Monday. I am not worrying and will get better weather, perhaps, by the time I do go. I quite think Marshall cannot turn me out, it will have to be Palmer.
Anyway as it happens I am very glad I am not moving this week, as I have got both the girls ill, with very bad feverish colds. Dora has been in bed since Friday night and Chrissie since Sat night. They were not improving at all so thought it best to send for the Dr yesterday. Wilson came (a great improvement on Mac). He said they must stay in bed and I had to go down for some medicine which has reduced the temperature. The weather is so bad and the house damp and cold in spite of fires; I shall have to be careful of further chills. They are both together in the back bedroom and happy enough with dolls and books. They cough and get so hot at night. It came on rather sudden. I thought it was flue as it has come about again. Of course it makes more to do for me, they want reading to and feeding with little tit-bits, you know. Morris is my handy man. I kept him in bed last Thursday with a cold but he has nearly recovered. It ties me to the house as they do not like to be left. I could not go to school tonight and Mr Hal Jones was going to speak for us.
I am sending you the handbook and I will get you the Fellowship Hymn Book as soon as I can. Have you the Esperanto book and the Mayor of Casterbridge? Miss Bixley wants it taken care of. She is Sec pro tem of the ILP. I quite agree that our work lies in England. It was too bad of you to try to give me a shock but I am nearly used to you and to your startlers, and warn you that I shall tell you exactly what I think of any future proposals. The rumour I spoke of came from Thomas for one. I agree with your view altho’ I had not thought of it like that. No doubt some would go willingly but it does not seem fair to make a man help to reconstruct what he refused to help destroy […]
Some day you will be able to tell the children all about Politics and I shall understand better than I used. They will soon be old enough; just now it is fairy stories and Chrissie is beginning to like reading for herself but they all enjoy being read to. If you was here to do it I should be able to sew or knit. We are going to have some happy hours I really believe.
I am afraid I have no news for you this week but I want to tell you the lilac trees are still alive though not grown very much. You asked me this a little while ago. I have also been asked how to remove blisters from veneer. It is on the top of a burr walnut table and I thought you would know.
I am glad to know the spring is coming and it cannot be such a severe winter as last year. We may have a cold spring but not so much frost and snow. I hope not, as coal is not at all plentiful and lots of people are without any now. I get a little and have to eke it out with coke and wood.
[…] Mrs Bartholomew is going to ask Mr Pearce the CO for me as he has some cottages and people are beginning to move about, beside Belgians. I also have my name down for one in Westholm Green. Next door to Tickles is likely to become vacant soon.
I must stop now. Morris is waiting to go to the post with it and he does not like to be kept waiting. His chief amusement is modelling with plasticine. He had a box for Christmas and makes some very clever things, such attention to details which I consider a good thing.
We all send lots of love and long for your return, but I am waiting patiently till the powers that be decide to give you freedom and your help and companionship to your family
and loving wife Lucy
January 27th 1919
Dearest Lucy
It was with very mixed feelings that I read your letter. The news of the illness of the girls brought back the memory of my first months here. I am glad we can communicate so much more frequently as suspense is the worst punishment because it leaves the mind free to all the ills of imagination and morbidness. I trust the girls are themselves again by this time and that you are none the worse for your enforced confinement to the house and additional strain in nursing them. I should much like to be home with you and be able to read the book both they and you and I could enjoy. I like your picture of future happiness […] Sorry to hear about the housing problem but quite agree that you should not worry; something will turn up, if it is only the bailiffs to take possession of the property. If you wait long enough the weather will get warmer and you might even carry out the caravan idea or camp on the common. It would be well perhaps to have your good trunk packed and keep your bonnet on so that you are prepared to meet any eventuality.
Now for serious matters. You ask how to remove blisters etc from [a] table top. The easiest way is to sell the table or burn it and buy a new one. If this advice cannot be followed and an attempt to procure a remedy is determined on you must procure a Man, failing a man try a woman. Next get some hot water and swab, dip swab in hot water and place over blisters. This will cause the glue to become soft and allow of a sharp pointed knife to be run underneath the surrounding parts. When a sufficient part of the surrounding surface (which must be determined by the blisters and their nearness to each other) has been raised it will be necessary to run some hot glue, which must not be too thick nor used too liberally, underneath the veneer and a hot piece of zinc or wood must be cramped down on the surface. This will, if done properly, cause the veneer which has stretched through the action of the heat and the water to dry and again lay flat. If the blister is too far from the edge of the table to allow of cramps being used the process is a slower one because the hot water must not be used so freely and the glue must be squeezed out with the point of a flat nosed hammer and the work cannot be left until it is quite certain that all glue is squeezed out and is nearly dry. After all is set hard, scrape and clean up for polishing in the ordinary way. If the blisters are not too bad and the person who is going to do the job has had no experience either in veneering or polishing, my advice is let it alone or the result may be worse than the blister. Grease the zinc or wood to prevent it sticking. This sort of thing makes my fingers itch and I long for my workshop but I must wait patiently […]
32 North Avenue, Letchworth Herts
Jan 28 1919
My dear Frank
Your letter arrived this morning in the snow, and such a heavy fall too quite a foot. One thing, it is a little warmer today, but the sky looks very much like more.
I know how anxious you are to know how the children are and I am glad to tell you they are improving. Dora is up again on Sunday for the first time, but she must not go out of the room. Chrissie has been very ill, but is on the mend and with care I think will soon be herself again. I have had a very anxious week and often felt very much alone, but have been helped and strengthened and have faith enough to know I shall not want for anything.
Morris has not been ill, just a little cold and he could not seem to understand the girls could not stand his high spirits and noise, and unfortunately he had to be in the room as I could only keep one fire going. I am right out of coal now, so went to Mrs Middleton and got a pailful this morning. She carried up some logs too for me, so I can go on for a few days. I should not mind only for the children; they must be kept warm, in fact that is more important than medicine. Many houses are without fuel just now, and now the snow has come that will make a further delay. My chickens have struck, too. Perhaps they are not getting sufficient attention. I was very much amused at the idea of waiting for something to turn up, quite Micawber like.142 We seem to have been all our life waiting always for something to turn up, a turn of fortune. I wonder will it ever come. I do not wish for wealth but comfort and not struggling. The people who have sufficient to live on comfortably or who earn good wages do not seem to be short of coals nor are they troubled about houses, having their own or renting good ones. I look forward to our own in New Town and a comfortable old age, but we have a lot of work to accomplish before then. The children are all my work just now; it is not only the nursing, day and night, but cooking, cleaning, washing and shopping all by myself and all spare time reading to and amusing in many ways. I have been reading Dombey & Son to myself while sitting up at nights. I shall try another Dickens; they are so very interesting and life-like, it makes the time pass more quickly. One gets tired of the long evenings and nights with only candlelight too. I am wondering if you find them long and if you feel the cold; you will almost certainly forget what a fire looks like. In our house we will have one grate at least for burning logs. Palmers have only one for coal, that is in the kitchen. They have got their goods all safe and sound (thanks to our packing) and are getting straight. I should think Mrs P will be glad to have her own home again, living in other people’s houses since August, with a baby too, they seem to like the place.
Arthur Fiennes is not getting better very quickly and is going away for a bit to the Home Dr Salter has opened for the COs.143 I met him last week and they sent greetings to you. Quite a number of discharged soldiers are coming back now. I have seen Parsons of Glebe Rd working in gardens, still in Khaki. I did not know he had been called up. Lindsey’s son is not home yet; he is at an airdrome at Grantham and they all went on strike because they were not being demobilized as fast as promised
[…]
Mr Brunt says I cannot be turned out till six months after the war is over (when peace is signed) so I need not worry, and if you are home soon one move will do. Of course I cannot possibly think of it while the bad weather lasts.
The story is highly appreciated and the next instalment eagerly looked for. Your letters must still wait for another week when I hope they will all be well.
Wed. Sorry to say Morris is now down with the same thing as the girls, same symptoms; he came on in the night, so I expect another week with him but I am thankful that some coals have just come. How glad I shall be when the winter is over; the snow lays so thick up to my gaiter tops going up to the chickens. I always think how much you would enjoy all the trials of weather and so on, had you the freedom to do so. I have no news, only grumbles it seems: forgive me. I am really keeping quite cheerful and smiling. Arthur Francis has just been in. He feels unable to write to you or anyone, cannot concentrate his thoughts. He hopes you keep well and cheerful. He says things are not looking very [good] for COs but the government won’t have it all its own way. There are 2 proposals dealing with the question of demobilisation which will affect you all. The first is release [of] all men (from military) who joined up previous to Jan? 1916; the second to release all men over 35. The first of course will mean no COs. This is not decided yet, anyway I myself do not think you will be kept much longer. I feel we shall soon see the dawn of day for us. We have had a long night but surely day must come soon. I am thinking of writing to Fritton next week, also your mother; have you any message for them? I know you will understand this letter being shorter than I have written lately. Do not be over anxious about us, everything will be quite alright. Lots of love from our children and myself.
Your ever loving wife Lucy
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
February 3rd 1919
My dear Frank
The children are nearly well again, so no further cause for anxiety. So sorry you did not get my letter till Sunday. No one came in and I could not leave Morris to go out and post it. I watched for Nelly Briant coming home from school on Thursday afternoon and asked her to take it for me so you should have got it sooner. Morris came into the sitting room today and the girls have gone into the front bedroom to sleep so now we are altogether more comfortable and better. I shall keep them indoors while the snow lasts, but I hope they will be able to return to school on Monday […]
We are all very concerned at the state of affairs, strikes etc, but of course we expected it all. I only hope the worst of the winter will be gone before the trouble reaches the climax, although it is bad enough in Glasgow, soldiers, machine guns and tanks ready for the word to quell the mobs.144 The trouble is no doubt spreading and this will give you an idea of the state of the world at the present time. There is also trouble with the soldiers at Calais and in Belgium.145 The Belgians who were to have gone back last Wed have not gone yet, but their luggage was collected and still lays at the station, while the people are living in almost empty houses, no beds, or blankets or extra clothing, cannot get coals or firing. Some have been supplied with straw mattresses and some are sleeping in the Howard Hall. It is a serious matter altogether […]
I understand the mood of your letter perfectly and feel you are right, but I really do not know how is best to write to you. I must talk about the children and home matters. I never feel that you are outside our lives and every day I expect you may return. Our part in this fight is quite equally divided and each of us as we can bear it best, you mentally and I physically. Sometimes I feel I am tried to the uttermost, as you do, but we are still able to go on. I feel the promise very true, ‘As our day so our strength shall be’. It does not matter about you having the power to ask for help, does a child have to ask its father or mother for its daily food? Our faith is kept strong that we have a Father, or power above us […]
I hope you will get this soon this week. I am posting it at once.
We all send lots of love to you.
Your loving wife, Lucy
February 3rd 1919
My Dearest Wife
I received your letter on Sunday and I must say that I have been anxious about you all. Since being here I have learned something of the anxious spirit which we have seen expressed in some folk we know well, and at whom we have often expressed dissatisfaction because their fears were usually groundless. This fear is bred from inaction and impotence and is a real thing, bringing with it to any one possessed of the power of imagination, great horrors and vivid pictures of the improbable if not the impossible.
You know my characteristics very well and know that inactivity in any form was almost an impossibility. This experience has compelled me to relegate to the nethermost part of my brain all active thought about you and the children and home and I have to feel as if you are all apart from my life, as it were. It may sound harsh and cruel to you as you read it but nevertheless it is only by so doing that I have been able to preserve my health and sanity […]
All this must seem strange to you but remember I have been away from you and the children for over two years and have been compelled to preserve my outlook on life and contact with you all by the use of mental pictures only. The result is that I have become like a well-fed and groomed horse or ass, sound in wind and limb to do the task allotted and to enjoy the food supplied, also to sleep well, but were I when sitting at my tea to think of you and the children other than in a happy state, my enjoyment would be gone, impotent need for action and thwarted desire would burst out and the result would be chaos.
You mentioned some little while ago that the contact seemed difficult. I think you will see why that should be so. Your letter tells me plainly how hard a time you are having and I can and do realise it all and I write to you like this. What is the use of me saying how sorry I am and that I hope the children will soon be well? My whole body and soul is just asking to be with you and to help you as you know I would, and words are useless to convey real true love and sympathy. I think this expression must be similar to the experience of the dead, if after death they can still retain the love and sympathy towards those they leave behind unless there is a means of communication of which we at present know nothing […]
February 10th 1919
Dearest Lucy
Your letter came to hand quite promptly and the news it contained has relieved my anxiety and given me much joy. I am glad you are all in the improvement stage and trust you will none of you have a relapse. The weather is quite wintry now and the winds are treacherous so you must be careful, as undoubtedly the pleasure of sliding and tobogganing are great temptations for the youngsters. We here have all the disadvantages of winter without any of its corresponding pleasures. No fireside chats or merry dances and laughing exploits on the ice, such as Dickens loved to write of, but our consolation is that it will pass away like all other things and the summer will come even though her journey seems somewhat tardy.
Sorry to hear that the friends are so downhearted, but you must tell them that we do not expect them to get our liberation and are content if they just extend their sympathy to those we love and then make their part easier to bear. The future belongs to us so we can afford to wait patiently and we do try to be so.
Your news about Glasgow is startling but quite what can be expected from the government. They are powerless to deal with live issues and know no other method but force. It is a fine object lesson to the working man conscripted into the army to be ordered to shoot down his fellow countrymen because he dares to demand a better share of the country’s wealth which he himself creates. Every act of the government makes our attitude stand out in greater clearness, and of course they see in us a menace to them and I do not think they will let us go before they are forced to do so. The strikes represent more to my mind than a mere demand for better conditions of labour. It is the commencement of the end and nothing but full freedom will satisfy the workers. This will mean a long and bitter struggle carried on only in the industrial and political planes but I think that a new moral spirit is coming into being and this will temper the efforts of the workers and make them feel that their struggle is not against men as such but against old ideas and ideals which are holding men in thralldom as surely as the wage earner is held by wage slavery. The time is not far distant when a man will be considered as immoral and base who dares to make a fortune by exploiting his fellow men and when such ideals are generally held the better time will have arrived. The worker can afford to laugh at tanks etc, if they will only be wise enough to make no demonstration and give the military the chance to use their horrible weapons. All they need do is to sit quietly at home and let the owners do their own work. What a change it would be. Fancy your next door neighbours having to go down a coal mine to get their own coal. I think such a state of affairs would soon put a different complexion on the matter […]
Accept my love and fond caresses,
Yours Ever
Frank
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
February 11th 1919
My dear Frank
Your letter received this morning as expected. What a blessing the post is (sometimes).
Glad to say we all continue well and the children have gone to school quite happy. Dora went to Mrs Gregory’s on Sat evening and Chrissie to the Gym display last night and neither seems any worse. I took Christine and found Leslie Barker’s mother takes a great part with the children, marking register etc. She came and spoke to Chrissie and myself, mentioned you, of course, and said the latest date of release is Mar 31st; what tales we hear! I shall let Dora and Morris go again, the experience is worth the 6d, 2d each. I only wish we had such things when we were young, but we must not deny our children these things that make for progress and improvement of the race. I was told last week of a girl who had been well educated at the sacrifice of her parents and at 18 had married an Australian soldier and would have to go back with him presently, so she would probably be lost to her parents. The fact was bemoaned but I pointed out she would undoubtedly be a better wife and mother for knowledge, and would not allow her children to know less than herself so we must sink ourselves in the lives of our children.
Dora had a good time on Sat. I went to fetch her home and was made very welcome and we had cocoa and biscuits before we returned. It was very cold and slippery. How the snow and frost is lasting! It is rather trying, but today in such a lovely sunshine all the snow sparkles and the children are having a lovely time sliding and sledging. Glebe Road slopes and on to the Common and Wilbury Hill are very much alive, and really it is warmer out than indoors.
Coal is still very short. Katie tells me there are queues at coal shops with bags and sacks for a little to go on with; much good the Rationing was. Of course those wicked strikers are to be blamed for all shortages now. Katie thinks it is too bad of them. They are like a lot of spoilt children who cry for the moon. There is some sense when there is a real grievance. She does not understand of course. She says now the Tube has started again the lift attendants are so cheeky, have that air about them that they are indispensable! Of course they are, all the workers are, and as fast as the wages go up cost of living goes out […]
I have many bad hours thinking of you and your experiences, especially this severe weather. I expect some day we shall look back on this part of our lives as a bad dream. One thing, although the children will remember it they have not suffered either physically nor by any bad feeling at school among their little friends or teachers. This week in a special CO No. of the Labour Leader and even the Christian World is taking up the question of your continued imprisonment, so I still feel we shall soon be together again.
Mrs Williams on Sunday mentioned the South Sea Islands and the children were very interested as I had not told them when you wrote to me about it. Dora wants to go. She has a spirit of adventure in her I believe which will out some day. Mrs Williams was telling me what she learnt from Mr Ogilvie by the way. Mrs Hunter tells me the boys are still in the guardroom not court martialled yet, but Francis has again got calling-up papers and now he is in bed with Bronchitis.146
There is quite a lot of excitement here as 1,800 Belgians are leaving tomorrow, Wed morning. They go in special trains straight to Tilbury. There are 40 trucks of luggage as the shops are full of the people buying up to carry with them, food and clothing. Some of them will not reach home before Sat and such cold weather for them to travel, but they are happy enough. One thing they have done very well here and have plenty of money and many of them have their homes to go back to just as they left them, taken care of by neighbours […]
There is a new large dock to be built in London and a lot of houses, slums, to be demolished to make room, but 207 new houses to be put in the place of them on Garden City lines. We shall have a new London in time no doubt, as the people wake up. I was interested in an article in the Manchester Guardian on Labour unrest, a working woman’s point of view and she says many women voted for Coalition at the Election because they thought they would nationalise the land and railways etc […]
This article was written by a dressmaker who ‘wants England to be great in the wealth of a happy, wise, generous and brave people, healthy and free’. I am going to cut it out and send it to Katie. Mrs Middleton gave me the paper to read what they say about the continued imprisonment of COs.
Sorry to say only Mrs Vandyke and myself at [Adult] school tonight. I really think I must give it up. It seems hard work to keep alive just a tiny spark and is it worthwhile. The Church Hall have taken our women on something on every afternoon or eve; they leave ours.
Now I must stop. Lots of love from us all, always hoping to see you home soon.
Lucy
Should you like a visit?
February 17th 1919
Mia Mata Edzinon
Your sweet letter came along quite quickly and was full of interesting matter. It was with great satisfaction that I read the news concerning the children and I sincerely hope you will not suffer any ill effects from the strain of nursing and the cold weather. As you say it has been wintry but there are signs now of it disappearing. The snow has nearly all gone and drizzly rain fell yesterday. Everything looks very cheerless indeed. If we get a little sunshine we shall see the trees begin to burst their buds, and even now the bulb plants are well out of the ground and I expect you will soon see the snowdrop flower. Our old chestnut trees here are always beautiful in their leafless state; they show the delicate slender branch formation which when in full leaf is hidden, and two mornings last week during the heavy rime frost they were covered with a silvery white garment which gave them a most beautiful effect.
I quite agree with you that it is easier to keep warm out of doors than in, but am glad to be able to say I can sleep warmly at night. Am rejoiced to know that the children were able to enjoy some of the winter sports as these things do so live in the memory […]
I was greatly surprised to hear about Francis. This cat and mouse treatment is awful, but there may be a bright side to it. It may be a means of giving him his discharge from the army. When I think of our position I positively laugh at government administration. Here are we, just a mere handful of men, who if scattered throughout the community in the ordinary role of citizens would be an insignificant unit capable of doing no harm whatever to the Govt, even if we so desired, which we don’t, and no-one would give us a moment’s serious thought. Yet by keeping us in prison and repeatedly punishing us for the same illegal offence, they bring us before the public and make us the subject for discussion and dissention everywhere, causing themselves an awful lot of work and care, which I should have thought in the interest of smoothness of administration etc it would have been well to avoid […]
Your extract from the MG was excellent and reads like an ILP tract. I trust it may enlighten Katie but I am afraid she has never yet asked herself ‘What am I doing for the race to which I belong’ or decided to what class she does belong. She is still in the (man property) stage and the domestic circle, where I suppose you ought to be but I am glad to say that in thought you left it years and years ago. I hope you will not infer from this that I think you as old as Methuselah.
You speak of a visit and I leave it to you to decide whether you come or not, as you reply so will I act.
I hear that our question is coming up in the House this week so perhaps something may happen […] I am well and full of hope for the bright future which is coming.
All my love F
32 North Avenue, Letchworth, Herts
February 18th 1919
My dear Frank
Glad to know that you are still well and can sleep warm. Like you I thought we had finished with the snow after the rain. This morning the girls (who sleep in the front bedroom) called to me that it was snowing and lay on the ground quite thick; I was very much surprised. Of course they all went to school and are quite well. Chrissie had to stay home yesterday because her boots were wet and she had not a second pair like the others. I went this morning and bought her a pair so she was able to change at dinner time. They also took shoes to school, so should take no harm. I am more careful because I do not want them ill again.
We went to Mrs Williams’s on Sunday soon after dinner and was glad she had invited us as I had no coal or coke and it was raining so not pleasant to sit fireless. I had some brought on Monday morning, but 1 cwt does not go far you know, but one of coke too helps out. Do you know why they are both the same price now, 2/3 cwt, isn’t it high?
[…] I asked you about the visit just as you like. I have no news that I cannot write. Of course I should like to see you but if you would rather wait another month I don’t mind. (Perhaps you will be home. As your time will be up in April, what date?) perhaps next month would be best.
Of course I have not moved yet, nor got a house. I find all the Glebe Rd houses occupied by the Belgians are taken up by Vickers. Mr Ladd tells me he has nothing to let or likely to have Returned soldiers come first and they have 200 applications for 50 houses. I asked for one on the ‘Antwerp Colony’147 and went up there this morning in snow and slush to see if he had left any message with Miss Hoge, but he told her what I have already mentioned and could not fix me up. It is my opinion they will not, so I shall not ask again, just wait, like Macawber, but I want to start gardening as soon as we get some decent weather and even if I am safe from being turned out till next winter there will no doubt be the same trouble then and all being unsettled and an annoyance to Marshall’s […]
I did not go to see the Belgians off. The Citizen only briefly mentioned the going: 1,360 in two special trains which went straight to Tilbury docks so each person was allowed 300 lb of luggage. There still remains between 400 and 500 which will make their own arrangements for return but Mrs W’s lodger told me they were mostly waiting for an Ostend boat. They planted a tree with a tablet in Howard Park to commemorate their stay in Letchworth. Some of the houses they have left are filthy dirty and they have been so crowded with lodgers.
I went to a meeting last Wed eve which should have been in Howard Hall, but it was not ready as the Belgians had been camping there, cooking, sleeping and living. So it was in the Wesleyan School Room. It was a ‘Fight the Famine’ meeting arranged by the Friends Service Committee. Some dreadful facts were mentioned of the state of the devastated countries and terrible starvation. In Poland there are no children living under 15; in Cologne 760 thousand people have died of starvation and what babies there are are mere skeletons with no milk or rubber for teats. The Friends got permission from the government to send a large number out to them. Austria and Russia of course is as bad. Food controller Mr Hoover148 says whatever we may do to help there is bound to be about 10,000 people die of starvation in North Russia.
The object of the meeting was chiefly to urge the raising of the blockade which of course is affecting us as well as the enemy (I see we have 3 million workless).149 People of all countries want to be allowed to work and they will be able to get food for themselves. The pity of it is while so many are starving we can now get what Margarine we want without Coupons, and more meat is being allowed, bacon and pork without Coupons and an extra ¼ lb of sugar per head. The difficulty seems to be transport, but if it was troops or guns, that would be got over. Mr Pease has left the National Labour Press and is working for the Friends Service Com […]
Miss Wilding found the Palmers quite settled down at Guildford. He seems quite satisfied with the place and evidently hopes for great things from it presently. In the meantime of course it means all outgoing and nothing coming in but they seem to have the capital to work on so that is alright. They pay out £20 weekly in wages. I believe he is still wanting you, but there are no houses to be had there. He seems to be still looking out for one for us. I daresay he wants to be rid of this. I still send my rent to him. Isn’t silly, when I could pay it direct myself. I think I must suggest it again.
Our new neighbours are very quiet elderly people, no children but they do smile and speak to ours sometimes. I wonder what he has retired on! They have got some rabbits so will not mind my chickens.
Now I must stop, finishing this on Wed morning. Morris just come in and going to post it for me, then they will all be in for dinner.
We all send lots of love to dear Daddy. You are always in our thoughts and we so often talk about you at meals or evenings.
Your loving wife Lucy
Dora will ask about Esperanto book tonight.
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
February 24th 1919
My dear Frank
I hope the lines on this paper will not bother you. My father sent some for the children and I am using it as paper is so dear to buy.
I am so pleased Mr Cubbon was able to see you yesterday. He called in about tea-time and told me all about you. It was as nice as having two letters in one day and I feel sure you would enjoy his visit. He [is] so real, you know what I mean. He will have told you more news than I could have written in a week and he would give you a touch of the outside world. I was going to say the real life, but sometimes it seems to me quite unreal, all the terrible confusion everywhere, strikes, riots, assassinations, revolution and starving people after the peaceful years we have lived, makes one’s head reel and wonder is this really living on this beautiful earth, or is it a taste of hell, or are we dreaming of ancient history. Well we can only sit back and hold tight; whatever it is we shall come alright presently. The worst of it is I feel inclined to be swamped and overwhelmed with it all instead of keeping awake and alert, ready for whatever may happen.
I am sorry I did not tell you more about the CO week in the [Labour Leader] but it was just the same (to us): demand for release, a good article by E D Morel on prison life which made it all more vivid to me than it already was, if possible. Such people urging release as Jerome K Jerome, Dr John Clifford, A Maude Royden, Israel Zangwill, Bertrand Russell.150 No Poem.
I should like to write to you about the meeting of the International at Berne by Mrs Philip Snowden but you would need to read it all and I don’t know what to pick out for you. The Belgians and the Swiss did not attend but the Swiss allowed them to meet in their Volkhaus, which is the Socialist and Labour headquarters at Berne […] Each speech was delivered in three languages, English, German and French, and in the early part speeches were too long, some an hour. The British delegation has won admiration for the brevity of its speeches. We have a British way of coming to the point, much appreciated by weary delegates and translators and on the whole I think we have succeeded in saying all we intended to say and quite enough to make our meaning clear to all the delegates … The least feeling person in England could scarcely have failed to be moved by the physical appearance of the German and Austrian delegates. The effect of short rations upon them was obvious, not only in their sunken cheeks but in the way their clothes hung upon them. The stories told under pressure of the food conditions in the cities of Germany and Austria was enough to move a heart of stone. Five hundred Austrians came into Berne by train to be fed for a time and sent home to make way for another lot. So these kindly Swiss are doing a little, so much less than they would like to keep these innocent mites alive. It hurts one’s self-respect that the victors in this world conflict should continue against the innocent in a time of peace, when no danger from the enemy threatens, the methods of barbarism committed in time of war. Everywhere in this city, from people in all classes, there is put forward a plea for the raising of the blockade, so that normal economic relations be established between the countries as speedily as possible.
There has been a great meeting of women workers in the Albert Hall. The Herald has it: ‘Rope workers, rag pickers and jam makers from the East End joined hands with the most highly skilled workers in engineering and women clerks from every government dept in proclaiming a constructive policy in a series of resolutions which comprise the Women’s Charter. The following resolutions were passed with enthusiasm. The right to work. The right to life. The right to leisure, 40 hours a week 8 hours a day. Women have no doubt worked hard (and suffered) during war time and they intend to be properly treated in return.’
I am afraid I can quote no more. You have enough to think about for a week after Cubbon’s visit.
Now you will be glad to know that we are all well. I agree that probably my presentiment of something happening is the air of spring. I always do get it. I had forgotten of course the something nice for you would be the same for us, the very nicest thing would be your return home but I am not going to worry any more about that, put it on one side like the house question. I have had these things so much on my mind that I have not slept well lately and I know that will not do.
Katie talks of coming down soon for a day. She is better again, she says, but my father has a bad cold and is very sad just now; naturally she will only stay for a day but it will be a change for her. I hope she is lucky enough to have a nice day. Things are already beginning to look spring-like and when the sun shines and the birds are chirping it all is very different to London, that most dreary place at the best of times, at least to me.
I have been talking today to a man who knew you at Brinsmeads,151 Raymond of Common View Square. He was also a member of the Sons of Phenix152 and was talking about the Lyndhurst Hall concerts, Dr Rayner and the Minstrel Troupe, Harry Gooding, and George Baker. How all this takes our mind back many years and makes us remember more experiences. I want to persuade all our children to be good Templars (am I right?). Don’t you think it would help to keep them safe if they were ever tempted.
If fine on Sunday morning I am taking them all to Howgills Meeting. I do feel we all ought to go somewhere for worship on Sundays. Perhaps it is silly of me to feel this. Somehow we have got beyond the ordinary church or chapel and I want something really sincere, an atmosphere of good if you can understand me. There has been a week of Theosophy at Howard Hall. I went on Sunday afternoon with Mrs Tickle. There was nothing new said to you or myself and it seemed rather up in the clouds; with so much going on industrially we cannot feel there is the brotherhood among the various religious people while they allow war and imprisonment to go on.
I had a committee meeting of the Adult School on Monday; a good number came. We arranged [the] programme for a month and Mrs Mallon got it typed for me, and then on Tuesday no one came again. It really is disappointing. Of course this is a special week at the Church Hall. Baily is trying to raise £500 to have a social club always going at the cottage next to Mrs Lack. He is full of good intentions and would almost tempt me to join if only to help in the work. It ought to be the ILP doing it all. Of course it is to draw people into the church and keep them in subjection, Vicar, Church and King.
On Sat March 22nd the Adult School are having a play from one of Tolstoy’s at the girls club. Mr Fulworth is coming to take chief part. Mr Garside and Mr Wiltshire is in it and they want myself and Mrs Vandyke. I have not promised yet. I have not read the play yet […]
Miss Perkins, Dora’s teacher, has now got a sketch club in class. Those who belong, of course Dora does, had to do something each week from a list of subjects and the others give marks by voting I believe. It is splendid practice for them; they have every advantage. They had a nature walk yesterday and Chrissie did one on Monday. How they do enjoy them and makes them more keenly alive to see things. Just contrast this sort of teaching with ours. If schooling goes on improving, it will be almost worth being reincarnated for, to be a child again […] My chickens are now laying 4 eggs a day, not bad from 7 and they mount up at 5½ each.
I saw Francis on Sunday; he is off to Salters in Kent this week. He told me that no more COs were to be employed on the HO scheme after 31st March and the Dr has stopped him from going back to Dartmoor as he was ordered. I am sending you the little book In Praise of Freedom. Have you had the Esperanto ones I sent you last Thursday? I will try to get you some more next week and will keep the list for reference.
I hope this letter will not exceed the limit and it will happen to fit your mood but I suppose they change even as they used to.
We are very glad the days are lengthening so nicely, but the children play out after school and then cannot understand the evening being so short and bedtime coming so quickly. I am glad too it is light in the morning earlier and not so cold to turn out, but this morning we had a little snow and turned very cold. Well summer is coming soon, so we cheer ourselves.
Now I must stop. Hope you keep well. Love from all the children and myself to dear daddy, still cherishing the hope to see you soon,
Your loving wife
Lucy
Bedford Prison
Feb 24th 1919
Mia Amata Edzinon
I feel the touch of spring of spring in the air and I must say it makes me feel restless. […] I should imagine your feelings of expectancy is due to the springtide coming and do not suppose anything nice will happen as far as I am concerned, but I heartedly wish and hope that your presentiment may be fulfilled for your and the children. The nicest thing which could happen for me would be to get my release but this not to be yet and I can see no light on the subject at all.
[…] I have looked through the handbook and here is a list of the books I should like you to get if you can but please remember that I do not want to put you to any expense you feel you ought not to incur. I will place them in order of importance and perhaps one of the Adult School men could get them for you.
Seebohm’s Spirit of Christianity 1/-
Bees in Amber 1/-
What Labour wants from Education 1d
Browning (a second hand copy) Our Beloved Dead 4d
Florence Nightingale 3d
Jesus Christ and the World Religion 7d
Fellowship Hymn Book & its use 1d
Popular History of Methodism 1d
God, Nature and Human Freedom 2½ d
Also try and borrow Personality of Fellowship, Glover’s Jesus of History from Dr Crowley. I also want you to get Walt Whitman, and Ed[ward] Carpenter Toward Democracy but the latter is 3/6 I think, for the cheapest, so it can wait. There is a copy of Whittier’s Poems of the Inner Life at home which you might like to look at perhaps. See also if you can borrow a Life of Tolstoy but as these latter came on later in the year there is no hurry. You can consult the handbook for all these books. What a list of wants and yet I could add more to them. For instance I want Bernard Shaw’s Doctor’s Dilemma, Man and Superman, John Bull’s Other Island, published at 6d by Constable. Also Francis Place by Graham Wallace and Human Nature in Politics by the same author, these are cheap editions. Perhaps also you can borrow some of Shaw’s or Wells’ or Galsworthy’s. Have a look round my own shelves and see what there is. I cannot remember any but No 7 John Stuart which you might send. I hope all this will not make your head reel, but you can look on it as a list for reference.
You ask me when my sentence expires. April 14th is the earliest date if I lose no marks.
Your facts about the awful devastation are appalling and if only the imagination of the people was great enough to grasp what it means I feel sure it would go a long way to prevent future wars. Unfortunately memory and imagination or rather power to visualize events is a gift so few people possess owing perhaps to the enforced self-centred lives we lead.
[…] Your doleful picture of being without a fire was not as poignant as it would have been three years ago. My advice is push the table back against the wall and skip or dance, both of which are good exercises and do not cost 9/s a cwt but invigorate the blood and if a sufficient supply of food is at hand to satisfy hunger nothing but good will result. You will think I am getting quite an anchorite, not so but am certainly anchored here for an indefinite period. You must try and enter into my moods as expressed in my letters and forgive me if anything I write seems harsh because I do not intend to convey that impression but the pen is a bad conveyencer of feeling as you know […]
I do not want you to fill your letter with a reply to all the rubbish in this but just give me one of your excellent pen pictures of home. Your description of the fireside gathering cheered me immensely.
My love I send to you all
Vian Amata Edzo
Frank
32 North Avenue Letchworth
March 3 1919
My dear Frank153
Please note it was the red lines down the paper I was apologising for. Sorry if this reaches you a little later than usual, but we in this world are so busy just now, and we must all do our bit, you know. First I must tell you we are all well in spite of the weather which has rained without ceasing since Monday morning. Sunday was a glorious day, just like spring. We all went to Howgills in the morning. The children were very good and still. I think they were interested in the room, only two persons spoke, but I can feel thought, so it was a quiet time for them […]
We had an Anti-Conscription meeting, but it was very poorly attended; these meetings were held all over the country last Sunday. After tea and a little read and talk together I went to Skittles leaving the children to put themselves to bed, Morris 7.30 Dora and Chrissie at 8. (How is this for home and domestic circle you mentioned a few weeks ago in connection with Katie). We had a stirring time on the ‘Coming Revolution’. Miss Stevens the speaker said we must do all we could to prevent bloodshed, no need for anything of that sort. I told you about her some time ago, she spoke for our organisation of women’s trade unions in Bermondsey. She had been at the Industrial Conference which was held last Thursday,154 and I am afraid got nowhere with [it]. I suppose you have heard that Anderson has passed on, it seems we can ill spare such men in these days, he had great power and strength of purpose and now he [has] had his work cut short. This reminds me to tell you that I have been reading again the Life of Margaret MacDonald and I wondered if you would care to have it. Mrs Middleton has lent it to me and you are welcome to have it if you care to. The life of such people make me feel how very mean and nothing my own life seems to be and yet I do all it seems possible to accomplish, it must be brain power lacking, not will.
I think this week I must quote for you some Impressions by George Lansbury:155 he has been to Cologne and he says that multitudes of people are being led away by the ravings of the press thinking that the one thing left is to wreck vengeance on the German people, but he can honestly say he never heard a soldier or officer ask for vengeance on any one. In Cologne one feels how dreadful it is to be a defeated nation. When our soldiers poured over the Rhine into the city the people wondered what was going to happen to them, but they found that the British soldier was human first and a soldier afterwards, at least during the time of an armistice. All he met from officers to ordinary soldiers agreed that the people were doing all they could do [to] make the army comfortable. Some of our people think the people are too servile but German waiters, German Barbers, German merchants always were more obliging, naturally so, and surely it is better thus if for any length of time portions of their country are to be occupied by foreign troops. Then he goes on about the starvation and death rate and then says ‘let there be no mistake there is shortage everywhere except in Great Britain. In addition there is terrible unemployment, 25,000 in Cologne, and every other industrial area in similar plight (4,000 women in Bermondsey). What is needed is that all barriers should be thrown down and raw materials and food poured in. If this is not speedily done, not merely will Mid Europe become stricken with violence and chaotic ruin, but we ourselves will inevitably suffer also. I would wish my countrymen and women to be big enough, generous enough to feed their enemies, to do good to any who have done evil, because I believe that by so doing we should be helping to build civilization. If we cannot respond to the call of humanity, we ought surely to respond to the call of self-interest. He finishes up by mention of the splendid Cathedral at Cologne with glorious towers and simple round pillars reaching a great height from floor to ceiling. […] Mrs Philip Snowden has some more about Berne, but as it is Socialist Personalities, I need not quote from her. Casey has an article called ‘Drudge and Drudgess all about the miners and the wives. You know quite well how he puts things for the women. Breakfasts, dinners, teas and suppers, bath tubs to be filled and emptied, babies to be nursed and got to sleep.
You know of course that Mr Cubbon is running as candidate for County Council. I was at the Skittles last night (after Adult School) folding, about 20 people addressing envelopes and a lot of helpers generally. I have promised to go again tonight to address envelopes it is pouring with rain too. I was not home last night till ¼ to 11. […]
11 oclock. Just home from Skittles: only a few turned up tonight, but we have got all the writing finished. Now delivering and canvassing has to be done in two days. Cubbon has a nice address with six points. Education, Health, Land Reform, Allotments, Small Holdings and Housing. Bond Holding has 14, one of which is Denouncers of shirkers, spurious pacifists and profiteers. None of these are very much to the point and as he is in America, Cubbon may stand a chance, anyway it is propaganda. Miss Bixby said tonight she wished you were home to be made Sec[retar]y in her place. We came home together again and it was such a dark wet night. I wished you were with me, but I will do all I can for your share in this work.
No news about a house. Mr Morris wants £100 more than he gave last summer and it will cost another £100 to put in repair so probably Mr Pease will not buy. That was my last hope. I shall have to take the Adult School rooms yet, they are available. Our old ladies next door have let their bungalow for six months, a young couple with a baby, they came to me for eggs, and they will have more to say to me than the other people. I must stop now, very tired, off to bed. I sent you some books on Monday, will try to get some more you asked for next week. Be sure and write Christine a letter and Morris says he hopes you will answer his. I think Dora really draws very well, she always has and Morris too. Am writing to your mother tomorrow it is her birthday this week.
We all send our very best love to you.
Your loving wife Lucy
3. 3. 1919
My Dear Lucy,
I hope the lines on this paper will not bother you. I have my wants supplied in this respect and it is the best they can do for me. I should think your present of paper was a welcome gift, certainly I got a surprise when I received your letter.
I am delighted to receive part of [the] report you sent about Berne. I shared this pleasure with Inkerne W to whom I read it and at once we discussed the need for such places here in England. They are quite common in the large towns on the continent and when we go upon our tour we shall undoubtedly see and stay at some of them, so pick up Esperanto.
Cubbon’s visit was a very pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it immensely. He is so breezy, like a March when the sun is shining just as [it] does whilst I write, making everything look brighter and creating a new flow of the life urge. You are mistaken about his budget of news as he told me nothing fresh except that the New Town book is just finished and will soon be published, for which many thanks.
Find out all you can about Jordans, also Ross Community. I think the future looks big with promise and it makes us all rejoice. Such a piece of news as the Albert Hall meeting is more fraught with consequences than all diplomatic meetings ever held, because it is the sign of the awakening of the long sleeping demos, upon whom all so-called civilization has been built. It is the demand for Life in the fullest sense which is coming to the front and will not be denied. Great men in all classes will go down before it if they try and prevent its fruition.
[…] I received Esperanto books and I want you to thank Miss Bartholomew for her generous help. I cannot say how great a boon the learning of Esperanto has been to me. I can read very well now, ‘though I says it as shouldn’t’ and discovered in the BE156 that the annual conference is to be held in June at Liverpool. Also that the London Esperanto Dramatic Soc held a conference at [the] Working Men’s College at which the members of the Edco educational committee played an important part. It was good to read about old places so familiar as Morley College & the Maurice Hall etc.
[…] I heartily agree with your resolution to go to Howgills and take the children. They are now old enough to enjoy the atmosphere even if they do not understand all that is said. Like you I feel the need of spiritual fellowship with my fellows and we have endeavoured to get it amongst ourselves by discussing some point in the Adult School lessons.
[…] Your loving husband Frank
March 10th 1919
My dearest Lucy
I beg to inform you that it was the green lines to which I referred. I must say how much I enjoyed the matter of your letter. You certainly can write what I call a real newsy letter which always contains a breath of home in it. Sometimes you make little omissions, which of course I always put down to your being hurried and to your thought flowing faster than your pen can travel. I play at guessing completion with these but am compelled to ask for help in some of them, for instance what is the name of the play in which you are about to take part.
[…] Thank Friend Cubbon for books received which are very welcome to us. As I shall be changing my lodgings in a few weeks’ time you need not send any more. I have quite a number now and do not want to have to hire a van to remove them in. Give my congratulations to Councillor Cubbon and wish him full power to his elbow. I hope Katie will enjoy good weather and that you all have a happy time together.
I am pleased to hear you have decided to take the Adult School rooms for I have thought they would suit as a makeshift home for us until we finally settle, but have not liked to say anything about it. I have arranged the rooms in my own mind and if you will but get rid of most of your large furniture I am sure you could be very comfortable […]
My Best Love to you all your Loving Father and Hubby Frank
32 North Avenue, Letchworth, Herts
March 12th 1919
My dear Frank
I see you have our great news – Cubbons is in. I wonder how you learned it. I am afraid Bond Holding is surprised at the result. Now we are hoping to win a number of seats at the next poll; there is only about 3 weeks to work to as we are contesting all 15 seats. Nothing succeeds like success you know. I believe even Cubbons himself was surprised, anyway he was terribly excited. He came into the Whist Drive at Howard Hall where I was washing up (by myself) for 90 people. He told us the numbers: 1,100 polled (out of 5000) and he had 86 majority. He said now the wedge was in we must drive it home. It was 11.30 before I got home so was too tired to go out on Sunday till the evening when I went to the Skittles as usual. A Miss Green was speaking on ‘German Democracy’. We had a very interesting discussion by Cubbon, Moss, Dr Booth, Miss Kidd, Judge and Brunt.
Katie came on Monday 1 o’clock. The children came home a little earlier, had dinner and went to the station to meet her, then went on to school. She looks much better than she did, not so worried looking and a little fatter, she admits herself she is more contented. She has her duty and Dad appreciates it and she is very fond of Jack and he of her so they are happy together. Of course you are not discussed. I enjoyed her visit, it was quite nice to have her to talk to me after the children had gone to bed and they were pleased to have her here. I told her not to come for Easter; perhaps they will have a weekend for the May Day, it will be better weather then. It will be at the end of the month. She knows however this is an arrangement subject to what happens to you and where I may be.
The Adult School rooms have been taken by a couple about to get married, so that is off. My luck is dead out in house-hunting. I am afraid now I shall have to make up my mind to stay here till turned out. I believe the time has now been extended, the Rent Act,157 only I am not sure whether my rent cannot be raised and that is quite enough to pay, more than I can afford without letting. However I shall struggle through somehow, but am getting about fed up. I do hope you will soon be home. It is not easy to write what one wishes to say, the pen is a poor substitute for words, one often conveys quite a wrong impression by using a word in a wrong way or by omitting stops (as I do). Sorry I often puzzle you but I never read over my letter to you and just write it as I think. I do not often hurry over it but take an awful long time. Another thing makes it more difficult, I often think you already know my scraps of news I do write. Well perhaps we shall soon be able to talk to each other as we want.
Agitation is still going on to gain the release of COs. I heard today that several strong letters have been written in the Daily News,158 even Hugh Cecil is taking it up. It was stated on Saturday that the Home Sec says it can’t be done till the soldiers are all demobilised. I met Mrs Williams and she told me and we were both very upset about it, it makes the duration more indefinite. However Judge thinks it is quite hopeful. Labour was waiting for a definite statement like that. Who knows what will happen?
Perhaps you do not know that Labour has gained 10 additional seats in London County Council Elections and all over the place gains too. Katie knew nothing about this, had no interest she said, neither Dad or Jack, that seems so much the attitude; such a pity I think, and that apathy accounts for much that happens.
[…] I had a letter yesterday from your mother (Lill wrote it). She sends her love to you and is pretty well, hopes you will be home soon. Alf has had lumbago and the children whooping cough. No other news. Beanna’s husband is home now, she is going to tea with Katie on Thursday. They are very friendly. Katie is seeing her a lot at Stead’s shop.
[…] Now I must stop. All loving thoughts to you my dear husband, your ever loving Lucy
We are all well hope you are too
17.3.1919
Mia Amata Edzinon,
It was with mixed feelings that I read your letter, as it contains so much of human feeling. I am glad to know you all keep well and as I have neglected to say anything about myself in my last two letters, I will mention that I also am well. It was pleasing to hear you had an enjoyable time with our sister but I must say it is not altogether pleasant to realize that one is the skeleton in the cupboard. I presume by the number you mention that the Whist Drives are a success.
I easily pictured Friend Cubbon’s dramatic entrance and the enthusiasm which prevailed. The victory will put increased vigour into the local movement and also draw fresh people to it. After the black time through which we have been passing, to see the sun always brings us back to the foundation of our faith […]
As to my arriving at the election result, it was quite a simple example of deduction. From the result of the last election it was easily seen that there is a large section in Letchworth and Stevenage favourable to Labour. The Labour vote is not a weather cock and it would therefore be steady next time, result a victory: easy isn’t it. The tide is setting our way already.
You know of course that Newbold is in. Fancy a CO elected to Parliament.159 This is a time of opposites. The Allies insisting on the army of Germany being no more than 100,000 and recruited on a voluntary basis is really funny when one remembers that England has conscription and intends to keep it in force for some time to come, whilst the Socialists who are and can be the only ruling power now in Germany have always placed the demand for the abolition of conscription and the reduction of armaments first upon their programme. It seems like a scene in Alice in Wonderland, if one can forget for an instant the awful price we are all called upon to pay for all this folly.
I really wish you could get a more equitable frame of mind regarding our release, for nothing is more distressing than uncertainty. Put away all thought of it as an immediate affair and go about your work quietly resting on the thought that time brings all things if we only wait long enough. After all, what is another year or two to anyone with a philosophic mind and a knowledge of governments.
[…] Your remarks about the children lead me to think that perhaps my absence has led to a certain false value of myself in their eyes and I hope that when I do come back they will not feel that I am very different from what, in their innocence of reality, they imagined me to be, thus be disappointed. This may also apply to yourself, as undoubtedly time and circumstance has played its part with both of us. Spring is in the air and the birds are giving us much pleasure now.
[…] I send you all my love and eagerly await your reply.
Frank
32 North Avenue, Letchworth, Herts
March 19th 1919
My dear Frank
I did not receive your letter till afternoon instead of morning post as I usually do, so was more than glad to read you are well. I noticed of course that you had omitted to say lately, but I always try not to worry or if I do let it not be apparent. I really do go about my work quietly as usual and only have inward disturbance at being anxious for your release. Natural, isn’t it, and another year or two makes all the difference to you and I and the children, be as philosophic as we will. You suggest too that when you do come back you will be different from what we imagine you are. My dear, you are not an imaginary father and husband but very real and the children remember you so well it will be as yesterday you left home; this I am sure of. As for myself, what is an absence of two years after companionship of 21? I think we know each other very well. Of course we have both altered, time and circumstance has played its part, not to lessen the value of ourselves to each other I hope.
I am sorry I do not appear to notice your jokes. You know my serious mind of old. I am just the same, perhaps more so. […] We in the real world feel the seriousness of the time we live in, so please do not blame me. I am quite happy and cheerful but not content. I regret having put a hasty ‘fed up’ expression in your letter of last week. It was only momentary really, and I am quite strong enough to continue the struggle.
When I said you were not discussed with Katie I meant our position not argued against as formerly. In fact I think before long they will begin to see the sense of it: they must come to see it eventually. Of course you know they have not moved along our lines and Katie is about where I was 12 years ago. She said some surprising things, for her, which I did not remark [on], only quite agreed with. I believe she thought it original but it is our past conversations and the [Manchester Guardian] article going home. One thing was why should the few have fortunes and the many nothing? We are getting on. I shall send an [Labour Leader] presently when anything specially good comes along. We don’t want a frost to nip the little bud!
Have you heard that we are to have a Daily Herald from the 31st March?
Our Play is off for Sat. also our Adult School is to be suspended; no one turns up. I shall go to the one Mrs Burlingham holds at Hillshott on Friday afternoons. The lessons are too good to miss and Adult School work too good to give up […]
Herbert Morrison is coming very much to the front. He has worked very hard in the Elections for [County Council] as Sec of London Labour Party. There is an interview with him in the Labour Leader. He mention J. Myles who he saw in Pentonville a short while ago. He is very pleased with the result of course. The new members are very varied in trade and type. He says ‘we have now to go forward for the Boards of Guardians in April and Borough Councils in Nov. and be ready for a Parliamentary fight at any time. The fight of our opponents will be harder than ever now that we have got a foothold.’
I do not think we shall go away this year. It would not be fair for the children to lose school. Dora is again thinking of a scholarship; her teacher asked her this morning. She was not very keen because we may be going to New Town soon, she said, then asked if Daddy would like her to go in for it. I answered, you would as you very much wish them all to be as well educated as possible and if she did not win, she would be learning more, so she consented. I fancy this is her last chance as they do not sit for exams after 13. She has a good chance I think.
You will have the New Town book by now, hope you will enjoy it as much as I did and give you hope for the glorious future not only for ourselves but our children. Now I must stop. Love from us all
Your loving wife
Lucy
March 24th 1919
Mia Amata Edginon
Your cheerful and loving letter was a real treat. I think you have what is called the knack of putting your thoughts into concrete expressions which ‘tell’ […]
Am glad to hear you have decided to attend at Hillshott as like you I think the lessons too good to be lost. We had an interesting discussion on Sunday morning upon the pacifist attitude towards the great strike.160 It arose out of the question of the possibility of people being starved to death through inability to get food. We came to no definite conclusion except that a man has the right to withhold his labour if arguments and facts fail to arouse the sense of injustice in the community and to bring the employer to act rightly, but even then we are faced with the result of such a possibility.
[…] I am not sending the visiting order as I do not think it worthwhile your coming over for such a short time, but I suggest that as I am changing my quarters on April 14th that you come over by the first train from Hitchin, 7.20. I think it gets here about 8 o’clock and meet me, when perhaps we can have a longer time together.
Thanks for New Town: it is splendid and I sincerely hope it will meet with a large and quick response from the progressive forces in the country so that someone can got giving. Our going there will not be for at least another year, probably more so, Dora need not build too much upon it. Am pleased with the way you have expressed my desires to her. Tell her I shall not be disappointed if the [scholarship] does not get through as I know she will have done her best. Thank Morris for his picture which is just fine. I recognised the Letchworth tree but not the man or the birdie. It shows the spirit of the future for instead of a gun as would have been expressed by the song ‘He had a little gun’ etc, he is giving crumbs to the birds. I take it that Morris chose the subject himself. I think the best part of my letters are the quotations in them but my own space is limited.
Lots of love to you all and looking forward to a return home some day.
Yours ever Frank
32 North Avenue Letchworth
March 25th 1919
My dear Frank
The best part of your letter is to know you are looking forward to return home some day and next best to know you enjoyed my last letter. I had intended to try and meet you on April 14th but even then I may miss you as Mr Ogilvie did his boys: of course I’ll try not to you may be sure. What about all your books? I thought of bringing them back when I came to visit.
We are all well, only feeling the cold very much, it seems sharper than in the winter, in spite of the bright sun. The children were in the garden this evening until nearly seven o’clock, it is nice we are getting light evenings.
Miss Wilding’s time is getting short now, she leaves Letchworth next Monday. Ray is not released yet from Dartmoor, although his time expired last week. I had news of Fritton through Brenda Jones, his sister had written to her. He evidently started work too soon and then had an illness which he is now recovering from at Dr Salter’s home with Francis. It seems strange; they worked together, and were in prison together, and have now come together again. Will Fritton, who was rearrested having been at liberty for some time like Francis I suppose, is at Oxford, is cheerful and quite hopeful of release for all at the end of March!! Today was to be a special question a settling about COs in the House. I have not heard the result yet.
We have not got the great strike yet. I had not thought of it from a pacifist point of view, and I have been thinking it over during the day.
I could say a lot about it but find it difficult to write. One thing if it does come it will be short and sharp and soon over. I am quite sure it could not go on for long as all industry would soon be paralysed and money would cease to make more, consequently the demands will be given into before starvation is possible. I should like to discuss this with you. I think the conclusion you came to was quite right, a man is quite right to withhold his labour (in the market) in the cause of justice and if there is only unity there would not be but very little, if any suffering. It is quite impossible for me to write more to you on this subject though I can see lots of ways and means. I really believe that most people realize the workers are not out for merely more money but better conditions generally, something will certainly have to be done if not the condition of life will get worse than before the war. Everything is so costly the profiteers cannot have it all their own way; for instance coal is 45/- ton and the miners get 4/- to dig it: where does the rest of the money go? People are beginning to wonder, and things are being shown up, how the miner lives and how many are killed annually and so on.
[…] Pixmore School is not joining in the Maypole festival this year, so they are going to have a field up this end of the town for Norton, only on May 24th. Of course our three will all be dancing. Morris is very graceful. I like his bow. He calls it to ‘honour his partner’. He is going into the second standard at Easter, still with Miss Bracey. He has no trouble with sums. Chrissie does not like them and pities the boys having to do arithmetic while the girls sew, she likes that and will be a useful little woman before long but she enjoys a game too. I do not feel I have any news for you so will stop now and finish in the morning. Goodnight.
I have no more news now than I had last night, somehow I feel that the next few days are very important, such a lot of things are awaiting decision and such a lot happening.
You know how in a meeting when there is silence I can always feel the thoughts. I feel now and the air full of the same when one knows that there is trouble all over the world, is it any wonder. Famine and sickness and death in Central Europe and all this Industrial trouble here and amid all this distraction the framing of peace in Paris. Arthur Ponsonby says in the [Labour Leader] ‘Keep your eye on Paris’.161
I cannot write any more, hope you will keep well and as strong as possible to face the future whatever may happen. All our love is with you and kind and happy thoughts of many people. Almost every day I meet someone who asks about you. Mrs Matthews is back to pack up. They have sold Manor Farm. I saw her yesterday.
Ever your loving wife
Lucy
32 North Avenue, Letchworth
April 2nd 1919
My dear Frank
Quite a lot of questions in your letter. I will tell you first who are the candidates for the Urban Election, Labour ones I suppose you mean. We are trying for all the 15 seats. I have 175 Polling cards to address tomorrow. We are all very busy I can tell you. The names are Clapham Lander, Miss Bartholomew, Mr Brunt, Mr Coates, Mr Crossley, Mr Cubbon, Mr Furnston, Percy Jones. Mr Kennett, Mrs Kidd, Mr Kidd, Miss Lees, Mr Moss. Mr Purdom, Mr Tickle. There are 20 others not our side.
The apple trees I have pruned myself, also the Loganberry. Have got the raspberries and strawberries in order, also the rhubarb, am getting Broad Beans and Shallots in on Sat. DVWP. I am doing the garden all by myself this year. Of course Morris has got his little bit but he wants some of everything to go in.
[…] I wrote on Monday to the Home Sec[retar]y asking for your release at the expiration of this sentence. Have had no reply yet. I have been asked to let you know that Henry Wash 3 Palmerston Rd Bedford is willing to give hospitality which may be necessary and any other assistance to men on their release; this is from Mrs Ogilvie through Mrs Bowry to me. Anything might happen, one never knows.
You did not tell me about the books you have. I have got your bicycle home from Palmer’s shop. I think it is alright. I am selling the piano. Shall you be satisfied if I get £8 for it? I offered it to Miss Last and now Mrs Cleeton says you once offered it to her. They both have the money ready and both are willing to pay this. I haven’t decided yet who shall have it. It is rather amusing, I believe they would bid one against another but honestly I don’t consider it worth more and I think Lasts have first claim, although they have had a fortnight to decide and Tom Cleeton came with the money on Tues evening, and I had received no deposit or any word about it from Last since they decided to have it on Saturday, so you see I am in rather a difficult position, and I told them they could have it for £6 as 2 of the wires are broken and ivories off and a hammer broken. What a thing it is to have a conscience [… ]
The Daily Herald has survived its birth. I have one from Mrs Middleton each day but I really haven’t had time to read it. I see someone is advocating a 40 hour week for wives and can see it quite possible with Cooperation and labour-saving devices. This must be for New Town. I do hope that scheme will be set going soon, I mean New Town. I think the majority of wives expect to keep working all their waking moments and half the nights with babies. I have been glancing through a book, The Awakening of Women, and it is most interesting.162 It shows you how from the long past ages women have always worked the hardest. She did the inventing too, things for her own use which her lord and master was able to perfect in his leisure time which she never had. The author thinks women the superior and in time to come human beings will be sexless or all women. They are considerably in the majority now, 5 to 1 I believe, but for the present I must say I prefer a man about the house, as Mrs Tickle says she does not like a hen party as an objection to the adult school. I have not been able to go to Hillshott yet.
Miss Laws is playing mother to a small nephew (I hope I have not told you this before). He is aged 4 and his father, Miss Law’s brother, was drowned. His mother died of flue and he was brought from his home in Canada to his grandmother in London. Miss L went and fetched him and intends to keep him if possible, she says she is young, more like his mother and a more suitable guardian for him, you know her way of saying this. She is finding him a tie and is never free in the evenings till about 10, staying with him when she puts him to bed etc.
[…] No more news.
Lots of love from us all. Your loving children and wife Lucy
April 7th 1919
Dear Wife
Many thanks for your letter, the news of which is so varied that I hardly know what to reply to first. The glimpses you give me of the gardening which you together with the other members of the family are carrying on fills me with a desire to be able to add my quota to the general stock. The things you mention having sown I had almost forgotten […]
Thanks for the list of Labour candidates. It is quite a family party. Miss Lees is pushing to the front very quickly, isn’t she. Miss Lawes is a very fortunate young woman to be able to get a family ready-made upon which to pour her mother love, and I am sure she will be the better for the attempt. The pity of the present and the future is the fact of so many unmarried girls whose hearts are big for service and love but who will never get the chance to become even foster mothers […]
I hope your reply from the Home Sec will be a satisfactory one, though why you should need to worry the poor man I can’t think.
By the way is the spring air affecting you all at Letchworth, that telegrams must be sent with rumours of release in them? These things disturb the usual calm of our monastic life and give rise to all sorts of strange thoughts. As to the piano problem I can only say that it would surpass Solomon, for to cut it in half would not decide the question.
Yes this my last letter from Bedford for this sentence and I hope you will enjoy reading it as I can assure you my ingenuity is taxed to fill all these yards and yards of lines with thoughts that will bear the light of day.
You are to be congratulated upon your success as a poultry keeper in a small way but I’m inclined to think that the high prices may have helped perhaps.
What you say about Woman is not new to me and if you refer to my letters you will find I mention some of the things you have quoted. As to the male becoming extinct I do not think that is likely, but certainly there is already a neuter race coming into being and they are to be found amongst both sexes. Havelock Ellis and Carpenter have both written on this subject. These neuters are called Uranians and can be distinguished by their characteristics, broadly speaking the mannish woman and the womanish man, but most of them are women and the age in which we live is certainly aiding in their development, but given a different environment in which greater freedom for the development of the moral and social side of mankind is allowed, the sex differences, which are so magnified today will disappear and dominance of men together with servitude of women will be replaced with comradelyness and service [will] be the keynote of all.163 Eugenics is an interesting subject but if placed apart from all other great subjects it leads to unsupportable postulates and absurd theories. Just as the earth is a circle and is bound in the cycle of the universe, so are all human activities, whether in the realm of thought or action, and one deflected from its proper relationship with the rest puts the whole out of gear.
You ask about my books. Well, I have not yet decided whether to contract with the Midland [Railway] for a special rate or to charter a boat and send them home by the Ouse. Or do you mean what am I reading? At present I’m interested in travel and am reading Belt’s Naturalist in Nicaragua. It is full of interesting stuff such as ant life, bees, beetles, bugs and fleas, birds and butterflies etc also gold-mining, gardening, cattle, whirlwinds and rivers, sculpture and ancient customs, glacial periods and theories of all kinds. I turned my nose up at this book some months ago but spring plays strange tricks with us and what appeared dull and uninteresting in winter comes forth with a different aspect when the birds call and the sap is running. Our chestnut trees are pushing out their leaves and the Hyacinths and Daffodils are coming into bloom. As our release seems very probable I leave it to you to decide whether it is worthwhile your coming over next Monday.
I hope I have not left anything unsaid in my letter. On reading it through I find myself much in evidence in it which is rather unusual is it not. You will be pleased to hear that my health is greatly improved.
I send you all my love and look forward to a speedy reunion
Mia Amata Edzino
Frank
8. Noel Palmer, Katie, Morris, Dora, Frank, Chrissie and Lucy, Letchworth 1919.
125Misspelling of ‘Mia amato edzino’, ‘my beloved wife’
126The ‘blue bag’ was a ‘blueing’ bag used in laundry to keep the whites white, containing bicarbonate. However, this is only good for bee stings: wasp stings need vinegar.
127Liberal Member of Parliament, and Director of the first Garden City Ltd, which was responsible for planning and building Letchworth.
128Mrs Hunter was Harriette Butler, wife of Edmund Hunter, founder of the St Edmundsbury Weavers, based in Letchworth. http://www.meg-andrews.com/articles/st-edmundsbury-weavers/10/1 accessed 10 April 2018.
129Ethel Bentham was a politician and doctor, and in 1918 had been elected to the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee. Mrs Snowden was a prominent suffragist, married to the Labour MP Philip Snowden. Mary Macarthur was a Scottish trades unionist and suffragist.
130This could have been to control and penalise prostitutes but not their customers.
131Lucy seems to have mistaken the date for this letter, which Frank replies to on 11 November.
132Lucy suggests that Noel Palmer was offering Frank a form of non-combatant agricultural labour, to get him out of prison and protect him from being called up again.
133Flemish, or possibly French: there is no Belgian language.
134The Internationale was the anthem of left-wing political groups, originally in French.
135Frank wrote a continuing story to the children as part of his letters (not included in this edition).
136Harvey Smith must have changed his mind about the goat (see 24 November 1918).
137The ‘Coupon election’ or ‘Khaki election’ of 1918 was the first in which women could vote, and returned a large victory for the incumbent coalition government of David Lloyd George. Labour politician Philip Snowden lost his seat but was re-elected in 1922. Arthur Henderson, who would become leader of the Labour Party three times, lost his seat but would be re-elected in 1919 in a by-election. Ramsay MacDonald, founder of the Labour Party with Henderson and Keir Hardie, lost his seat but would be re-elected for a Welsh constituency in 1922. Constance Markievicz was the first woman to be elected, for a Dublin constituency, and like others of her party, Sinn Féin, did not take her seat, since they refused to take or affirm the oath of allegiance to the Crown, which all British Members of Parliament must do.
138Probably refugees and/or evacuees.
139Beecham’s Pills had been marketed for decades as a cure-all remedy for a wide range of complaints, both physical and psychological.
140This may have been a village community scheme like that of Jordans.
141Punch was a celebrated weekly magazine, full of cartoons and jokes of a very high quality, reflecting the politics, culture and society of the day.
142Mr Micawber was a character in Charles’ Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, whose defining characteristic was his eternal hope that something would ‘turn up’, to keep him and his family from debt.
143Alfred Salter was a doctor with a practice in Bermondsey, south London, where he and his wife Ada worked to improve conditions for this very poor area. They were pacifists and socialists, and both were elected to public office after the war, Alfred as the Labour MP for Bermondsey West, and Ada as London’s first woman mayor.
144Workers had been striking in Glasgow since 27 January 1919 over proposed changes to the hours of the working week, and rioting began on 31 January. The government had agreed that only non-Glaswegian, Scottish troops would be put on standby in case of violence, and over 10,000 were deployed. Tanks had arrived by 3 February. By 18 February the strikers had returned to work.
145The Calais Mutiny ended on 31 January 1919, upheld by soldiers relatively new to military discipline and service, and had been caused by grievances over food, punishments and slowness in demobilisation.
146The upper age for conscription was raised to 51 in late 1918, and continued until 1920.
147‘… new houses were built for the refugees in the Westbury area [of Letchworth] which was nicknamed ‘Little Antwerp’. http://www.hertsatwar.co.uk/belgian-refugees accessed 9 February 2018.
148Herbert Hoover, a Quaker and American engineer, established the Commission for Relief in Belgium at the beginning of the war to import food aid to the starving populations of German-occupied countries while the USA was still a neutral state. He was commemorated after the war as a humanitarian, and later served as the 31st President of the United States.
149The Allies maintained a naval blockade of Germany from 1914 to restrict its food and materials supplies. It was maintained after the Armistice until Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919.
150Jerome K Jerome was a famous author of the day; Dr John Clifford was the former leader of the Baptist Church and a prominent anti-war campaigner, social reformer and advocate of passive resistance; Agnes Maude Royden was a leading figure in the Fellowship of Reconcilation and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom; Israel Zangwill was a leading Jewish author, playwright, feminist and pacifist; Bertrand Russell was a philosopher and anti-war activist with powerful social connections.
151It is possible that Frank had worked for the prominent British piano firm John Brinsmead & Son as a cabinet maker.
152It seems that Frank and possibly also Lucy had been members of this temperance society in their youth: ‘The South London Unity of Total Abstinence Brothers and Sisters of the Phoenix Friendly Society seems to have started through the merger of local societies in the Southwark area. By the late 1880s its headquarters was in Clapham. Its supporters established a coffee house in Nine Elms at the beginning of 1887 with a large room capable of holding some 400 persons for meetings of Phoenix Lodges and other gatherings. They took part with their banners and regalia in the 1889 Dock Strike demonstrations.’ Editorial, Friendly Societies Research Group Newsletter 16 (July 2008), http://www.historyofalcoholanddrugs.typepad.com/alcohol_and_drugs_history/2008/07/original-grand.html accessed 10 April 2018.
153This letter has a note on its margin: ‘Dear Daddy would you like a picture next week love from Morris’.
154On 27 February 1919, 600 trade unionists and 300 employers met cabinet ministers and civil servants at a National Industrial Conference in London to begin work on proposals for reforms in British industry. Rodney Lowe, ‘The failure of consensus in Britain: The National Industrial Conference, 1919–1921’, The Historical Journal 21 (1978) 649–675, 649.
155During the war George Lansbury was editor of the left-wing Daily Herald, and later became leader of the Labour Party.
156Probably La Brita Esperantisto, the magazine of the Esperanto Association of Britain.
157The 1915 Rent and Mortgage Restriction Act prevented rents from being raised for the duration of the war.
158The Liberal newspaper The Daily News, whose first editor had been Charles Dickens, was owned by the Quaker George Cadbury during the war, and was thus sympathetic to COs.
159John Turner Walton Newbold had been a CO and active in ILP politics. He was elected to Parliament as one of the first four Communist Party MPs, but not until the 1922 general election, so it seems that Frank may have been mistaken.
160There were many strikes in the UK throughout 1919, a consequence of unsettled conditions after the war, economic uncertainty, and a new sense of the possibilities of freedom through revolution. See note above about the Glasgow strike of January 1919.
161Ponsonby was a Liberal MP and a member of the Union of Democratic Control, an anti-war organisation. The negotiations that would bring about the Versailles Peace Treaty were underway in Paris at this time.
162This may have been The Awakening of Women by Frances Swiney (William Reeves 1905, 2nd edition), reprinted in a third, revised edition in 1908.
163Frank has been reading the writing of the influential doctor Havelock Ellis, who was the first to publish serious studies of homosexuality, and offered theories of transgender psychology and human sexuality later adopted in psychoanalysis. Edward Carpenter, author, social reformer and philosopher, lived openly as a homosexual man, despite the punitive laws against male homosexuality at the time.