FRANK RUSSELL TO BR, 7 MAY 1918
BRACERS 46912. TLS. McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell

7 May 1918.

My dear Bertie,

I was very glad to get your letter and much surprised. I have written to Wrinch, Jourdain, Whitehead, Rinder, Lady Ottoline, Carr, and I have seen Malleson and given him a copy of the letter. The Governor told me that your washing could be done near the prison, and the Warder or the caterer would make the arrangements for you. Writing materials. The Chairman of the Visiting Committee promised me that the prison should be telephoned to say that you should have writing materials for the week-end. I am now going down to the Home Office to see why this promise has not been kept. I hope more books will arrive now. The Nation and Common Sense shall be sent direct. Miss Rinder writes “I will see about your notes when we return to London next week, and am collecting more books which shall be sent indirectly they reach me.” Percy sends this message “Haven’t worked since Friday Phil being well again. Expect to go Manchester 11th. ‘Second thoughts’ has gone the way of ‘Black ’Ell’. G.J. hasn’t been able to write as yet but wishes to be remembered to you”. “He has been in the country and looks very fit. Morgan Jones now has a grand official manner, I feel my visits are an intrusion.” I quite agree about the delightfulness of the holiday, and when you are properly furnished with materials for your work I think the time will not pass too slowly. I have made formal applications to the Visiting Committee about various things, but they are not all granted yet. I look with terror on the prospect of your cultivating your mind even further, it is quite unintelligible enough already, but I suppose your philosophical friends will enjoy the horrors that you will produce in Brixton. E. is in the country hard at work, and grumbling about the weather. As you see the Times now you know the news. There is increased grumbling at Mr. A. Gardiner has thrown him over definitely. Shortt was wandering about the Club looking for someone to congratulate him and finding none; and French is pitied. The early break up of George is still expected. Meanwhile it is hoped that this bad weather will hamper the German offensive. I go on busily with my Munition work in the intervals of running your errands. More washing shall be despatched to you shortly, also ink for your fountain pen, which I sent last Saturday. There were also two books in the parcel I sent you on Saturday. Good Wishes from some illegible person at the Athenaeum Club, and enquiries from G.M. 82 Woodstock Road, Oxford, as to whether he can come and see you some time? I wish all your correspondents would not sign with initials.

All my good wishes. I am so cross at your having been kept without papers all this time.

Your loving brother
F.

They think Maurice the last straw. Saw Buggles Brice of the Prison Commission this morning and he practically promised you all I asked including your watch and reviews for Massingham. Also arranged that the prison should be telephoned to at once by the Home Office about your writing paper.