This letter is not dated correctly. In her handwritten letter of 13 September 1936, document .052492, record 98408, she asks BR a question which clearly precedes this letter.

Colette writes that BR's letter was the first one to reach her in Finland. This is not correct. A letter handwritten on 16 September (document .052512, record 98427) tells him that "It was a terrific joy to get your letter."

This typed letter covers much of the same subject matter as her handwritten letter (document .052515, record 98430), although the wording is completely different.

Although the form for this series of her letters is usually given as a typed copy, the text appears to be an original creation. This form is still a TL(TC) but only to recognize that this typing for her book is very probably not the original typing of this letter.

There is also an original letter written on the same date, document .052520, record 98435. In it Colette writes that her old cottage at Sundborn has become available and she will be going there in a few days. In this typed letter she is already there.

This letter begins by noting that she received BR's letter of 23 March two days ago, i.e. 20 May. In an original typed letter of 11 May (document .052524, record 98439), she begins by noting that she received that day BR's letter of 23 March. The text of the letters is different.

There is also an original typed letter of the same day, document .052527, record 98442. That letter has a carbon of its first page, document .104402, record 116172. The text of this letter, although dated the same, is different.

There is also an original typed letter of the same date. The text is completely different with the exception of the mention of BR's son John in her will.

Malleson has gone from Lund, Sweden, to Finland. She asks if BR would like her to stay at some small country pub near Cambridge, if she comes to England in October.

"[Undated]".

Malleson positioned this undated letter between letters of October and December 1946. It may be able to be dated by reference to Alexander Werth's writings on Russia, mentioned in the letter.

[Werth interviewed Stalin for The Times, 25 Sept. 1946 ("No Real Danger of a New War").]

Malleson thanks BR for his news of Kapitza and is glad his troubles with Peter and John are cleared up.

If BR manages to get to Sweden, Malleson says that the atom bomb can go off immediately afterwards, so far as she personally is concerned.

She's bringing a draft of a letter about Estonian and other Baltic refugees, intended for an English newspaper, which Hampden Jackson says the Duchess of Atholl will sign. Perhaps BR will sign it, too. (At 2: 102 of her book of letters, Malleson's editor states: "To her delight he approved her draft of the Baltic refugees letter, and was glad to sign it.")

[Neither the text nor any publication of this multiple-signatory letter has been found.]

"End of March—and your ticket already booked."

Malleson/Urch date the letter the end of March.

Malleson describes how she has prepared BR's room for him. A big store has a window full of his books.

BR has arrived in Sweden. When he and she go to a restaurant, "all the faces turn round with benevolent smiles". He brought her "the precious proofs of his new book".

"Will be with you ten o'clock tonight with Allen". According to Urch's commentary (p. 327), this telegram was delivered at Lulworth on 26 June.

Malleson's narrative refers to two telegrams from Miss Black (Dora Russell) in Paris (see documents .200626 and .200632).

Malleson mentions an old remark of BR's on Arthur Waley.

Malleson describes BR and Peter's Ffestiniog home, not without praise. BR told Colette: "We never should have parted."

Malleson visited her farm near Ffestiniog (it isn't hers quite yet). She can keep BR's cottage "in perfect order" and is preparing for BR's arrival.

BR and Peter had had two "tremendous telephone rows here every single day". After "Ella", Peter sent him a 6-page typed letter "with everything she has against him". Peter wants a tenant for the cottage "so she can devote herself to her London job and her male admirers there." BR is worried about the effect of a marital breakup on Conrad. BR loves the cottage, but he has made it over to Peter to avoid death duties. Malleson has withdrawn her offer for the farm, losing the deposit.

BR is reported commenting on sheep blocking the road to the Bala train station.

More on Peter and BR and their extramarital relations.

Malleson sees the mountains and hills near Ffestiniog with BR's eyes. She accompanied him to the train at Bala.

The key to the Ffestiniog cottage will be awaiting BR at Dorset House.

Edith writes on BR's behalf, enclosing a cheque for the firm's charges (not present) and agreeing to the vacation demands set forth by Dora, though disagreeing with Dora's stipulation regarding the dentist.

"Saturday a.m."

They worked BR "pretty hard" at Uppsala. He bought bacon and ham to take back to London.

Malleson states that she both telegraphed and wrote BR a letter on this day.

"Re Countess Russell".

The document provides details of an interview with Mr. T. Riggs, along with a description of him. "It was ascertained from a book-shop adjoining, that Mr. Riggs usually has friends there, one a gentleman with a car who is about the same age and build as Mr. Riggs and whose name is believed to be Hamilton." Smith mentions a lady, between 40-45 with dark red hair, accompanied by a crippled daughter visiting Riggs.

"Our representative was informed that the Modern Reader had gone into bankruptcy, and that the parties were leaving."

Smith writes that their representative also called at 1, Coptic Street, W.C., and were informed that Harris Russell had a room there for four months, leaving in January, which was confirmed by Harris Russell himself.

"Sunday evening."

Malleson sends all her love and quotes "Aujourdhui plus que hier...."

Malleson had told BR that his wealth was now the only obstacle between them.

Malleson writes from Sweden and describes the rites of spring. "But I don't think I'll feel in dancing mood this summer...."

Malleson will not be writing to BR during the period of Conrad's holiday with BR.

Malleson longs to make life simpler for BR.

Conrad is due to arrive at Ffestiniog on the 25th.

"Please try to get your lawyer to take some of their weight off your shoulders."

Malleson as a small plant can thrive in any soil; and also on a mathematician's window-sill.

"(Birthday)".

Malleson has not seen her English books and furniture since Hitler invaded Norway. She has not heard from BR for a long time.

Malleson and "Ella" have been corresponding, but no letters have arrived from BR. She praises Ella but isn't quite ready to meet her.

Malleson will keep Dec. 6 free for BR, and he can tell her the place and time to meet.

Malleson refuses to meet BR.

She made a typed copy of this letter for Phyllis Urch dated a day earlier, 29 November 1949, document .200884a, record 107297.

There is also an original handwritten letter. There are some text matches with this typescript, a mention of Whitehead, for example. In the original letter the name Nalle appears (Nalle Kielland); this typed letter uses the pseudonym "Ella".

"(Undated)".

The original note (this document is a copy) was to accompany roses. It and the roses were taken to BR's home in Richmond by Colette after her return from Sweden. She was there until 29 September.

The original letter is document .052534, record 98458. There is some rewording of the text.

There is also an original letter, document .052535, record 98458. There is some rewording in this letter from the original.

The original letter is document .052536, record 98459. This version has some omissions and rewording.

The original letter is document .052538, record 98461. This typed version is condensed.

In the original letter (document .052542, record 98464) Colette writes that she is not sending roses this year but instead a gift "In print (via Ralph Schoenman)".

In this typed version she writes that she is sending roses and that she expects he will be glad when his 90th birthday is over. This sentiment does not appear in the original letter.

This letter is dated May 1963. The text is similar to an original letter, document .052543, record 98465, which is dated 15 May 1963.

"Your roses for the 18th".

"Monday".

Helm writes that he received four affidavits from the postmaster that morning.

"Now the fly is in the ointment, Lady Russell had on Friday got on to my wife on unmercifully at me being away on Friday morning (although I had her permission to go) and on Saturday morning tackled me, and I can assure you we had a good do, with the result that we hope to finish here on Saturday first." He informs Coward, Chance that Dora suspects something is going on, but is not sure what, and he tries to make alternative arrangements to go to Petersfield.

He mentions that he talked with Hines that morning, and informed him that "... a most valuable witness, was a man named Marshall who was for a time kitchen man and who Hines says used to sleep at times with different maids; Mrs. Russell knew this of Marshall but dare not row with him as she was doing the same with men about the place."

Davies tells Lloyd that a summons has been issued asking for an order regarding the custody of the children, and offers to send him a copy of the summons. He mentioned that the evidence in support of the summons is almost finished, but no evidence has been filed yet.

Davies writes, "You will remember that I explained to you in April that writs had been issued in the Chancery division, the plaintiffs being the next friend of the Russell children, and the defendants being the trustees of their settlements", and that a summons has been issued regarding the custody of the children.

Davies tells Meynell that he can send him a copy of the summons, "... but I think it would be to more advantage if you could arrange to call here to meet Lord Russell, so that we could explain to you the present position, and answer any questions which you might have to put."

"Thursday evening". Dated by BR.

OM is filled with BR "and the wonder of our love." "It is all so very sacred."

"I could only be happy if you were satisfied ... I feel satisfied the path we have chosen now is the right and inevitable one until we see another."

Meynell tells Davies he would be glad to meet with him and BR to hear more about the Chancery Division proceedings, and proposes 10 o'clock Wednesday morning of the following week, or any hour on Thursday.

Dated by BR.

"I still cannot believe that we are to part having just found each other." OM is again torn between her responsibilities at home and her love for BR.

"Re Lady Russell".

Smith details the events of Thursday, 7 June, 1934. "Two representatives to-day proceeded by car to Southampton docks, and on their arrival they watched all passengers board the tender which left the docks at 3 p.m. No lady answering the description of Lady Russell was seen to leave by the tender." Smith writes that upon the tender's return at 6:50 p.m. no gentleman matching Griffin Barry's description departed. They searched the luggage at "B" bay, but none bore Griffin Barry's tag.

"A Board of Trade official searched the official passenger list of Europa, but the name of Griffin Barry was not shown on the British or alien list, neither did it appear on the printed list of the steamship co's bookings."

Re John Conrad Russell and Katharine Jane Russell by their next friend and trustees.

Davies asks Maw to confirm that Griffin Barry arrived in Southampton on 6 June and was met by Dora, going to, and since staying at, Telegraph House.

Re John Conrad Russell and Katharine Jane Russell by their next friend and trustees.

Maw tells Davies that the answers to his questions of his previous letter are all no; Barry did not arrive in Southampton 7 June, was not met by Dora and has not since been residing with her in Telegraph House.

Re John Conrad Russell and Katharine Jane Russell by their next friend and trustees.

Coward Chance sends copies of the affidavits they will be filing the following day, all of which have all been sworn, with the exception of BR's (not present). They also enclose copies of the exhibits of BR's affidavits, except the deed of separation and settlements (not present).

Davies tells BR that he met with Meynell for two or three hours the previous night, as well as telephoning Lloyd.

"Meynell read all our evidence and said he had not a word of criticism of what we had done. He had told Dora he would see Maw. He said he would write to you. He seemed to think the crux was money, and that what D. really wants is an assurance that in all events she would have £400 a year from you."

He informs BR that copies of all affidavits were sent to Maw the previous night and the originals were filed 13 June.

Davies tells BR that he "... thought it necessary at once to explode the matter of Barry's return, because it would have been impossible to successfully watch and find him", enclosing his correspondence with Maw over the issue (not present). He writes that he sent detective Isles again, who informed him that aside from Europa arriving Thursday, the S.S. Hamburg of the Hamburg American Line at Southhampton and the S.S. President Roosevelt at Plymouth arrived, and that he is still inclined to believe Barry did arrive the previous week, and Dora has been misleading Maw.

Davies notes what BR said about Ben Glue "... and will be considering how best to pump him through Helm, who seems to be trustworthy."

Re John Conrad Russell and Katharine Jane Russell by their next friend and trustees.

Davies thanks Maw for his quick reply to his letter, which was given to Maw by Davies' representative. "You expressed some surprise to my representative when you read the letter which I had written to you, and said that Mr. Griffin Barry was not here, and was not due to arrive yet. My representative then asked you, when is he coming? and you replied that you did not think that you ought to tell us. The impression conveyed by you was that Mr. Barry was expected to arrive in England."

Davies acknowledges that he wrote an unusual kind of letter, but given the circumstances, he did not feel it was unreasonable, reminding Maw that the previous Friday Dora telephoned him asking him to detain BR in London over the following week, which he did until Saturday, 9 June, "... and having heard in the meanwhile that Lady Russell was making arrangements to meet Mr. Barry during that week...."

Re John Conrad Russell and Katharine Jane Russell by their next friend and trustees.

Maw writes that he received Davies' letter of 13 June, expressing dislike for Davies' letter of 12 June, informing Davies he will not be discussing the issue of Griffin Barry's presence in England further.

Davies encloses a copy of a letter from Maw dated June 13, in which he does not repudiate [the claim of] Barry's arrival.

"It puts on record their expectation of Barry's arrival and the intimation from us that Dora may have been deceiving Maw. It has elicited an answer which if possibly correct verbally may be a misrepresentation of the truth, in which case it will be damaging to them."

"We have to remember that during these days Meynell and Lloyd who know the whole of our case are still active in trying independently of us to bring Dora to some point at which accord might be reached."

Davies tells BR that he attended the adjourned summonses "today", with a long wrangle occurring between Mr. Sparrow and Dora's counsel as to the time allowed for evidence in answer. "We urged that the position of the children had to be provided for after July 7th and that it was urgent for the Chancery Judge to consider the matter before the divorce petition was reached." Davies concludes his letter informing BR that what he's most concerned with is Barry.

BR thanks Davies for his letter of the previous day, informing him that he is entirely with him on all he's done.

BR tells Davies that he is willing to continue paying Dora's alimony, regardless of her actions, providing that she is reasonable about the children, noting that he's willing to have them spend half their holidays with her. "Obviously, when she said that at present I am not under a legal obligation to pay her, she was admitting inchastity. If Meynell is right that money is what troubles her, her mind can be set at rest. Given a reasonable arrangement about the children, I should not try to deprive her of the alimony."

BR encloses a letter from Helm (not present), and asks Davies if there's a reason for their not sending out their facts to the King's Proctor at once.

Davies tells BR he has had a long sitting with Helm and encloses a further statement (documents .133977, .133978), which leaves no doubt that Barry met Dora at Telegraph House Thursday, and has since been living there. "Helm hopes to see Gilham on Sunday evening, and will report further to us. There must be another affidavit by Helm and perhaps Mrs. Helm, and also by Hines. The result will be very serious in view of Maw's recent letter."

Davies tells BR that he's been waiting to send the information they have to the King's Proctor, and after his meeting with Helm there seems to be no reason why not.

Davies encloses an extract from the Judicature Act (not present) that shows that anybody can send information to the King's Proctor, as well as enclosing a rough sketch of the sort of letter to be written to the King's Proctor (not present).

Helm writes that he rang Gilham Saturday morning and arranged to meet him 6 p.m. Monday evening. That morning (Sunday, 17 June) Glue called him with a question regarding Telegraph House, "... and whilst talking I said, 'what you brought Barry from Southampton Friday night, he said 'yes', well I said I thought you told me last Friday (June 8) that he was here. The guilt on his face was plain to see and he turned the subject to, oh Gilham says he cannot see you tomorrow (Monday)." Helm is positive Glue is a liar.

Helm refers to document .133977 as being preferable to read first.

Documents .133979—.133980 are missing (pp. 31-6 in the sequence of mimeos).

Prose notes from a telephone conversation with Francis Meynell.

Davies notes that he had informed Meynell and Lloyd of everything they needed to know, and that he had advised BR that he was right not to meet Meynell as no bargaining was possible. Meynell threatened to oppose the Chancery proceedings, as he disagreed with Davies' attitude.

"I then tried to make it clear to Mr. Meynell that, whereas I had said that Lord Russell would be willing to receive any communication through me but no bargaining was possible, it was now clear from Mr. Meynell's threat that his object was to put pressure on Lord Russell to negotiate a settlement, and that Lord Russell's decision not to meet must now be final, and I said that Mr. Meynell and Mr. Lloyd must take what course they thought fit."

BR thanks Davies for his letter and states that Meynell is intolerable, and that he has a hard time believing that Lloyd is with Meynell, so he has written Lloyd a letter, enclosing a copy (document .133983, record 113335).

"It seems to me that, if Meynell and Lloyd are against us, it may be important not to offend the Court of Chancery, which Dora may invoke at later stages. You said the Chancery Judge would be annoyed by your dropping the Chancery suit and sending the papers to the King's Proctor. Clearly we must send them to the King's Proctor, but is it not possible to do this in some way which will not annoy the Judge, e.g. by merely asking an adjournment of the Chancery suit? I don't understand the matter and merely ask for enlightenment."

Document is enclosed with document .133982, record 111333.

BR tells Lloyd that he originally intended to meet with Meynell upon the request, but after realizing he would not be able to pretend to be willing to negotiate Dora's petition he refused the meeting if negotiations were Meynell's intention. He addresses the threat that Meynell proposes, asking Lloyd if he refuses to meet with Meynell, will Lloyd change his solicitor and oppose him? In addition to asking if Lloyd agrees with these threats, BR sets out his reasons for his decision, listing five detailed points.

Original is document .102102, record 116255.

Document .133984 (p. 41) is missing.

Written on the letterhead of Nonesuch Press.

Meynell thanks Davies for the report of the telephone conversation between them and addresses two points which he does not feel are wholly accurate. First he did not say he and Lloyd would oppose the Chancery proceedings, but that they would no longer wish to be represented by Davies, and that he never used the word "bargaining", or anything like it.

Meynell tells Davies that W.H. Thompson will now act as his solicitor in the proceedings regarding the wardship for the Russell children.