BR TO ISAIAH BERLIN, 6 MAY 1937
BRACERS 58021. ALS(X). Bodleian Library, I. Berlin papers
Proofread by K. Blackwell

<letterhead>
Telegraph House
Harting, Petersfield.
6.5.37

Dear Berlin

(I think we might drop “Mr” etc., don’t you?) Thank you very much for your most kind letters. I cannot express how much I appreciate all the trouble you are taking on my behalf.

The only letter I had from Chicago was slightly lacking in definiteness, and I have written for more exact particulars. But it seems definite that they offer me a job for 2 years at $7500 a year; what is vague is when it begins and the nature of the duties. I think, however, it begins in the autumn of the present year.

In view of what you say, I cannot refuse the Chicago offer, and it probably makes it impossible for me to lecture in Oxford next term; but as the date when the job begins was not stated, I cannot be sure.

It seems to me, therefore, that the invitation to give a course of lectures (which I should very much like to do) could be accepted for the autumn of 1939, but not for any earlier date. I quite appreciate the advantages of giving such a course; but apart from that, I should enjoy giving it.

If, during the 2 years that I shall be in Chicago, anything can be done in the way of a more or less permanent job in Oxford, I shall of course be overjoyed. If not, I may have to settle in America like Whitehead; but I should prefer a bare living at Oxford to opulence there.

If an elastic invitation is given to deliver a course of lectures at Oxford, I shall certainly wish to accept for whatever date is possible; but it would, as I said, probably not be till autumn 1939.

With very much gratitude,

Yours sincerely
Bertrand Russell.