Meynell tells BR that Vera told him about her conversation with BR, during which BR mentioned that Kate had written in favour of his plans. Meynell tells BR he thinks it would be useful if he saw the letter, and "Dora refuses to believe in it."

BR tells Meynell that after picking up John and Kate, Dora took them to a place called Hook's Way, about three quarters of a mile from his house, and she had been staying there for part of the time John and Kate were with BR. "A week ago, when my wife and John and Kate were out, they saw her in a car at the foot of our drive. The children guessed where she was going, and Kate was visibly unsettled throughout the rest of her time with me." BR mentions that the children are unsettled by this behaviour, knowing that Dora is nearby when they are with him, and not being able to see BR, even though he is so close, when they are with Dora.

"I think the trustees should point out to her that this behaviour is unseemly, and calculated to distress the children." There is also a handwritten note stating that this letter was sent to Lloyd as well.

Re The Amberley Papers.

BR writes to confirm his telephone conversation with Meynell, "... according to which I retain the £100 already paid, and the contract is cancelled...." Requesting that Meynell send the typescript to Leonard Woolf, Monk's House, in Sussex, BR writes "I am sorry on your account, and also that our business relations, other than over the children, have come to an end. But do not distress yourself on my account."

Meynell encloses Dora's list of "suggestions" (document .102145), which have her solicitor's initials.

Meynell replies that there seem to be a number of suggestions that will likely lead to difficult situations, but that he will hold his peace until BR looks at the list. He tells Lloyd that his chief objections are to points three and four. "It seems to me to be deplorable that the children should be called up to serve in the parents' war more than need be. In any event, if clause four means what it says, the first three points are superfluous and the fifth fantastically impossible of execution."

Titled "Mrs. Russell's Suggestions".

Document outlines a list of Dora's suggestions, in six points. Point three states that if the children should get sick and miss school that "... Dora [is] to have priority over Bertie as to their care during this time subject of course to the paramount consideration of the children's health."

Point four states that the children's wishes should be paramount unless Dora and BR agree otherwise. Point five concerns the impairment by one parent of the other parent's love for the children.

Enclosed with document .102144, record 116306.

Meynell encloses a statement from BR (document .102147, record 116309).

He tells Lloyd that he visited Dartington over the weekend, saw John and Kate, and spoke with Kate's best friend. He remarks that Dartington has matured and improved greatly since he was there last. He  mentions he will be going to Dora's Saturday and will not say any more until afterward.

Titled "Reasons for Wishing John and Kate to Stay at Dartington".

BR lists his reasons for wishing to keep John and Kate at Dartington in seven points, including reasons such as their both having friends there and that they like the place and wish to stay, stating "I have taken pains to ascertain this".

He states: "Their parents are somewhat discredited".

Enclosed with document .102146, record 116308.
 

Meynell encloses a letter and memo from Dora (document .102149, record 116311, and document .102150).

Meynell tells Lloyd he thinks it best if they maintain that their position remains unaltered, since they do not feel it best to take the children away from Dartington. "We might add that in our view it would not be 'fair' that one of the parents should be given so much more authority over the children than the other as would be implicit in her plan. But I think that might start an argument."

Dora encloses her memo for Meynell and Lloyd to read, and tells them they may forward it to BR if they wish.

Dora informs them that she's received cheques to sign for the children's school fees for the term, amounting to £100, though they are usually £90. She requested a letter detailing the increase.

Dora asked Mr. Curry at the beginning of the term to render all reports and accounts to both her and BR, which he agreed to, but she is not sure if he's done such. "I do not receive accounts, and I do think communications are sent about the children from time to time which I also do not see." She details the fees that have been included, and states that she feels the children would get far better care, for less, if they were to go to a day school or Beacon Hill with Dora, leaving her to look after the details of their home life.

Enclosed with document .102148, record 116310.

Titled "Memorandum in Regard to John and Kate Russell, and Trustees' Meeting October 1st, 1935".

Enclosed with Dora Russell's letter of Nov. 5, 1935 (document .102149, record 116311) and forwarded with Meynell's letter of Nov. 9, 1935 (document .102148, record 116310).

There are 2 carbon copies as well.

Tylor encloses (not present) an Authority for Meynell to sign; Dora has already signed it. Income from the children's account may be remitted to BR.

A short play, "Rich and Poor". Kate Russell and David Williams play two of the characters, as do Joyce Smith and John Fetherstonhaugh.

Apparently in Francis Meynell's handwriting at the top: "At B. Russell's school".

Nowell is a court welfare officer and needs to visit the Russells and the grandchildren.

BR suggests September 6 for Miss Nowell's visit.

The letter is marked "Copy". This is probably a typed copy of BR's handwritten letter.

Re correcting the paternity of a child born in wedlock, namely Harriet.

Withers tells BR to pay an unspecified account when it is convenient for him.

Re an inventory of items on the premisses, probably of Telegraph House, and insurance arrangements for T.H. and Battine House.

This letter, no. 55, p. 78, was prepared for a literary collection of their letters. It is dated 29 August 1918. The text is taken from the original letter, document .200343, record 19354.

Although this letter was begun on Thursday, 29 August 1918, these sentences come from the first paragraph of the continuation of the letter written on Friday the 30th.

There is also a carbon copy of this literary letter, document .052402, record 99868.

There are also two transcriptions of the Friday section of this letter:

Document .052441, record 99914;
Document .201141, record 116323.

Both these transcriptions are lacking some sentences.

This typed transcription of the original letter, document .200343, record 19354, lacks some sentences from that letter. A few lines from another letter (document .201140) appear at the top of page 1.

There are two other transcriptions:

Document .052440, record 99923 (Thursday section of the letter);
Document .052441, record 99914 (Friday section of the letter; lacking the same sentences as this transcription).

There is also a literary version of the letter:

Ribbon copy, document .201165, record 116322.
Carbon copy, document .052402, record 99868.

The literary version only contains a few sentences from the Friday section.

This is a transcription of the original letter, document .200307, record 19313. It contains a handwritten annotation on Francis Meynell.

There is also another transcription, document .052409, record 99871.

An edited transcription of document .200318, record 19322. The text has been edited from the original comment about Miles Malleson; there are other changes as well.

Another transcription, from a different typing, document .052412, record 99873, has the same changes.

Miss Nowell will arrive at Plas Penrhyn on Sept. 6.

A condensed transcription of an original letter, document .200312, record 19317. There is one annotation, on Prince Andre.

There is also another condensed transcription, document .052414, record 99875.

A typed transcription of an original letter, document .200314, record 19319. This transcription has two annotations in pencil: on Lowes Dickinson and Alfred North Whitehead. "T.H." has been expanded in pencil to "Telegraph House".

The document has been edited, removing references to Miles Malleson as has the other typed transcription, document .052416, record 99877.

A typed transcription of the original letter, document .200315, record 19320. There is a handwritten annotation about an "emissary" identified as being from "Scotland Yard". There is another typed transcription, document .052418, record 99879. Both transcriptions lack the last paragraph in the original letter.

Enclosed is document .101551, record 116331, a receipt for housekeeping for the three grandchildren.

Enclosed is document .101552.

Tylor thanks Edith for the codicil, duly signed, to her will.

Tylor informs BR that Mr. Justice Melford Stevenson has been transferred and therefore will not be able to hear the summons, and Tylor does not know which judge will be replacing him.

Re BR's quarterly payment of £50 to Dora Russell, i.e. Mrs. Grace.

Tylor informs BR that the summons hearing will occur at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 January.

Tylor thanks BR for his £50 cheque for Dora.

Tylor tells BR he received a sworn affidavit from Dora on 20 January. See document .101562, record 116340, for the affidavit.

Document is an affidavit sworn by Dora, who is designated as John's "mother and next friend".

Re Viscount Amberley.

Dr. Morgan writes regarding John Russell's mental health, stating that when he visited John, "he was, without question of doubt, in the throes of a schizophrenic illness."

Enclosed with document .101560, record 116341.

Dr. Morgan updates Taylor on John Russell's mental condition.

Comments on the letters of 18 February 1960 (document .101560, record 116342) and 14 January, 1961 (document .101561). Presumably the comments are by Edith, though possibly by BR.

Comments on the affidavit sworn by Dora on 20 January, 1961 (document .101562, record 116340). Edith has signed and dated the paragraph on avoiding any meeting with Dora.

Scripts for a telephone conversation with Tylor taken in shorthand by his secretary. The scripts are in Edith's handwriting. They include two statements by BR on upcoming court proceedings concerning the grandchildren.

Pigott encloses "... a copy of the note as to evidence prepared by Mr. MacPherson following service upon us of Mrs. Grace's affidavit" (document .101567, record 116347), concerning the grandchildren.

Re Russell v. Russell and Wordsworth; note.

Enclosed with document .101566. This document is advice on how to respond (if at all) to Dora's affidavit (document .101562, record 116340).

Re custody of the grandchildren, Felicity Anne Russell, Sarah Elizabeth Russell and Lucy Catherine Russell. This photocopy has attached to it a "with compliments" slip for Edith Russell, dated 10 February 1966.

BR tells Tylor he's been informed that he and Edith are to have custody of the grandchildren with "free access" to the children by Dora and John. BR inquires as to what "free access" entails.

Tylor tells BR that the Judge, Mr. Justice Marshall, "... appeared to be unimpressed by Dora's affidavit and the various arguments put up by her counsel and was clearly impressed by your evidence and that of Lady Russell by the Welfare Officer's report."

Tylor encloses a note of the judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Marshall (document .101571, record 116351).

Document is a note of the judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Marshall.

Enclosed with document .101570, record 116350.

Tylor explains that he believes the Judge meant "reasonable access" as having the children continue to visit Dora and John. He tells BR he will set up a meeting with Dora's lawyer to work out an arrangement.

Tylor agrees with BR that it's better not to inquire into the meaning of "reasonable access" until there is a specific issue.

Tylor quotes a letter from Lewis W. Taylor & Co. stating, "Mrs. Grace understands that the children's school holidays begin on the 27th March and she suggests that the children should come straight from school to her and stay with her and John until the 6th April. Harriet and her husband are expecting to take a holiday in the south during the same period and it is suggested that they should all join up. Will you please let us know if these dates are agreeable to Lord and Lady Russell."

Response is typed on the verso of document .101574.

BR tells Tylor that the best arrangement is for the grandchildren to go straight to Dora's from school.

Tylor encloses the formal order made in connection to the grandchildren's custody (document .101577).

Document is the formal order regarding the custody of the grandchildren.

Enclosed with document .101576.

Tylor encloses a letter from Lewis W. Taylor & Co. (document .101580, record 116360).

Taylor & Co. write that Dora does not agree that the grandchildren should only stay for a week. "Bearing in mind that she and John did not see them at all during their Christmas holidays, she thinks her suggestion that they should stay for ten days is by no means excessive."

Enclosed with document .101579, record 116359.

The text of this letter is similar to document .200322, record 19325, which itself is a typescript. The original letter is not extant.

The text varies—some additions, some deletions; all references to Miles Malleson are gone in this version.

There is another typed letter which matches this one in text, document .052420, record 99881.

A transcription of a document .200326, record 19339. Although the transcript is condensed it contains an extra sentence about living at Gordon Square.

There is another transcription which matches this one in text, document .052421, record 99882.

A transcription of few sentences from original letter fragment, document 200323, record 19336.

The remainder of the text of this letter could not be matched to any other letter in Rec. Acq. 596, 200000 series. Thus it is the only source for this text.

Part of the section of the letter dated "Friday July 26" is not found in the original letter fragment. All of the text beginning "Wednesday" is new.

There is also another transcription which mostly matches this one in text: document .052423, record 99884. It lacks "July" in the date, however. This version keeps "most true" from the original.

A transcription of an original letter, document .200333, record 19344. It lacks the brief third paragraph which mentions Helen Dudley.

There is also another transcription: document .052426, record 99888.

A condensed transcription of an original letter, document .200325, record 19338.

There is also another condensed transcription matching this one: document .052427, record 99889.

A partial transcription of original letter 200328, document .200328-9, record 19341. The transcription omits some sentences and ends "And now you will have it." A long paragraph of text after that is omitted. One sentence in the transcription is inked out.

There is also another transcription which matches this one in text: document .052429, record 99892. The inked-out sentence was not typed in this transcription.

A transcription of an original letter, document. 200331, record 19343. Added to it is "The Portman Rooms Convention and" before "Canuto's". Abbreviations in the text have been expanded in pencilled annotations.

There is another transcription, document .052432, record 99896.

A transcription of original letter, document .200335, record 19346. Part of a sentence was omitted and added in pencil; Massingham is identified in a pencilled annotation.

The first paragraph of the transcription matches the original letter. The second and third paragraphs contain text from a letter which appears not to be extant. One of the new paragraphs indicates that "The International Situation" discussion is to be enclosed. (It could be published as being by Edward Grubb.) Also, the last line in the second paragraph is the last line of the original letter. The original letter has been cut with the last sentence on a separate sheet of paper pasted onto it.

There is also another transcription, document .052433, record 99897.

A condensed transcription of the original letter, document .200336, record 19347.

There is another condensed transcription, document .052434, record 99899. Both transcriptions lack the sentence about the Ropers and the following sentence, as well as the closing phrase.

A partial transcription of an original letter, document .200337, record 19348. There is also another transcription, document .052434, record 99901.

Both transcriptions contain only the first sentence of the paragraph on experimental theatre, but the letter goes on to discuss Priscilla Annesley, Miles Malleson and other subjects. The text written sideways across the top of the first page of the original has not been transcribed. The text written sideways on "Thursday morning" appears in the transcriptions of document .200338, record 19349. Russell's sentence asking about Eve Walsh Hill has been deleted from the transcriptions. The phrase "So glad you have come to like Wuthering Heights!" has been changed to "So glad you are working on the script of Wuthering Heights."

"Thursday morning"

This is a condensed transcription of the last part of the original letter, document .200337, record 19348. Text is written sideways at the foot of the last page of the original letter.

There is another transcription, document .052436, record 99904.

The transcription of document .200337 occupies only the first half of the first page of that transcription.

A transcription of original letter, document .200338, record 19349.

There is another transcription, document .052436, record 99904.

The text of these varies from the original in the same way: the words "Sinn Fein" do not appear; "unrestrained sexual competition" is changed to "unrestrained freedom" and several words after that change are omitted.

A transcription of original letter, document .200340, record 19351.

There is also another transcription, document .052438, record 99911.

Both of these transcriptions have Blackpool changed to "Bad" and both are missing a few sentences. However, this transcription has slightly more text omitted than the other transcription (.052438). Someone, presumably Colette, has scratched out a sentence in pencil in this transcription.

A transcription of the original letter, document .200345, record 19356.

There is another transcription, document .052444, record 99918.

In both transcriptions the last sentence of the penultimate paragraph is omitted and "Gladys" is changed to "Miss Rinder".

A partial transcription of the original letter, document .200347, record 19358.

The first two paragraphs have been transcribed. There is another transcription of this part of the letter, document .052446, record 99921.

The remainder of the letter has been transcribed in two more sets of transcriptions. See record 19358 for the details.

A partial transcription of the original letter, document .200347, record 19358.

The fourth and fifth paragraphs are transcribed as a separate letter with a date one day later than document .200347. The date is written in pencil.

There is also another transcription of these paragraphs, document .052447, record 99924.

Both transcriptions are missing the phrase "to amuse you".

There are two other sets of transcriptions which cover the other parts of the letter. See record 19358 for the details.

A partial transcription of original letter, document .200347, record 19358.

The transcription contains the last part of the original letter. The date (two days later than the original) has been written on it in pencil.

There is another transcription of this part of the letter, document .052448, record 99925.

The first part of the letter has been transcribed in two sets of transcriptions. See record 19358 for the details.

A transcription of the original letter, document .200348, record 19359. An instructional notation has been written in red ink on page 1. Some text on both sheets has been added in pencil. Also there is hole in the page. It appears that the word "just" was crossed out in pencil in this space.

The original has two holes in it. The missing text from the top side of the sheet cannot be obtained as the sentences are reworked. The text on the reverse side is available in this transcription.

There is also another transcription, document .052449, record 99926.

Some sentences have been omitted.

A transcription of the original letter, document .200349, record 19360 and a condensed transcription of the original letter, document .200349a, record 19373, written on the same piece of paper but sideways, on the following day.

There is also another transcription, document .052450, record 99927.

This cover letter notes that she is sending him "an extract from B.R.'s letter of this morning".

The enclosed extract takes up two pages. It appears separately as record 116383. The extracts have been matched to the original letter, document .200350, record 19361.

Extracts from Russell's letter to Constance Malleson of 11 September 1918, document .200350, record 19361. She copied them by hand to send to Clifford Allen; see record 116382.

A condensed transcription of the original letter, document .200350, record 19361. Several sentences have been omitted from the main body of the letter. The sentences written the next morning, Thursday, have not been transcribed either.

There is also another transcription, document .052451, record 99928.

Colette copied out some extracts from this letter and sent them to Clifford Allen. See record 19361 for further details; also record 116382.

A transcription of original letter, document .200351, record 19362. The second sheet of this transcription is missing.

There is also another transcription, document .052452, record 99929.

The changed line in document .052452 was probably changed in this transcription as well, but the sheet it would have appeared on is missing.

A typed transcription of original letter, document .200330, record 19342.

There is another transcription, document .007052-F6, pp. 575-6, record 93480. It was this version that was published. See record  93480 for the variants.

A transcription of the original letter, document .200334, record 19345. This transcription is dated "Thursday 16th August", which is clearly wrong but it follows the original which is dated "Thurs. 16.8.18". The correct date for Thursday is 15th August.

There is another transcription, document .007052fo, record 93481 which is the version used in the Autobiography.

In both transcriptions the reference to "the Rinders" was changed to "Winchelsea".

Only an extract appears in the Autobiography. In Auto. 2: 88, the letter is dated "Thursday 16 [August 1918]".

"The day of my departure draws near...."

This is the Autobiography typescript carbon, pages 148-9; the letter is numbered "1", the location London, and the date April 1920.

It was actually written after Russell's return from Russia on 30 June 1920.

This is a transcription of document .200662, record 19660.

There are three other transcriptions:

ribbon copy, document .200648, record 19653;
carbon copy, document .052462, record 99948;
document .052454, record 99930; different typing.

The date of 24 April 1920 is used in the published Autobiography, and it appears in other transcriptions. Thus it is used here as well.

"My Darling. Yesterday evening was quite perfect." On the verso of this letter Colette has written: "Keep 9 June, not used".

"My curtains are up and my electric lamp is by my bedside, and all day my thoughts have been with you...."

"Miles and I are just back from the meeting—Evans withdrew his resolution and Miles's was adopted nominating you, unanimously!" "Sassoon's statement was received with much applause."

The date originally written on this letter was June 13; Colette later corrected it to June 15.

There is no salutation, but the date makes it appear this was the first page of the letter. There was at least one other page, which is not extant.

"Dear Heart, Thank you for you letter from Shere." "Miles' case is adjourned for a fortnight."

There is a typed copy of this letter, CM "Ls. to BR" 1: 100, document .104579cw, record 113035.

The text of the typed copy varies greatly from this original.

Miles is Colette's husband, Miles Malleson.

"Beloved, your letter last night was an unspeakable joy to me." The letter is written on the letterhead of the Pioneer Players.

There is a typed copy, CM "Ls. to BR" 1: 102, document .104579cy, record 113037. It has much more text than this original letter.

"My Dear, such a riot of roses here." She is writing from Cox Green.

"My Darling, I am just going off to dine with Allen."

This letter was written on the letterhead of the Savoy Hotel. The first page has been cut in half; the bottom half is not extant. The second page is scissored, probably to remove a line or two of text.

Colette annotated this letter, "To be included in Letters script."

A typed version with different wording but similar content is included in the Urch-Malleson typescript, document .104579ll, record 116432. It was given a new date, 16 December, but is entered in BRACERS with the correct date of 9 December.

"Gloucester—May 6.21. Love from us both, Colette, C.A." Postcard is of Gloucester Cathedral. It is addressed to BR in Shanghai c/o Thomas Cook, but was forwarded to him in Peking.

Two earlier postcards, document .200804i, record 116397 and document .200804j, record 116398, had been sent to him in Peking.

Presumably sent on the same day as document .200894k, record 116395. This postcard is addressed to Russell in Shanghai and was forwarded to Peking. It is of Gloucester Cathedral, and the end of the date "21" can be seen from the postmark. It has no message.

Sent by Colette from Lynton, the postcard picture is titled "Castle Rock by Moonlight Lynton". It is addressed to Russell at the University of Peking; there is no message.

"Tivoli, Hotel Sibilla, March 6, 1921, we came out here from Rome late last night, for a few days. Love from us both. Colette. C.A."

The card is addressed to Russell at the University of Peking; on the verso is a photograph of the Villa d'Este.

"Sundborn. Sweden. 4th October .43. My Dearest Bertie, I was getting very uneasy and longing for a letter and thinking about you a great deal ...."

Some corrections have been made by hand in red ink.

The ribbon copy is document .052531, record 98446, which was sent to Russell; the corrections were not made to it.

"My Dearest Bertie, have you arrived safely?"

The top copy which would have been sent to BR appears not be extant. She is writing from Sweden.

"I am here at last, in this city which has filled the world with history, which has inspired the most deadly hatreds and the most poignant hopes." This was number 5 in a sequence of 8 "Russia" letters. In the Autobiography, however, it became number 2 as the letters that Colette wrote are not published there; number 2 appears before the letter in this version, which is a typescript carbon of the Autobiography. The letter is on pp. 149-50.

The city he is referring to is Petrograd, Soviet Russia, although the actual letter was not written from there or on the date written on the letter. It was written after his return from Russia on 30 June 1920.

The number 5 has been taken from other versions.

The original letter ended up in the possession of Lady Ottoline Morrell. It is number 1563 in the numbered sequence of letters to Ottoline, document .001563, record 18770.

There are three other transcriptions of this letter:

Document .052467, record 99953 (ribbon copy);
Document .200649, record 19654 (carbon copy);
Document .052458, record 99934 (a different typing).

"This is a strange world into which I have come, a world of dying beauty and harsh life."

This was number 6 in a sequence of eight Russia letters. In the Autobiography, however, it became number 3 as the letters that Colette wrote are not published there; number 3 appears before the letter in this version which is a typescript carbon of the Autobiography. The letter is on pp. 150-1.

The "strange world" is Petrograd, Soviet Russia, although the letter was not written there or on the date on the letter. It was written after his return from Russia on 30 June 1920.

The number 6 has been taken from other versions.

The original letter ended up in the possession of Lady Ottoline Morrell. It is number 1564 in the numbered sequence of letters to Ottoline, document .001564, record 18771.

There are three other transcriptions of this letter:

Document .052468, record 99955 (ribbon copy);
Document .200650, record 19655 (carbon copy);
Document .052459, record 99935 (a different typing).