THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Oct 14 [1942]

My Dear Gil

Thank you very much for the book & even more for your much prized letter.¹ Our acquaintance has started late – but is not the less to be valued on that account. I feel I have indeed found a friend in need. You must not let me take all you do for me (and indeed for every one who wants help and advice) too much for granted.
Yours ever

R. Vaughan Williams

1. Of congratulation on his 80th birthday. In his letter Jenkins describes the growth of his love for VW’s music since he first heard the Songs of Travel at the end of the First World War and concludes ‘It must always be a wonderful experience to know a great man, but it is more wonderful to find one who wears his greatness so simply, so modestly and so gracefully. May your youth continue long into the future. Gil’