THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Leith Hill Place
Nr Dorking

December 27th [1901]

Dear Randolph

I wanted news of you very much – & this news about your promotion is delightful.  But however many miles of line & however many furnaces are entrusted to you I should always think you right to have more –  will you live in Middlesborough & shall we come & see you when you are Mayor¹.  I am afraid that Middlesborough is some way further on than York but I shall find this out when I get back to London tomorrow.  Ralph has given me a school atlas as an Xmas present! My want of geography was bringing disgrace upon us both.
Ralph’s Xmas has been tempered by sciatica – otherwise he is well.  He sold 2 songs the other day for £2.12.6!²  the first money he has earned in that way.  Two more are coming out shortly.
We think of going to Cambridge for a short visit next term.  My elder sister³ is spending the winter with us – We have been anxious about her for she has been more or less ill since March.  The two brothers are just a little better.  They have changed to new places – & that has done good.  Arthur is at Chiswick – Hervey near Beckenham.
Ralph sends his love – I don’t think he is irreparably shocked at y^r having liked the Messiah.
I hope your luck will go on well & that your mother is not getting too overtired.  If you are with her may I send her my love.
Always your affectionate

Adeline Vaughan Williams

1 Ralph Wedgwood had been promoted to the post of  District Superintendent at Middlesbrough, having been [Goods Manager] at West Hartlepool Docks.
2 The two songs sold were probably Linden Lea and Blackmwore by the Stour; Linden Lea appeared in the first issue of The Vocalist in April 1902, and Blackmwore by the Stour in the May issue. The following two would have been Whither must I wander, which appeared in The Vocalist in June 1902, and Boy Johnny, which appeared in The Vocalist in September 1902. See also letter VWL106.
3. Florence Darwin (formerly Maitland)