THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Canadian Pacific Steamship Lines
R.M.S.

Wednesday [12th October 1932]

Dear Maud

Here I am on the last day of my sea voyage – I find I’m a good sailor – the waves were said to be bigger than they’ve been for 2 years – & I went to the look out place high up & watched the ship plunging – it was superb – the sun came out occasionally & the huge rollers all blue & green & white were magnificent – otherwise very comfortable but rather dull.
Surette was on board but 1st class & he only discovered me today – & I had tea with him in his palace.¹ I land tomorrow & go to Boston on Friday.  It was so nice seeing you at the station – I’m reading your jingle book – & like it v. much – I’ve not tackled the New York book yet  By the way you must read “John Brown”.²
Yrs

RVW

1. Thomas Surette, American composer, organist and Director of Music at Bryn Mawr, where VW was to give the Mary Flexner lectures.
2. VW probably has in mind Stephen Vincent Benét’s epic poem on the American Civil War, John Brown’s Body, which had won the Pulitzer Prize in 1929.