THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Gloucester Hotel
Weymouth

[20th March 1909]

Dear Randolph

It was so nice to get your letter – especially the last part – but we needn’t fear that we are forgetting each other because we don’t see each other – luckily it doesn’t depend on that – Now I’m blest if I haven’t left the press notice of my fen piece in London which I meant to have sent to you – by the way I don’t think I ever told you that it was dedicated to you – to tell you the truth I had forgotten about it – but your initials are on the top of the score.¹  I’ve been fearfully busy of late with some beastly lectures² – and longing to get the Wasps³ ready – & Adeline was very ill with influenza – & was in bed nearly 3 weeks – She is nearly well now and we are here for a few days to blow away the remains.⁴
It would be lovely to come to you some time in April – if you really think you want us. I want to see the de Wendt⁵ – but shan’t promise to like it. 
This is a nice little town just a semicircle and the sea – but then there is Chesil beach & Portland Bill – and we were greeted on our arrival by a whole line of battleships.
Give my love to Iris – what splendid news of coming events
Goodbye yrs affectionately

R. Vaughan Williams

 1. The symphonic sketch In the Fen Country, Catalogue of Works 1904/4.  Its first performance had been given in the Queen’s Hall on 22nd February by the Beecham orchestra under Sir Thomas Beecham.
2. These are not mentioned in R.V.W.: a biography or Kennedy, Works of Vaughan Williams.
3. Catalogue of Works, 1909/2
4. See R.V.W.: a biography, p.85. It was thought that this illness was the source of AVW’s continuing ill health for the rest of her life.
 5. Unidentified.