Jack Llewelyn Davies to J M Barrie - 1903

Description

Letter from Jack to Barrie, written from Ramsgate, 23 April 1903

Transcription

16, Royal Crescent,
Ramsgate

April 23rd, 1903

Dear Mr. Barrie,
We are all comming back on Monday and we are longing to see you. We are having a very jolly time at Ramsgate. We wish you were here. We spend most of our time on donkeys and the sands, so when George and I are riding donkeys it makes four altogether. Uncle Gerald and Aunt Muriel are comming down on Sunday and Uncle Guy says they are always looking into each other’s eyes. I hope you enjoyed yourself at BLACK-LAKE COTTAGE. Is the new motor-car finished yet. I’ve put Black Lake Cottage in capital letters because where-ever you live must be a very celebrated place. Mother has got rumertism in her shoulders. I hope Clare Mackail is better. Did you think Aunt Muriel looked beautiful at the wedding. Mother said you were in the church. Father said you have got a topper! l didn't know it before.
Your story-listener Jack Ll. Davies.
P.S. I expect a letter.

Peter's comments:

Clear indications here of the letter-writing accomplishment 'which still distinguishes the author. It is the earliest Ramsgate letter I have and I take this to have been our first of so many Easter holidays there, in the house which had been left to Emma du M. the year before by her aunt Susan Caught.

Gerald du M. And Muriel Beaumont had been married a few days before this letter was written – on April 11th. Guy was recently home from the long drawn out South African War and would soon be going abroad again.

Clare Mackail: younger sister of Angela (Thirkell) and Denis.