ENPages
page_0001
Nov. 5/99 14 Norham Gardens
My dear Buchan,
I gladly send an introduction to Strachey, whom however I only know by correspondence. My old Spectator-friendship was with Hutton. Therefore do not expect too much from me!
If it were not that I feel it is for the Spectator's gain to furnish you with a field for writing, I should hesitate about saying anything.
Valeat quantum!
page_0002
I am very sorry about All Souls. They have made, I think, not for the first time, a great mistake; and I believe you will live to prove this to them. But an examination such as theirs, so definite in one way (viz. that it is on History, on positive knowledge) so elastic in another, that a man with an historical hobby may catch their fancy, will often lead to strange results.
Without however underrating
page_0003
the advantages of such a position, still I think that it is often good for a man to be cast adrift from Oxford. There is little or no career here; and yet it is so pleasant, that people stay on and lose their thews of action.
It is an entangling place; and not favourable to the higher forms of mental or moral energy.
But on the other hand
page_0004
should you determine to try again another year, after longer time for historical study, an intermediate year in London would not be wasted. You w[oul]ld see more of life.
I often think of Sir R. Reid (Bob Reid) trying for our Fellowship at Oriel. It was a great blow to him just to fail. But I believe he rejoiced at his fortune afterwards.
Believe me
Ever yours sincerely
A G Butler
