2110-2-16-26

Nov 29. 16

34 Queens Gate Gdns S.W.

My dear John

I have just put down your Battle of the Somme and can't resist writing you a line of congratulation. I do believe it is the best thing you have done, indeed the best thing anyone has done in trying to tell this awful & splendid tale, above all in the Conclusion especially its last pages. Prose isn't poetry but I am not sure that any poet has said what we all at our best wish to feel about it & want someone to say for us, as you say it there.

Do let me see you when you make a run home - A ring up will find us and all we want you to say is which evening you & yr. wife can dine.

Yours ever

John Bailey

[ST: essayist & biographer]