ENPages
page_0001
crossed out: 48, ELSWORTHY ROAD, N.W.3.
Turville Park, Henley-on-Thames.
July. 11. 1920.
My dear John,
I have just finished reading your South African epic. From my own experience on an infinitely smaller scale, I can understand something of the difficulties of the task (for I once had to trace the story of the Scots Fusiliers in the confused fighting at Inkerman) and your success seems to me a miracle. The passages in which
page_0002
you place the South African exploits in their relation to the general history could only have been written by yourself, as also could the brief and impressive sentences in which you continue to give a vital impression of the exploits themselves. I have read it all with intense interest, and I do admire your mastery of the vast accumulation of facts and the skill with which you insist upon creating in the mind of your reader the imagination
page_0003
which is necessary if he is to understand your story. Your affection for South Africa adds to the appeal made by your narrative and your style, and the book must give great pleasure there.
We loved being with you and seeing your beautiful and happy home. Our best regards to Mrs. Buchan.
Ever yours
Robert S. Rait
P.T.O.
page_0004
I enclose something which Ruth calls a pattern. She forgot to send it yesterday.
