T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 401

LH 9/13/42 H.C. Hayter Esq. 91 Kelmscott Road, London, S.W. 11. 17.V. 34. Clouds Hill Moreton Dorset 17. V. 34 Dear Hayter I write from lodgings in Southampton, but the above is the bush bush address of my cottage in Dorset, where on March 12th, 1936, I take up residence. The N.A.F. leaves me on that date. I shall feel like a lost dog, at first - but happy, afterwards, I trust. It is very good to hear from you again. I had often wondered what happened to you. Of course when 'routes' were shut down, closed down. I am afraid you lost money there. However the Post Office is a life job, and as a Sorter you ought to get £5. 6. a week. That's what 'numbers', a sorter at the Fad D.O. seems to get. Not so bad. Not wealth, but bread, butter, and a little honey, occasionally. Married? Tell me a little about yourself, if you will, and I will tell you about what I do. By the way, that interdict in 'Chuckles' on me. If? Is that the ruin you refer. I'm still an A.C.I, but happy, though very white-haired, and with still the nine toes in the grave, and ninepence, of very good memory. That's long moulting old is! Don't expect immediate action from any letter to Clouds Hill. They collect there in the empty cottage till I call there, after one or two or three weeks or months, as the case is. If you ever want me in a hurry, write to 'Jolliffe A/C Shal's', Island, Near Folkestone, saying that's my station. I am never there. No more. My eyes are tired, after a day of spray, cold wind, and hailstones, testing a 36 m.p.h. boat. I am web-footed, an Air Force Marine, now; and test all their new boats! Yours T E Shaw