T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 644

Project No.27 Force sets a new standard of troops; they are squeamishly timid of being thought to resemble the Army. I think you will find them quite interesting and amusing. If you are forthcoming, as I rather expect, will you say when would be the best time for them to come, what would be the best way to come, and what stuff they should bring with them? Blankets and things like that are camp commonplaces. As you are out they be as richly furnished as we were at Carchemish, where the D.G. housed us richly and gave us good hospitality allowances. Troops are, any way, not exigent. They would probably like to do something to get the full flavour out of their visit. Old Petrie used to let visitors string beads, or make copies according as they were visitors string beads, or make copies. I do not know on what scale you work, or what goods you have found. Hoir is a decent photographer. Jones I know less about. He is very quiet; Reade a lot. Of course I've been thro' yours and there are more in those I fancy. Of course, they are, to an impartial mind, much the same as any standards anywhere. Airmen mustn't fly machines; -- that is a privilege of officers; and R.A.F. officers are very unlike R.A.F. airmen. It would not be becoming for me, tho' which is may be deduced from my manner of life. So please don't give Hoir directions for finding the best landing ground near the digs. Ours are more in our manner. I hope I am not causing you to swear, as you read all this. If you have too little camping, then you will not be peeved. I appreciative visitors, then you will not be peeved. Your idea that Woolley may get the Antiquarian surprised me: Evans was a great archaeologist, Hogarth a great man; and that has set a standard for the Museum. I suppose Boll has the refusal of it first : + there was some idea of underground and Phoenician alternating in headship : and after he refuses it (he is very sick) they will have to look for a new head. I do hope he will be someone in the tradition. Apologies, thanks and anticipations -- Yours ever T.E. Shaw