System Number: 04794
Date: [1 March 1901][1]
Author: JW
Place: Ajaccio
Recipient: Rosalind Birnie Philip[2]
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler P434
Document Type: ALS
HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF
PROPT. A. BOSSHARDT
AJACCIO
(CORSE)
'March 1. 1901.'
Urgent[3] - Quoique impératif écarter les dames de la famille de toute discussion, vous pouvez, avec votre grand savoir, et raffinement, faire entendre la haineuse et incroyable indelicatesse des procedes impropre de voisine, en leur présence -
Ainsi Sympathie de toute audience française avec vous -
This is telegrame [sic] I have just sent Ratier[4] - at the last moment - can only hope may be in time -
Not perhaps that it much matters Major - still it might further help - You see I have always so great determination to keep the ladies out of all discussion that perhaps I might even lose an advantage -
In any case I never thought of it until now! -
Tell Ronnie[5] I [got] his letter - He has been indefatigable! - and no letter could be more exhaustive of the subject - Also never was mission entrusted to better, or more rapid hands - Nothing has he forgotten - except it be his own rest or health in his untiring energy & zeal to accomplish! -
I only regret that we did not think of his staying over the trial that he might have seen the Salerons[6] face! This I wired - but I suppose he was already off - and carried with him only my telegraphed thanks - So you must all know how pleased I am Ma'ame[7], with your son! and what unceasing and untiring care he has taken of me! - which when I reflect, must at times have been no light task!
This goes at once - but not before I tell you Major how conscious I am of all the nice things you are doing for me!
You know how I appreciate all the thought and really wonderful finish and dandy! understanding (dandy understanding! is good) - You put in there for me!
Off!
Many things to all -
Wire if have letters about present resident[8]! -
Ronnie might call and say that lawyer is going to take steps against Post Office for opening the three letters, as of course the resident could not be supposed to have done this, and well she kindly say[s] that they came to her open!!!
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
HÔTEL SCHWEIZERHOF, AJACCIO
PROPRIETAIRE A. BOSSHARDT
'Also Jan 27 -
Jan 27 - 1901
- March 1st'
Miss Rosalind Birnie-Philip
Dhu House -
36 Tite Street - Chelsea
London
[stamp:] POSTE / 25 / REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE
[postmark:] AJACCIO A CORSE / 2¦ 1 / MARS / 01
[postmark on verso:] BASTIA CORSE / 6E¦ 1 / MARS / 01
[postmark on verso:] CHELSEA (S. O) / 2 / MR 4 / 01
[oval stamp on verso flap:] HÔTEL SCHWEIZERHOF / AJACCIO (CORSE)
ALB. BOSSHARDT-REICHEN / PROPRIÉTAIRE
Notes:
1. [1 March 1901]
Dated from the postmark. The date was also written on the letter and envelope by the recipient.
2. Rosalind Birnie Philip
Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more]. JW called her 'Major' and himself 'General'.
3. Urgent
Fr., Urgent. Although it is imperative to leave the ladies of the family out of the discussion, you can, with your great knowledge, and refinement, pass on the hateful and unbelievable indelicacy of the improper proceedings of the neighbour, in their presence. // Thus the sympathy of the French hearing will be with you.
4. Ratier
Antoine ('Antony') Ratier (b. 1851), lawyer and politician [more].
5. Ronnie
Ronald Murray Philip (1871-1940), civil engineer, JW's brother-in-law [more]. He had accompanied JW to Ajaccio.
6. Salerons
Mme Saleron, JW's neighbour at 110 rue du Bac [more].
7. Ma'ame
Frances Philip (1824-1917), née Black, JW's mother-in-law [more].
8. resident
See references to this individual in #04792 and #04793; apparently some of JW's mail had been tampered with, and JW suspected a neighbour.