Letter from Francis Watt, London, to Anna Henley, 1918 April 20 : typescript signed.

Concerning a future biography of W. E. Henley; saying "I saw your friend Flewker the other day. It seems that he is a solicitor practising in London. He is not merely wild but impossible. He threatens a life of W. E. H. I hope he won't. I am sure you wont assi[s]t him. He has collected certain facts about the early days at Gloucester which have a certain value though not much. After he had gone, I had a hours melancholy reflections of earlier and brighter days and the good times we all had once. Then the question of the "Life" again pressed itself upon me, and I determined to write to you again upon the subject. I do not criticise Whibley in any way. I have no right to do so; even if I had, I have not the facts necessary to found a judgment. The point I wish to urge is that you ought forthwith to do something decisive. By far the best plan would be to get T. F. Henderson to do the substantial part of the book. If Whibley will write a critical introduction saying his say about W. E. H. at any length and in any manner which he thinks proper, it would be very valuble [sic]. This would have been the best plan to adopt at first, something like it sums [sic] the only possible plan now. It is doing exactley [sic] what W. E. H. and Henderson did in their edition of Burns. I suggested the plan and it was great success I think this would not be less successful. I hope when you have thought over this letter you will write to Whibley with this or some like communication so that you may be guided by his advice. He knows Henderson well and has a good opinion of him. I had better add one or two facts about Henderson which may be useful for Whibley to know. His address is, The Wraes, Bridge of Wier, Renfrewshire. His time cannot be much occupied at present. He told me the war had knocked all his schemes on the head. I do not know if he would undertake the work. I think he would if you and Whibley asked him. Money matters must of course be for the three of you to settle, but if a sum like a hundred guas were paid to him for necessary expenses he would probably be content. No doubt Henderson would call upon you if you dropped him a line, but you will first consult Whibley, and this surely you will do this at once. Phyllis is getting daily stronger, slowly indeed but we hope surely. She and her mother go to Matlock on the 6th, May. How long she will stay ther [sic] depends on many things. I thank you for your kindness to her. Charles Baxter continues a model of all the virtues. I cherish him as I never did in the days of his prosperity."