Typed letter signed : Cliveden, to [Sean] O'Casey, 1943 December 30.

Record ID: 
401211
Accession number: 
MA 4210.8
Author: 
Astor, Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess, 1879-1964.
Credit: 
Purchased, 1983.
Description: 
1 item (2 pages) ; 17.9 x 13.8 cm
Notes: 

On stationery engraved "Cliveden." on the right side and "Taplow, / Bucks." on the left next to graphics of a train car and an envelope.
The salutation is "Dear, dear Friend."
With autograph additions.

Summary: 

Concerning [Oswald] Mosley; saying "I never stood up for Mosley. He practically murdered his first wife, who was one of my dearest friends. As you know, I hate dictators - whether they are from the Right or Left. Like St. Paul, I was born free. All I know is that out-cry about Mosley was an organised affair. When I see you I will explain exactly what I mean. Anyhow, it's not the British way to keep dying people in prison, particularly if they are uncondemned. We don't keep people in Princetown and I am sure you would be the last to do it, for in spite of all you say - no one has a tenderer heart. I do long to see you again. I have had such an amusing letter from G.B.S. which I will bring down to show you. Please don't class me as a Mosleyite, Stalinite, Hitlerite or Musso-ite; I am not among the 'ites' and you shouldn't be either!" asking him to come for a visit; adding, in autograph, "my sons were all here on Boxing Day...I pray God this war will soon be over - & we shall meet - with love to you both."

Provenance: 
Purchased on the Acquisitions Fund in honor of Mrs. Vincent Astor, February 1983.