LETTERS: 3 Autograph letters signed, to Mrs. Edwards.
Beatrix Potter
Hiring a Community Nurse
Potter, Beatrix [pseud of Beatrix Heelis]. Three Autograph letters signed, “H.B. Heelis” and “Beatrix Heelis,” to a nurse, “Mrs. Edwards,” February 11 and 13 1924 and October 19, 1937, each one leaf, two pages; two of the on blindstamped letterhead of Sawrey, Ambleside, and stamped “Hawkshead and District Nursing Association.
Potter writes these lengthy and informative letters, in her small, dense, hand, in her capacity as Secretary of the Association. She is hoping the Association will hire Mrs. Edwards – apparently they did, as the final letter was composed upon Edwards’s retirement. nurse’s retirement – and sends in the two earlier letters details of the position, local politics, etc. A few extracts will give a sense of the trove:
I understand that you have had particulars of our post here, and that you are inclined to consider it favourably – I am not authorised to engage a new nurse, and I cannot get the executive committee together until early next week; but . . . they were all favourably impressed. But before you apply formally for the post we should like to tell you that Hawkshead is a very quiet small country town, and we are wondering what occupation there will be for your little boy. There is the elementary school, unfortunately the old Grammar School has been closed for some years . . . 6 miles off. I am afraid it is the same all over the country – most difficult to place boys. . . . The committee pay the cottage rent. . . . It is a very healthy district; the scattered cottages are what takes time – I understand that you are an active cyclist, and not afraid of wet weather. The bicycle is a Swift, an easy one to use. . . . (February 11, 1924)
[Y]ou may consider the matter settled. . . . [T]he annual village meetings are held this week – Ours is tomorrow; Miss Beck & myself are quite certain to be re-elected, we have been on since the association started. . . . There will probably be 2 new members on the executive committee; but the 5 old ones who have approved of your testimonials are in the majority, even if the two new members do not agree. . . . You are quite certain to be appointed, I have the chairman’s authority to engage you now; so we hope you will give in your resignation. I hope you will be very happy in Hawkshead; your son will find plenty of amusement in his holidays; fishing, walks & the sports field. . . . (February 13, 1924)
After the first gasp of consternation – the committee declared that they did not take your resignation irrevocably. They took it ‘seriously’ in the sense of being gravely concerned; but there were no tears. We declined to believe that you are really going for good. . . . [T]he doctor said decidedly that you would most likely be quite well in a year or two. The doctor proposed the adjournment of the discussion until your return. . . . [H]e seemed to me clearly desirous that you should stay on. . . . I am afraid Dr Allen has never been given a chance. It never crossed my mind that he would care to come! It seems better that he should come – and speak out. Though I confess that his ‘speaking out’ today did not impress me much: he made a bit of a fool of himself about the midwives act, he does hate it!! When an act is law – least said soonest mended I should think. Under the circumstances I am doubly glad I refused to print the circular. . . . Dr A complained he did not know how to get the . . . nurse because I was out which is a little difficult to credit. . . . (October 19, 1937)
Edges rough; some soiling and wear; a few tears; softening at folds.
(#4656115) (#21191
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