DLA018-0061  Transcription

17th August, 1932.

My dearest Friend,

I delayed writing in reply to your letter of August 8th because it is so difficult for me to say anything helpful when such calamity and sorrow has befallen you. I know so well what it means to you to lose your best friend Phipps,^[1] just at this hour when dear little Anne Marie^[2] needs his help and advice so much. The short time I had the pleasure to be with him was sufficient to learn of his sympathetic and distinguished personality, and I saw from the way he spoke how devoted he was to you and your daughter. It came to us as a great shock when one morning Countess Eltz^[3] advised us of this tragedy, but for him it was a great mercy to pass away so unexpectedly and with no suffering. That is some consolation, but for you it will be difficult to overcome this great shock, and I know how much your dear Anne Marie feels it. Please accept from us both our deepest sympathy.

The day after it happened Countess Eltz came here to lunch and she told us the details of how it happened. I am sure she is a splendid companion and friend to your daughter. This last weekend, knowing she was alone, we had her with us in the country, which I think she much enjoyed.

I myself, after the very hard time I have had during the last year, am very much in need of rest, and so I go down and join my family when I can, but I had to come up yesterday to finish the portrait of the Archbishop of Canterbury [6161]. I am returning tonight, and shall be there till the 24th. Meanwhile I hear that Anne Marie and the Countess Eltz will be away.

The doctor wishes me to spend at least a fortnight in St. Blazien [sic], in the black Forest, and take a thorough rest away from all my duties. I have not decided yet if I will do

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so, but in my case before I leave I will do a sketch of Anne Marie for herself [7176]. I have already done a sketch of her and the Countess, to be included in my large picture, to which you kindly gave your permission, but I will only be able to paint them on the large canvas if you will let her be here for longer – let us say till the end of September.^[4] Please let me know what your plans are. If you write to this address letters will always be forwarded. We would both very much like to know how you are progressing, and what your next move is.

We hope that you will get some beneficial treatment and soon regain your strength, to be equal to your splendid spirit.^[5]

We are all well. Some of the boys are with us. We are an hour’s run from London, near Windsor, in beautiful surroundings, right on the golf links, where we play a great deal.

My wife joins me, and our sons, in best wishes for a speedy recovery, and with warmest regards

Believe me | Always your devoted friend,

Baron Rudolf von Slatin,

I, Reichsrattstrasse 7

Vienna.

Editorial Note:

Sir Rudolf Carl von Slatin, also known as ‘Slatin Pasha’ (1857-1932); for biographical notes, see [7178].  

SMDL

19/05/2018