Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy
- [Via] Russian steamer
[Alexandria] 15 November 1883
My dear Constantine,
I am in receipt of your letter 5th instant. As you will readily imagine, we were much annoyed to see the delay in the payment of the £ 100. The fact is, the Credit Lyonnais telegraphed viâ the Egyptian line, and telegrams on these wires are generally two or three days going. The money ― however ― is doubtless now in your hands.
Thanks for your praise of my lines “without a name”. Swinburne’s verses are new to me.
The Gentleman’s for November I posted you last week. You are right in supposing that your subscription entitles you to the Annual: I shall forward it as soon as it is out.
I note Alexander has put off his return, and trust he may succeed with Balthaggi ― At the same time I cannot but regret that I shall not see him as soon as expected. The Cholera still exists but the mortality keeps low.
As forshadowed in my last letter, I have been staying for a few days with Moss at the “Beau Séjour” in Ramleh. The Hotel is picturesque and well-kept: I have enjoyed my stay immensely ― No further news from Field and Weightman.
You will notice that this letter is written in a shaky hand; I have a bad cold, and every two seconds am obliged to pull and tug at my fertile nose till my arm is quite tired with the exertion ― Many kisses to mother, Alexander and Paul ―
Believe me ever Your affectionate John.
DIGITAL OBJECT DESCRIPTION
IDENTITY AREA
27 x 22 cm
CONTEXT AREA
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE AREA
Handwritten letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy on both sides of a letterhead of R. J. Moss & Co., Alexandria. John refers to his health and to family news. (Alexandria)
CONDITIONS OF ACCESS AND USE AREA
English
Writing in ink. Watermark: R. J. Moss & Co., Alexandria.
NOTES AREA
The transcription and editing of the letters of John Constantine Cavafy addressed to C. P. Cavafy was first carried out by Katerina Ghika; said transcriptions were subsequently uploaded to the official website of the Cavafy Archive.
We learn indirectly that C. P. Cavafy has recommended Swinburne’s work to John Cavafy, which the latter ignored. We also learn that certain untitled verses by John were liked by C. P. Cavafy.