Letters to Cecily Mary Severne

The letters from Squire reflect his love for the recipient. They express in detail his feelings and thoughts, his unhappiness when they are apart, his delight in her presence, and dissatisfaction with other aspects of his life. Fleeting references are made to professional concerns, other acquaintances, and the events and literature of the day.

Many of the letters retain their original envelope. After the first 18 letters, the envelopes were numbered in pencil on the reverse (presumably by recipient), from 1-261, then the sequence restarts, in error, at 162 and continues to 373, after which the numbering ceases altogether. Some letters were destroyed by the recipient, so there are gaps in the sequence. The folders reflect the bundles in which the letters were stored by Mrs Severne.

Published