AU10/31/1/6

"I have your letter of the 16th and am pleased that you like the photos. I don't want the snapshots back. Thanks for what you say about the one of me. I have been a good deal about Europe, but not in other Hemispheres. Animals have rather come to me than have I gone after them. Sometimes I sent for them and some I got through importers, through friends or by exchange. You are right, those animals are cheetahs the great hunting cats. Leopards are generally smaller & always vicious. I would not trust cheetahs with dogs or babies - they might be too tempting. The house was comfortable and is partly still, but I have had to dismantle largely for the military, who have occupied half since the beginning of the war and I don't expect ever to inhabit the whole again what with heavy taxation & the servant difficulty. Soldiers are pleasant but not very good tenants. I am sorry that you have not had the opportunity of much riding, it is a healthy exercise and you appear to be athletic. Most artistic people take your view of the art of the 18th Century. But in those days they had not the comforts we enjoy. You seem to go through life with your eyes open and I wish you good luck and shall hope to hear from you. We have just had a terrific hail storm".

18 Jan 1945

From: 1945 To: 1945

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Wingfield, Anthony Henry,
Matthews, Sidney H.

taxation, servants, cheetahs, leopards, dogs, photographs, weather, Ampthill House