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Friends and Colleagues, When my parents died I unearthed a lot of their saved correspondence. My dad traveled on business, and when he was out of town he and my mother corresponded. Like any inquisitive son, I sat down and read their letters. A friend told me I shouldn’t – they’re personal, she said. Nonetheless, I was delighted when I read them. They missed each other. They were happy when they were together, and less happy when they were apart. Am I a snoop? Perhaps. I hope not. But I am interested in people, especially those who have gone on to (one hopes) their heavenly reward. Reading correspondence is a part of dealing in antiquarian matters. Tom Bosworth had taught Latin at Richmond’s McGuire’s School before World War II. The school closed permanently during the war (the war was a great eruption and interuption). Tom returned not to Richmond but to his hometown, that charming hamlet in the Valley of Virginia, Brownsburg. He went on to medical school, and worked thereafter in Lexington. Letters like this are important for their ordinariness. Most of us live rather ordinary lives. They are valuable. Cheers! Nick | | |
