This letter is from Geoffrey and Patrick in London, addressed to Ed and Mel—Edwin Morrison and Melvin Buckner. It’s part of the ongoing correspondence between the couples, dating from after Geoffrey and Patrick’s return from the US (where they had spent time with Ed and Mel). The tone is affectionate, apologetic for the lack of recent communication, and empathetic about mutual hardships. The message is partly typed (by Geoffrey) and partly handwritten (by Patrick), adding personal warmth and spontaneity.
Key points:
- Geoffrey and Patrick are living temporarily in Lionel’s old flat but are struggling and don’t plan to stay.
- Paul (another mutual friend) is still unemployed, and there’s concern about his wellbeing.
- They express genuine sorrow at hearing that Ed and Mel have had difficulties.
- There’s fond remembrance of a phone call from Rae, and an affectionate mention of “the dollies” and little Ethel.
- Ted Floyd, another friend, has not been heard from, and Geoffrey and Patrick encourage Ed and Mel to reconnect.
- Humorous complaint about the weather, ducks, and “drowning”—lightening the tone.
Patrick’s handwritten postscript (added days later) continues the warm tone, referencing air conditioning, heat, and humidity like “D.C. in July,” and promising further correspondence.
The layered combination of humor, sorrow, and love—across physical and emotional distance—offers a deeply human portrait of enduring friendship and queer partnership across time and place.
Full Transcription
Typed Side – Geoffrey’s Letter (25 June 1971)
4 Aylmer Road
London. W12 9LQ.
25/6/71
Dear Ed & Mel,
Thank you for your letter which we received just the other day. Thank goodness that we are not meeting face to face, for we are utterly ashamed of ourselves for not having kept in touch as we should. Can you find it in your hearts to forgive us?
I am glad that Ethel let you read our letter and trust that it will explain a little our long absent correspondence (is that the way to spell it) but as the saying goes “Times are getting hard boys”.
Patrick and I moved into Lionel’s old flat a few weeks back but we are not staying any longer than we have to, things are unbearable at the moment and there does not appear to be any sign of improvement in the situation up to now.
It is not in my place to tell all, as I would like, but there is someone who is close to ALL of us involved!
We cannot say how sorry we are to hear that your lives have suffered a (we hope) temporary set back, but we trust and pray that things will improve quickly.
We hear also that Paul is still out of work. Poor boy, he must be as fed up as anything by now, it must be at least a year since he last worked, is it not?
I was tickled pink to hear dear Rae’s voice on the phone the other day. It was a pity that I could not talk longer to her but it was a company phone no less. How we both long to be out there with you all. It seems years since we last saw you all, but it is in fact just over a year ago since you two dollies were here with that little poppet Ethel, how time flies.
How is Ted Floyd? We have not heard a word from him in years and trust all is well with him. Hope to get in touch with him soon, as we feel that we owe him a letter. Give him our love when next you communicate with him.
What’s the weather like in your part of the world? If it is anything like ours keep it! We think that the ducks are looking pretty fed up with all the rain we are having at present, in fact I read in a national newspaper that a lot of ducks are drowning because they are waterlogged, believe that if you can.
Well dear friends must call it a day,
Stay as sweet as you are,
Our all to you all
As ever,
Geoffrey – the former to living it!!
P.T.O.
Handwritten Side – Patrick’s Addition (dated 9 July 1971)
I have been holding this letter with the intention of including one from little old me – but that is as far as my intentions have got!! So herewith Geoffrey’s letter and I PROMISE to write over the weekend.
Incidentally, two items (this letter will not reach you) addenda:
- We are staying at Aylmer Road, having sorted some things with Broadhead, this is the actual street and
- The weather has finally stopped. Temperatures are in the 80s and the humidity is just like D.C. in July. Oh for air conditioning!!!
With much much love to you all
Patrick
9/7/71
[Written in bottom corner:]
P.S. My regards to everybody – perhaps I’ll write to Rae!!