7 December 1969 Letter from Patrick & Geoffrey
This letter, co-authored by Patrick and Geoffrey, and sent from Flat 1, 70 Duke Street, Grosvenor Square, London W1, offers an intimate window into the post-war lives of a transatlantic social circle—likely involving artists, expatriates, and intellectuals. It is full of affection, frustration with British bureaucracy, longing for American connection, and light-hearted commentary on social plans, health, and the coming holidays.
Key Themes and Reasoning:
1. Postal Frustrations & Missed Communication
The letter opens with an almost comic exasperation over slow UK postal service and concerns that letters (including one to Rae and Lionel) have not arrived. Patrick is especially upset at not receiving a reply and expresses this in emotionally charged yet humorous tones.
2. Nostalgia & Emotional Dislocation
Despite living in London, the authors feel unsettled, homesick, and out of place. They refer to “you people” (likely American friends) as having made them love and miss America so deeply that no other country has affected them this way. This conveys a real sense of emotional migration, where love and connection define home more than geography.
3. Holiday Longing & Travel Plans
There’s deep longing for reunion, specifically over Christmas. The authors jokingly threaten to show up at their friends’ homes in D.C. whether or not there’s room, noting: “We want to spend Christmas 1970 in D.C.!!”
4. Money, Health & Opportunity
A mysterious American woman is mentioned as a potential help with financial difficulties, though details are deliberately vague. Patrick reassures that money problems may not be “such a problem” after all, a sign of careful optimism. Rae’s health is also mentioned as a concern, and the authors request updates.
5. Artistic Lives & Community
There are discussions of exhibitions, studies, and personal work (perhaps artistic or literary). Geoffrey and Patrick seem deeply connected to their creative circle, offering a glimpse into the bohemian, intellectual lives of queer men in post-war London, still feeling a strong bond to their American peers.
Full Transcription of the Letter
(Patrick & Geoffrey – 7 December 1969)
Flat 1
70 Duke Street
Grosvenor Square
London W.1
7th December 1969
Page 1
Dear dear boys,
I am just about sick to deal with the English postal system. Apart from the fact that slowness in delivery, but we received $135 the other week (see, that’s hint!), with thanks as if Geoffrey and I will be getting a reputation for rudeness.
Firstly, Paul and Tony did not get your letter remailed to them upon our return. Now I mention from Lionel that you are wondering what has happened to my pen!! If you may recall that you had me a notice regarding your exhibition and I (bless and blast C.I.’s office time!) wrote you a letter to wish you well, to give you rest—that is, it was—and to enquire about Rae. However, I also included a wee letter for Rae. In view of your remarks to Lionel I can only assume you have not received it. I am furious, particularly as I can honestly say this: not a day passes without Geoffrey or me saying something about you all. We are just so homesick. It may sound silly, but it is the total truth. You people have made us such (lovers) Americans—and made us so unsettled over here. No one and no other country has had this effect on me before.
Page 2
We just adored having Sophie with us and I think she enjoyed having the sun & the apartment. The only bother about her being here was that it made us more unsettled over being so far away from D.C.!! We were sorry we missed you then—we called you but it was good to hear Rae’s voice again.
When you do write, please let us know how she is progressing. If her recovery is a slow one, I can well imagine that she must find it very, very tiresome. I am enclosing a letter I did—please pass over to her.
Did you manage your trip to Ted’s or has that had to be postponed? Geoffrey and I thoroughly took to him and we were only sorry that we had not known of his visiting dates in advance, as we would have spent more time with him.
Talking of trips, what plans are you considering for the coming summer and can London be included? You know we are desperately anxious to have you come + stay with us—so let me know what the position is. It would be good to see you BOTH here (and you must know that you need only your fare over)—but I realise we may not be able to match only plans at present. We have explained the hope that Paul & Tony could come over. See if you can persuade them.
Page 3
Christmas is getting horribly near—and all we want to do is to come to Washington!! Unfortunately, I do not think my bank manager would welcome the idea! All you people have made us unsettled in this country. Christmas Day itself we are going down to Guildford and taking Geoffrey’s mother out to lunch. A prospect that does not fill me with enthusiasm. Then on Boxing Day (26th) Lionel is coming over to our place together with maybe one or two others. It sounds like a quiet time in comparison with the festivities Sophie tells us you have at Christmas. Please note: you have been warned—we want to spend Christmas 1970 in D.C.!! Even if you have not room to put us up we shall leave our hotel for the day & join you folks. And if you think I’m joking, then you don’t know Nugent!
Page 4
Have met through my office a charming American woman who can be of assistance to me in various financial ways. Obviously I cannot explain details by letter, but let it suffice to say that the dollar problem need not be such a problem!
It is getting very near bed time and there are the usual chores to do, so I must close. Do write soon, for if you do not then I shall think that this letter too has gone astray.
With all our love,
Patrick & Geoffrey