Lot 32: WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

Autograph letter, signed "Ted" to Ida Elinor Wilson (one of his younger sisters, b.1875), giving advice on the avoidance of anaemia and throwing light on his Christian belief and practice, 6 pages, with envelope inscribed by Ida Wilson "a most precious letter..." but allowing Seaver to use it if wanted, Loscambe Lodge, Stanmore, 20 March 1900; autograph letter, signed "Ted" to Ida, thanking her for flowers sent from Rigi, describing his trip by sea from Le Havre to Trouville " My pride kept me from feeling squeamish even when a woman vomited down wind all over my face and cape. That was trying, but the waves that broke over the bows and soaked us, soon washed it off", 4 pages, in a later envelope inscribed by George Seaver, St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, 4 August, 1897; 2 pages of pencilled notes by Wilson on the health of various Grouse, one leaf, 1907 8vo

Wilson's strong Christian convictions were recognised by his comrades, but the details he kept to himself. In the first letter he says he has noticed Ida reading her Bible before breakfast, and offers that "early morning Bible readings are the secret of happiness in this life", recommending the New Testament, the Gospels, and St. John in particular, also suggesting the keeping of a journal to combine a diary with "self examination and your prayers". He advises Ida, if she has a headache, to write a short thanksgiving for it in the book, and then try to understand its purpose- perhaps something very near to a summary of from where Wilson found the strong peace and calm which drew others to him.