Item 14 - Autograph letter signed to Beaton.

Beaton's letter has just arrived. He had to decipher it very slowly. There are still segments he cannot make out. Has not had "anything stronger than a cup of tea in three weeks". He had an ulcer and a damaged liver. "The last fifty years of good living finally caught up with me". Has realised that Tangier is no good as a "permanent perch". Discusses his book about W. Somerset Maugham. Has read so much by him that he now hates him. Feels he needs another job to occupy himself when he is not writing. Is putting the finishing touches to an Esquire article about Beaton. When it is completed he will send him a copy. Sympathises with Beaton having to commute with New York. "I quote you faithfully in my article and I even have you sing a song".