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“THE ABOMINATION OFTHE [SINKING OFTHE] LUSITANIA”
198
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JAMES, HENRY. Autograph Letter Signed, “Uncle Henry James,” to the wife of
his nephew Mrs.William James (“Dearest Alice”), almost entirely on events and reflections
concerning the start of World War I. 4 pages, 4to, personal stationery, written on the recto
and verso of separate sheets; concluding lines written vertically in upper margin of first
page.With the original envelope. (TFC)
London, 20 May 1915
[5,000/7,500]
“
. . . Events move fast, in this tremendous tide, & many things, mainly horrible, have happened since
you wrote.The abomination of the Lusitania has been easily the greatest horror . . . . [W]e are waiting
here in an intensity of suspense for the German answer to that admirable note of the President’s
[Wilson] . . . . [T]he difference the note has made in one’s power to hold up one’s head as an
American is unspeakable, a priceless liberation. . . .All this fearful recent fighting has been too horribly
paid for—but the payment can only go on & on & on. Strangely does the soul harden & toughen in
the midst of it all; we sup on horrors & only get used to them, after a fashion, & to the direst losses &
mutilations & mournings. . . .”
“
. . . [T]he further away you all are the better. . . .”
Writing here as an American, James became a British subject the same year and remained such.