LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British Military officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer known as La

LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British Military officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer known as La

'I'm a fraud….’

LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British Military officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence is renowned for his liaison role during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign and the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. A very fine A.L.S., T E Shaw, one page, 4to, RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth, 13th November 1930, to Henry Field at Baggrave Hall in Leicestershire. Lawrence announces 'I hope you are colossally rich, as that the cost of coming all the way to this misery of Plymouth (the last or first town of England according to your hemisphere) will mean nothing to you' and continues 'I'm a fraud, as regards both the Middle East and archaeology. Years ago I haunted both, and got fairly expert: but the war over-dosed me, and nine years ago I relapsed comfortably into the ranks of our Air Force, and have had no interests outside it since. Nine years is long enough to make me out-of-date, but not long enough to make my views quaint & interestingly archaic. I have forgotten all I knew, too'. Lawrence further informs Field that he will meet his train at Plymouth station, adding 'You will have to do the recognising. Look out for a small & aged creature in a slaty-blue uniform with brass buttons: like an R.A.C. scout or tram-driver, perhaps, only smaller and shabbier'. In concluding Lawrence writes 'Our camp is a few yards by water, & seven miles by road; you will be for a hotel, I expect. There are many, all bad. Or perhaps you are going back the same night? That will increase your misery. It rains here, always'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Lawrence. A letter of wonderful content written in Lawrence's self-deprecating manner. Some light, uniform age toning, evidently caused by previous framing, otherwise VG Henry Field (1902-1986) American anthropologist and archaeologist. Field grew up at Baggrave Hall in Leicestershire, the home of Algernon Burnaby, second husband of Field's mother, Minna Field.