Henslowe Letters - austenrpg/eternallies GitHub Wiki
A number of letters from Douglas Henslowe to Walter Winston were discovered by Janet Winston-Rogers after Walter's death.
Except where noted below, all the letters were addressed from the Joy Grove Sanitorium.
The first letter discusses the events of August 1924. Henslowe is apparently in some doubt as to what actually happened, and is seeking clarification from Walter so he can persuade "his doctors" that he is telling the truth.
This letter reiterates Henslowe's plea for help. His doctors are saying his stories are a figment of his sub-conscious but Walter could prove they are true. Henslowe says Walter would not even have to put his name to this evidence if he did not want to.
Henslowe describes how he often wakes "in a cold sweat thinking of our friends. He asks Walter to "Tell me they didn't die for nothing. Tell me they didn't get away with it!"
He once again requests Walter write and provie him reassurance.
Another request for verification for "my doctors". Henslowe wonders "if they'd followed me out of there, they'd still be alive" before questioning if there is more he could have done to prevent their presumed deaths.
Another plea for help persuading the doctors, otherwise Henslowe fears he will have to go on the medication they are trying to give him.
Henslowe has submitted and is undertaking the prescribed care his doctors want. He continues to believe his version of events, however, wondering if Walter is ignoring him in an attempt at helping him. He still requests Walter to write to him.
Henslowe appears to have reached a point where his "troubled mind" is clear, at least while awake - he says his "dreams still haunt me". He is calm. He wishes Walter is at peace and urges him to write.
This letter was addressed from the family estate.
Henslowe wishes to "close a chapter of our story together". While he cannot forget the events of 1924, he was come to terms with it and moved on. He apologies for contacting Walter and tells him he will not write again.
This letter was addressed from the family estate.
Henslowe apologizes for writing, given his previous promise not to. He has compiled a journal containing "everything I remember" and has hidden it away. He tells Walter he will tell him where it is hidden if he asks.
This letter was addressed from the family estate.
Sounding worn out and exasperated, Henslowe states he thinks he will never be able to "escape what happened". He urges Walter to write with his side of the story.
Henslowe questions why Walter never responds and asks if he is making all of this up himself? He now requests just to know that "we are at least at peace".
Henslowe wonders if Walter even remembers the events of AUgust 1934. "Did they die for nothing?" he asks. He begs walter to get in touch.