From Herbert Howells
261. 28th May 1953 Herbert Howells to DMF
Royal Hotel, Bristol
My dear Dora:
Here in Bristol this morning I have read with great concern and very real regret of Hubert's death, and it has come not only with disturbing unexpectedness but with added poignancy in this week of general colour and happiness. I send you and your son and daughter the very genuine sympathy of a fellowmusician to whom Hubert shewed unfailing and most heartening kindness and encouragement right through the years.
My last news of him had been so reassuring. He was, I know, destined for new and important editorial work in a post he w[oul]d have filled brilliantly: and he must have been looking forward to it keenly.
We will all be so sorry it was not to be.
And among countless others I shall bear him in mind with admiration and affection.
You yourself will be much in our sympathetic thoughts.
I beg you not to attempt any acknowledgement of this note.
Yours very sincerely
Herbert Howells
From Gordon Jacob
262. 28th May 1953 Gordon Jacob to DMF
Pine Cottage, Brockenhurst, Hants.
My dear Dora,
Sidney and I were much shocked to see the announcement of Hubert's death in the Times today.
It seems impossible that such a vital personality should have passed away at such an early age. We quite thought that he had recovered from his illness in a remarkable way. He will be very much missed by the wide circle of friends he made in the course of his varied interests to each of which he brought his always youthful and vivid enthusiasm.
Please accept our deepest sympathy,
Yrs sincerely,
Gordon Jacob
From Dora Powell
263. 28th May 1953 Dora Powell to DMF
Poels, East Grinstead, Sussex
Dear Mrs. Foss
I was so shocked and sad to see today's Times. I am so very sorry – & so sorry for you and all the trouble & anxiety that you must have been through. I have known Mr. Foss for so many years and shall never forget his kindness & encouragement over the 1st edition of my Elgar book by the Oxford Press in 1937.
I doubt if I should have got on so well as I have without his help.