10 November 1911 (Peter tp Tom)

To: Thomas Alden
Green Pastures Rest Home for the Criminally Insane
Greenfield, England

Dear Tom,

First, please forgive me for taking so long a time to respond to your letters. The first arrived during a busy part of term and I wanted to wait to give it--and its brother which arrived soon after-- my full attention. As you may recall, I dislike poor responses almost more than no response at all.

You credit me with being both a nation and the "whole ocean." Forgoing any indignation at your impugning my girth OR stature--both of which are dwarfed by your own, if you recall--I would urge you to think of your own strengths rather than looking still to others, be it Conrad or even myself. You are strong, Tom, not weak. Never weak, never fragile. That is one of my clearest memories of you. Discussing your thesis in my study late in a winter that seems so close to now, and yet also (and no doubt more so to you) so far away. You were afraid, and young, almost innocent (if you pardon an old man his memories and beliefs and take what comfort you can in it), but it was fear that matured your youth and strengthened it; the way fire tempers iron and forges steel.

There is steel in you, Tom. I know you feel lost in the cold Eastern wind of hope, but do not forget: it may be bitter, but it is still hope. May it sustain you, and may I continue to give, however small, a portion of it.

I am sorry that your dream pains you; yet I cannot be sorry that you still think of me.

Never fear that you have too many questions; as I told you while at school: some answers are less important than the questions which drive them. Do not stop questioning, Tom. It will keep you young.

I will, as always, merely guide the process.

Your mentor,
Peter Strandman