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[Note: This is the last letter I have from my father. There may have been later letters that have not survived in my files.]
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Transcription of Letter
From
J R Derbyshire
62 Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England
To
John Derbyshire
126 Stevens Avenue
Valhalla
New York 10595
U.S.A.
62 Friars Avenue 20/8/78
Dear John,
We have had a few Postcards in the last few days but nothing from you. We had a letter from
Manager of Barclays Bank this asking for signaturs, on a form, of Mum & me, but I have not replied because the
first thing they would do is
to notify the Tax office & I have come to the conclusion that they cant help you in any way to avoid Tax. also if
you bring it in by
Travelers Cheques it will be on your Passport. it would be if you left from here, find out if it is the same at your
end, But I think if you say
you are not staying more than 90 days they may not Tax you, but all who I have contacted would not say definate that
they wouldnt Tax, but I
think all Banks have to give details of all Dollar transactions & who it belongs to, but I will try once again on
Monday & will leave
this letter over till then
I thought you had given Kathy, or whatever her name is,
up but it seems you are more involved than ever I always told you never to shit on your own doorstep & I take
it because of Jed & Mary you can't get out, you dont half get involved with some bright
sparks I am beginning
to think there are no decent single girls about if you dont watch your step you will land yourself with a bundle
of trouble so watch out till
you get out
22.8.78 I'm glad I was'nt able to finish this letter as we got your letter to day so it
saved us crossing as we usually do. You scared the life out of us when we opened your letter & saw the photos. you
look like
Will. Rushton Mum says you have to get that Beard
of & hair cut before trying
to get into England, they will arrest you on suspicion. I can't say I am keen on it either as its spoiling a good
looking bloke & I know
Tessa will object but dont throw the Camera away as it is not to
blame
It was Mr Wright who I contacted a nice bloke I rung him today & explained & told
him as we did'nt want to draw any of the money our signatures would not be necessary & he agreed & said the
money had'nt come through yet but
they had your specimen signature every thing will be OK when you come & I told him you did'nt intend to settle in
this country & would be
leaving in under 90 days so the tax would'nt come into it & he agreed. so it will give you time after you get here
to find a way out of paying
the tax. so if customs ask you when you get here you know what to say. As for the comission ask
Tom
it only cost him about a small amount when he was here & cashed a cheque at Lloyds Bank so bring your Travellers
cheques in Dollars anyway they
get you one way or another The Building Society is the best place for your money as they pay 6½% up to
£15 000 Tax free &
it is more available as they open on Sat & the Banks dont & you can draw out as much as you like any time. Yes
we heard & read Human
Bondage 60 yrs ago if its the Someset Maugham I think it was published about 1916. We must be having your kind of
weather its done nothing but rain
all Summer all the crops are ruined
Judith is going to Heathrow to meet Tessa, tomorrow & Mum is going to take charge of your nephew. Noel is coming over this weekend. Well I will close now as Mum
gave you all the news it
does'nt leave me much to say & as we are looking forward to seeing you soon & as you see by my mistakes I am
not in a fit state to write a
letter. So Cheerio for now looking forward to seeing you (less Beard & Hair) soon
Love Dad