Housed in the Edward Thomas Centre at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery is a remarkable letter, handwritten by one of America’s greatest poets — Robert Frost.
The Letter
Steep, Petersfield (around 9 February 1915)
Dear Haines,
I came down to London on business and thought I would run out here to see what Thomas would say to coming down for the next week if we could get our boat changed and stay over till Feb 20. All things considered though we doubt it would be wise to put off the evil day. The Germans have only little to do with our decision. I will tell you more about it when I see you. The only suggestion I now have to offer is that you might find a way to entertain us Thursday night and perhaps Friday. We may think it best to get to Liverpool Friday for fear of missing the boat by delays on the railroad. Excuse all this confusion in plans.
Thomas is sorry we couldn’t have a few days all together: he asks to be remembered.
My best to you both.
Yours ever,
R.F.
This letter gives a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century correspondence between friends. It’s addressed to John Wilton Haines, a British lawyer, botanist and poet who was a friend, legal advisor and supporter of many of the Georgian poets.
In this short but personal note, Frost discusses travel plans, hints at the tension of the times, and sends greetings from Edward Thomas — another close friend of both men.
Edward Thomas and Robert Frost: A Poetic Friendship
Frost and Thomas first met in 1913, when Frost moved from America to England. They quickly bonded over their mutual love of nature, walking and words.
At the time, Frost’s poetry was largely unknown. Thomas was one of the first to champion his work, helping it gain recognition. In return, Frost encouraged Thomas — who was mainly writing prose about the countryside — to turn his writing into poetry.
Their friendship blossomed through long walks and deep conversations. In fact, Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken was inspired by Thomas’s tendency to second-guess which path to take on their rambles.
Sadly, the friendship was cut short. Thomas enlisted in the army during the First World War and was killed in action in 1917. Frost was devastated, later saying that Thomas was the only poet he truly cared about.
Why This Letter Matters
This letter is more than a casual note. It’s a link between three literary figures and a snapshot of a moment shaped by friendship, poetry and the pressures of war. Written while Robert Frost was staying with Edward Thomas and his family in Steep — as shown by the heading at the top and the Petersfield postmark — it reflects the close bond the two poets shared.
It also shows how much Thomas meant to Frost, and how their connection helped shape both their careers. It’s because of that friendship that this letter has a home in the Edward Thomas Centre.
The Edward Thomas Centre
Housed in a former Victorian police cart house in the courtyard of Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, the Edward Thomas Centre holds the Tim Wilton-Steer Collection — an extraordinary archive of works by and about Edward Thomas.
The Centre is free to visit and open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. You can find out more about the Edward Thomas Centre here, and the Edward Thomas Fellowship here.
