British archaeologist, soldier, adventurer, and writer (1888–1935) immortalized in the epic 1962 screen biography Lawrence of Arabia. He attained international renown for his role as British liaison in the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918, which he recounted in his best-selling memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom. TLS signed “T. E. Shaw” [his assumed name], one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.5, October 29, 1931. A detailed technical report related to his service in the R.A.F., headed “Progress Report on 201,” to Flight Lieutenant Beauforte-Greenwood in London. In part: “We ran short of No. 1 spirit, and ran her on No. 3 for a while. No differences in revs, speed, or pressures. A very slight increase in consumption. A falling off in acceleration…. The blade of the rudder fell off day before yesterday. No shock noted by anyone aboard. I was not present. A wounded porpoise is haunting the Cattlewater, now, but if we put up that suggestion the Gods would laugh…. The R.H. propeller has a bent blade, and the L.H. propeller has one blade torn to ribbons…. As soon as the rudder comes, we are to tow the speed target, and some aircraft, by Coastal Area request…. The old-fashioned sailors still look sideways at her. Nothing but performance will convince them of her superiority for aircraft work. That makes me all the more eager to keep her running…. About the Seven Pillars. I have heard from Richards, its owner. He intends to stay another year in S. Wales. So I can keep it, within reason, as long as I like. Will you send it to me when you have finished with it? A friend of mine down here is anxious to see it. ‘Read it’ he said, but that is not a small job!…” After signing, he adds a handwritten postscript: “201 has now been about 3 months in the water. These boats should come out, I thing for 24 hours every fortnight. Her under-water hull is thick with grass. The steering of 2012 is much more easy, & more sudden than 200’s. S-P had distinctly improved the rudder-action.” Lawrence had attempted to join the R.A.F. under an assumed name in 1922, but his true identity was soon discovered, and was forced to resign. After a stint in the Royal Tank Corps under the name “Shaw,” he was finally allowed to rejoin the R.A.F. in 1925, and he served as a specialist in high-speed boats until 1935. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Lawrence’s hand. In good to very good condition, with wrinkling, light soiling, and several small holes mostly contained to margins. The typing and writing are otherwise unaffected and clearly legible. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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