Letter by CJD to J.G. Roberts 1916.03.27

Toolangi
Mar 27/16

Dear "Dad",

From a business point of view I think your suggestion is good; but from a literary point of view, no. And in this case the l.p.v. wins by several lengths. Possible we may be able to think up a compromise. I certainly had not noticed that there was nothing on title-page or cover to connect Mick with soldiering; but then again, all books will be sold with the coloured wrapper on, and he is a soldier plainly enough on that.

Have done no work so far since I have been here, as I have been feeling a little off-colour, and the doc. warned me to attempt no physical strain, and no mental strain unless I felt quite fit for it.

I had a letter from Tait which seems to indicate that he is well-pleased with the last four G. Mick pieces; but I am not quite satisfied with them yet. Possibly I shall do a lot of alteration in proof.

I had not noticed the Myers advt. before. I am sending it along to A. & R. asking them if they are aware of it.

No English reviews so far; but I am expecting them daily.

Wound is healing well; but I am still a bit shaky at the knees and nervy - probably due to the unaccustomed drugs I have been taking. The dentist's cocaine gave me a particularly bad time.

Kind regards to "Mother" and family.

Yours truly,
Den

J.G. Roberts Collection, MS8508, Book 3 - State Library of Victoria.

Notes:
The "English reviews" referred to are those for The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke.
Dennis mentions the "wound" arising from an accident he sustained after he stepped out of a moving tram in Collins Street on February 24 1916.
"Tait" is unknown but probably worked on the Bulletin magazine where the "Ginger Mick" pieces were first published.
"A. & R." is "Angus & Robertson", Dennis's publishers based in Sydney.