Letter written from William Morris to his mother describing his first journey to Iceland in 1871.
Reykjavik
July 16th [1871]
Dearest Mother
Just a few lines to say that I am here safe and well after a prosperous voyage, and that we set out tomorrow on our riding with 20 horses: we have got a room to sleep in here in the smallest of cottages, wh: is however clean and neat: it is bright and hot here today though the wind is N and blowing over the sea: I am eager for the journey as this little town is not in itself interesting: the poneys promise well, they are fine little chaps. We did not go straight to Reykjavik but first to Bernfirth in the east; we came there about 3 on Thursday morning, and sailed all day along the coast: it was a most wonderful sight, as we passed by the two biggest mountains in Iceland; they are ice clad at the top, and the glacier seems to run right down their sides into the sea: there were about 24 passengers in all; rather a tight fit in such a little boat; but they were all very good tempered: 10 were English besides our Icelandic friends: and strangely enough 2 were known to me in one way or other: the Captain and mate are very nice gentlemanly fellows, they are officers in the Danish navy, and talk English well. The boat starts for the homeward voyage on the Sept: 1st so I shall be in London from the 7th to the 10th I should say: all depending on the weather. Magnússon has introduced me to several people here: some of them very interesting. My fellow travellers are as good tempered and helpful as may be, and we have had many a laugh already: we stopped a whole day (12 hours) at the Faroes, and went a long walk over the mountains to a ruined church there; it is a strange and beautiful place and we enjoyed ourselves hugely. The summer here has been hitherto one of the best on record; I don’t know about the looks of the weather now, but we must hope for the best; and are at all events well prepared for everything. I am sorry to have to send such a shabby note, but I have a good deal to do, and have not a great deal of privacy either. You would laugh so if you saw this queer little town & the cottage we sleep in: we are well fed up to now, and I am quite well.
Best love to you and Henrietta, tell her I saw such beautiful hill flowers in the Faroes. I hope all goes on well with the moving.
I am
Your most affectionate son
William Morris
