18 NOVEMBER 1932, Page 15

FRANCIS THOMPSON

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR. I think that Mr. Shane Leslie, the writer of the interesting article on Francis Thompson, in your issue of November 11th, is in error in saying that the poem on Lancashire cricket is a lament for a Lancashire defeat. The poem tells of the Lancashire and Gloucestershire match at Old Trafford, I think, in the 'eighties (I am writing entirely from memory), the first time that the county of the Graces condescended to play Lancashire. I saw the match ; the result was a draw, not in Gloucestershire's favour. Perhaps some other correspondent will speak to the matter.—I am, Sir, &c., 72 Westborough, Scarborough. A. NEAVE BRAYSUAW.