Anselm's letters as prior and abbot of Bec (1070-1092). Among his chief weapons in fighting to establish the Gregorian Reform in his new land was the letter. Whether reporting events or asking for news, proffering advice or wheeding favors, currying friends or placating adversaries, Anselm kept up a steady correspondence throughout his sixteen-year archiepiscopate. Collections of these letters circulated during his lifetime, establishing his postion on any number of topics.