Mr. McClure will be in the office March 25 to April 5. Please stop by if in town. Will be in Boston April 6–14 and could see him then. Glad for him to write whatever he wishes about Germany. Perhaps the schools? Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #172]
Will have "The Case of the Reporter" set in type soon and send proofs to Danzig. Glad he likes the article on the German emperor. Can meet him at the office between four and five on Friday [July 1]. Would be good to talk things over before he sails. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #180]
Is pleased to see his success. Looking forward to his article on Gilbert White. Always expected him to write well, if he could get beyond youthful egoism. Since they have no book publishing now, can't consider his book of nature essays. Suggests Doubleday Page, which bought them out, or Houghton Mifflin. Ferris Greenslet there an old friend. For the magazine, more interested in content and a style more scientific than literary, designed to convey information. P.S.: Has been running the magazine alone past six months, as Mr. McClure has been ill. Will be going abroad this winter. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #182]
Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going. Willie [Stout #188]
Mr. McClure cabled from London asking if Kennan can sail next week and saying he has settled the Russian matter. Not clear what he means. Thinks the magazine will pay his passage. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #189]
The four articles too much like essays for McClure's. Rejected the idea for a piece on German theater for that very reason. Mr. McClure believes German methods superior to those of the U.S. and wants something informative along that line. Perhaps after he returns, he can provide that kind of thing? Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #192]
Is sending this by messenger, along with a letter from William Archer, who was in Mexico to do a story and has been stranded on his way back to New York aboard the Merida. Please send a letter she can send to Mr. Archer. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #193]
Manuscript too biographical for McClure's, not focused enough. Sorry appointment was cut short, but needed to see Mr. Mackenzie, the business manager, before he left town. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #197]
Mr. McClure will decide about the articles when he gets back. Expects him in a few days. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #201]
Has sold the Bohemian Girl story for $500. Was offered $750, but that was too much. How can she [Cather] leave McClure's when they are so nice to her? Mr. Mackenzie already wanting to advertise the opera singer story, when she hasn't even written it. Thinks she caught the germ of selling manuscripts from her! It was a good one to catch. Is staying in town for the dinner for William Dean Howells. W. S. C. [Stout #213]
