Has received two letters from John J. Walsh about his thesis. Is not a Catholic, though published reports have said so. Please tell this student he can't always believe what he reads in books. Is sorry people write things about her that are not true. Willa Cather [Stout #1471]
Yes, may use the quotation as revised, with an explanatory note that it was sent to a friend's son. Otherwise will be deluged by letters from students wanting her to explain this and that. Mostly sends a form letter to students and to English teachers. Such correspondence has delayed completion of her new book. Willa Cather [Stout #1490]
Appreciates his kind words in his Second Reader, three years ago now, and appreciates his reprinting of Kenneth Grahame's Golden Age, as well as his bringing to her attention the paper on Boswell by Pottle. Recommends Johnson without Boswell, recently published by Knopf. Is it really he who is acting in The Man Who Came to Dinner? Such a surprise! Recommends French Hospital, where nurses speak French and even cooks are French. Had very good care and good food. A Catholic hospital, but nurses not nuns, so no black habits about. One accompanied the wife of ex-president of Chile on airplane when President Roosevelt provided her transportation back to Santiago. American airmen so fine—keep up her faith in America in spite of Communists having gotten hold of much of the country. Willa Cather [Stout #1533]
Sending a request from Burges Johnson, who appears to think he will get anything he asks. He wants to use an entire chapter. Has referred him to Houghton Mifflin, but suggests they refuse. The College English Association has done some good things, but even for them does not care to let down protections around My Ántonia. Even this past year, with the war going on, it sold over 2,500 copies. Willa Cather [Stout #1628]
The write-up is accurate except for her birth date. Was born in 1876, not 1875 [actually, 1873]. Willa Cather [Stout #1808]
Is honored, but cannot accept the invitation to be at the commencement ceremonies as she has already committed to receiving a degree at Princeton on June 16 and to have dinner with President [John Grier] Hibben on June 15. Regrets the conflict, and please keep information private. Willa Cather
Accepts with delight the invitation to attend Smith College commencement ceremonies on June 19 and receive degree. Willa Cather
Though she thanks them for the offer of the suite in the Ellen Emerson House, she has already asked Mr. Whicher to reserve a room for Miss Lewis and herself in South Hadley. Other universities have always provided academic gown so does not own one and would appreciate Smith providing one. Will send measurements soon. Willa Cather
Measurements for academic cap and gown are enclosed. Willa Cather
Agrees that it will be more comfortable to don cap and gown at the Smith College Library. Mr. Whicher switched her reservation to the Mount Holyoke Faculty House instead of the South Hadley Inn. Willa Cather
