Leaving for Northeast Harbor, Maine very soon. Enclosing something for her to read. Willie [Stout #1710]
His letter with good news about her blood count and information about the typical slow recovery from major surgery has greatly encouraged her. Won't be able to come in before she leaves town. Has been seeing her oculist and her dentist and time is full. Leaving soon for Northeast Harbor, Maine, for two months. Willa Cather [Stout #1712]
Cather gone to California [actually Maine]. Suggests he consider "The Sculptor's Funeral." [Stout #1713]
Does not object to proposed Italian translation of My Ántonia, though dislikes any transaction with Viking. Italian translation of Death Comes for the Archbishop very good. Surprisingly, French of Archbishop is not—at any rate, the first version, which she rejected, was not, with absurd footnote defi- nitions of western terms such as "a religious order" for "trappers." When back in New York will send name of woman who translated Archbishop into Italian. Willa Cather [Stout #1714]
Appreciates her letter. Roscoe's death [Sept. 25, 1945] a terrible blow. Had frequent letters from his daughter Virginia, who thought he was in better health all the time. Was notified by telegram while in Maine, and the following day received a letter he had mailed the day before he died. Terribly sudden, though a blessing for him. Does she remember the day they spent in Brownsville during the severe drought? This is the most difficult ordeal she will ever endure. Willa [Stout #1717]
Has been ill since returning from Maine. Is broken by Roscoe's death. He was the closest to her of all her family, closer than Douglass. Does not care to write any more. Knows now that the only thing in life that matters is the people one loves. Had letters from him every two weeks for many years. Willie [Stout #1718]
Feels homesick for small churches like the one pictured, but can get to Maine only in the summer. Doubts she will ever go to Red Cloud again, after hearing that the family home is now a rooming house. Willie [Stout #1724]
Has read her letter many times. It must be sad to find her little town so altered and so many young men killed. But to be home, where everyone had a common cause to work for together, must be important; that feeling of working together creates hope as nothing else can. Here in the U.S. things are in a sad way. Yes, she might well lament, "Oh, if Roosevelt were still alive!" Now it seems as if John L. Lewis, President of the United Mine Workers, has more power than anyone else in the country. Is able to stop wheels turning everywhere. Nothing gets accomplished in Washington, due to squabbles and mismanagement. Everyone feels bitterly disappointed. She is fortunate to be in a place where the only "bigness" is that of the spirit. Is glad she saw America when she did, and not as it is now. Now lives, not in the present, but in old histories and great books. Is so glad her Kristin Lavransdatter is out in three volumes again, as it ought to be, instead of jammed into one big one. Hopes she will never let Hollywood film any of her books. Sorry to write such a hopeless letter. Maybe if they can get up to the country again, to the forests and big tides of the Maine coast, can regain her spirits. [Stout #1732]
Has asked Alfred Knopf to see that no radio adaptation of any of her work will ever be allowed. Legal counsel believes they could win a court case over this. If people just listen they will forget how to read. Has been kept in town by illness of several friends; otherwise would be in Maine now. Willa Cather [Stout #1734]
No, will never consent to a Portable Cather, the ultimate height of insidious anthologies. If she is writing a book she is interested in, why does she waste her time assembling an anthology? Believes Alfred Knopf would agree and refuse permission. Please forget the idea. Willa Cather [Stout #1736]
