Not writing a love story, but a story of the Southwest at the time New Mexico was seized from Mexico, centering on two Catholic missionaries. Hero is Father Latour, modeled on Bishop Lamy of N.M., who became archbishop and died in Santa Fe in 1886. Lamy saw the transition of N.M. from a wild country to a civilized one. Has been working from a large collection of letters written by Lamy and his vicar to their families. Some incidents invented, some given almost exactly as they occurred. All of part I now written, though not all typed. Part II will not be as long but more solemn in tone. Willa Cather [Stout #826]
After stopping for a couple of days with her parents and one day at Lamy, reached Gallup very tired. Had the pleasure of sharing that last part of the train trip with Rin Tin Tin [movie star dog] and made his acquaintance during a stop in Albuquerque. Gallup is an awful place. Going to Zuni tomorrow and to Canyon de Chelly later, if Edith recovers from her cold. Brother and family will meet her at Santa Fe June 14. Will get back to work July 1, but not sure where. W. S. C. [Stout #832]
Proofs still haven't arrived. When weather improves will start long horseback trip through Canyon de Chelly. So glad cars can't get there. If they prepare a publicity booklet using the London Mercury article, be sure to let her see proof. So easy to get incorrect biographical information into circulation. Please greet Hambourgs while in Paris. Is feeling fine except eyes hurt from the glare of sunshine. P.S.: After June 1 address will be Hotel La Fonda, Santa Fe. Willa Cather [Stout #834]
Proofs have come. Going to Santa Fe tomorrow. W. S. Cather [Stout #835]
Would like to rent the pink house for two weeks. Might stay through July if work went well. Edith leaving June 23. Could they have a flat rate for board, as they are used to doing at Grand Manan? Not staying long enough to set up own kitchen. Very comfortable where they are, but too many tourists. W. S. C. [Stout #836]
Can't reply adequately; on her way to Mexico, won't return to New York until October. Willa Cather [Stout #837]
Address her at the La Fonda until July 1. W. C. [Stout #838]
Always glad to help make Sarah Orne Jewett's work better known. Won't be back to New York until December. Review Mr. [DeWolfe] Howe spoke about was in Literary Review of the New York Evening Post. Willa Cather [Stout #839]
Went to her house a week ago to see if she could work there and has gone back every day since then. Very quiet and congenial. Sits in blue chair with big window open and writes on knee. Likes the big room, breeze coming in at the window. Very generous of her to offer the use of it. Meant to be at Taos, but Tony Luhan has been in hospital in Albuquerque and Mabel with him. Will go in early July, when Miss Foote will be there. Hopes her operation is done soon. Waiting is bad. Willa Cather [Stout #840]
Letter reached her in Wyoming, and she meant to answer it from Red Cloud but father had a heart attack. Better now. Came back to New York day before yesterday to vacate apartment. Putting things in storage. Has cancelled trip to France. Brother Douglass plans to take parents to California this winter. Doesn't suppose people who are used to movies will care for Death Comes for the Archbishop, a book without women. Sorry moviemakers will soon be at Acoma. Willa [Stout #890]
