Brother Douglass died of a heart attack in early June. He had spent her birthday with her last December in New York. Is having trouble getting over it. P.S.: Got a laugh for the first time in a long while from The Laughing Horse [satirical literary magazine published in Taos, N.M., by Witter Bynner's secretary and friend Spud Johnson]. It caught Mary Austin and Mabel herself quite well. Willa Cather [Stout #1411]
Has found her letter and does not recall whether she answered. Douglass, the brother to whom she was closest, died suddenly—such a shock. Went to Grand Manan for a few weeks, but that time is a blur. Willa Cather [Stout #1417]
Douglass, the brother she most loved, died in June of a sudden heart attack. He had spent her birthday with her last December. Only four months later, on October 10, Isabelle died. Wrote many letters to inform people— the only service she could give Isabelle. Feels emotionally numb. Regrets Yehudi's wife takes such bad pictures. She is Scotch, not Jewish. Feels confident it is a good marriage. Was happy to see them. Then Douglass died the next week. P.S.: No, does not like Hephzibah's mother-in-law. Willa [Stout #1423]
Has not been writing many letters recently, except to family and to friends of Isabelle. In December 1937 brother Douglass came to New York to spend her birthday with her. He died on June 13, 1938, age fifty-two, the only joyful and attractive member of the family. On October 10 Isabelle died in Sorrento of nephritis after four-year illness, during which her loving though unreliable husband cared for her. This has been the hardest year of her life. Is enclosing a letter from Jan Hambourg. Please return it, but don't write back. Is worn out with letters about Isabelle. Enjoyed [the picture of ?] Dorothy's two granddaughters. Enjoyed having her two nieces with her at Grand Manan in the summers of 1936 and 1937. Both married this year—as well as three Menuhins! Likes Yehudi's wife. Appreciates receiving Dorothy's new book and will read it soon. Eyes giving her trouble, but what is worse is the trouble of keeping people away who want to come and comfort her. Doesn't want them; wants quiet for reflection. Willa [Stout #1440]
Is sending a little money to help out. Congratulations to Julius on Super-Anxiety II. [Encloses a letter from a member of the English Department of Hastings College, Frank S. Hewett, to a Mrs. Woodward, identifying Julius as the brother of Lydia Lambrecht and owner of a prize bull named Super-Anxiety.] Willa Cather [Stout #1486]
Everyone she knows who went to Florida for the winter got sick. Survived New York winter with no worse than colds. High spirits impossible these days, with the world as it is. Isabelle McClung's brother was wise to marry a member of the Mellon family—his only wise deed. He was good-looking but otherwise a disappointment. Willa Cather [Stout #1537]
Is packing to go to California, where her brother is ill. Has always loved Latin and taught it for that reason. Not a disaster to miss out on a college education; he can learn from the legal papers he works with much of the discipline in language that study of Latin would provide. Willa Cather [Stout #1539]
Is grieved to hear of May's death. Knew her even before she knew Isabelle. Edith Lewis phoned Ethel Litchfield, who was so overcome she had to hang up without saying anything. Called back and implored her [i.e., Cather] not to die before she did because couldn't bear another death of a dear friend. Feels that way herself. Such a precious group of friends. Remembers how they enjoyed folk dancing classes. May was the best dancer of the group and the youngest-looking. Hasn't seen Ethel recently. Brother Roscoe ill in Colusa, California with a heart lesion. Don't answer, just wanted to say she shares her grief. Willa Cather [Stout #1540]
Cather is in California due to the illness of her brother. Is not forwarding mail. Therefore, it will be some time before she can consider writing for the "Schrift Fest" for Dr. Damrosch. Sarah J. Bloom, Secretary [Stout #1546]
Glad to receive her royalty notice and to hear he is well. Has just come back from long, tiring trip to California. Six weeks in San Francisco spent with her brother were very happy; was able to take off Dr. Ober's brace during that time. Roscoe will never be his old self, but is adjusting well. Then spent some time in Victoria, Lake Louise, and Montreal. Splendid scenery but still prefers eastern part of Canada and Atlantic Ocean. P.S.: Please send a copy of latest edition of My Ántonia. Willa Cather [Stout #1551]
