Sorry to learn of her mother's death. Could not write at the time because hand still in brace. Was preparing to go to California to be with Roscoe, then in hospital in serious condition. Spent the summer there and did not get back to New York until late fall. Not doing much Christmas shopping this year; is enclosing only a small check. Regrets not seeing her mother in recent years. Has lost many old friends as well as brother Douglass. Life has been difficult. Willa Cather [Stout #1562]
Sending a package of Christmas cards that she may be able to reuse or use for scrapbooks. Had a bad year, with gall bladder surgery, but it is behind her. Hopes the war will end soon. Willa Cather [Stout #1615]
Sending her mother a quilted housecoat to keep her warm indoors on cold days. She mustn't save it but use it. P.S.: Please don't give out her address. Willa Cather [Stout #1779]
Sending a picture of the cliffs at the island where she spends her summers. Willa Cather [Stout #1780]
Sending a check to be used for something for her mother's birthday in May, as she will be in New Hampshire then. P.S.: Ribbons in Christmas box were just to brighten it up. Willa Cather [Stout #1817]
Appreciated letter, which keeps her connected to Red Cloud.� Worries about the town when reading about weather in Omaha, Kansas City, and Denver in the New York Herald.� Pauline and Lydia Lambrecht write that all the old settlers are moving out.� Thankful this didn't happen while father was alive.� All the world is troubled—Spain, for instance.� Food prices are causing hardships in Paris, and the Hambourgs having a difficult time.� Even Grand Manan is having poor weather that has aggravated her rheumatic shoulder.� Edith has boils from a black-fly bite.� Both have felt lethargic since the twins left, and she is not working.� Is putting off writing to Carrie, who will have a hard time with Margie's death.� Many difficult things now.� Should have been easier with mother and father, but one must fight hard when young.� Appreciates Elsie's caring for cemetery lot and encloses a check for $25, twenty for the upkeep of the lot and five for the Church Guild.� Much love.� Willie
Expected to hear that Elsie had been struggling with wintry weather, but her letter was tenderly beautiful.� Elsie gave Bess a lovely funeral.� How appropriate to have a Christmas tree as Bess decorated so many for children.� Would have liked to have been there.� Read Elsie's letter repeatedly and then sent it to Virginia, but directed her to return it.� Elsie paid the debt all the Cather siblings owe to Bess.� Wants to pay for the roses and any remaining funeral expenses.� Will ought to have whatever money Bess left.� Life is hard to understand:� deserving people get such small rewards.� Gave Mrs. Lambrecht and Annie [Pavelka?] good holidays and purchased winter feed for Annie's stock.� Sent fifty dollars to Jack, wrote the Bishop and Mollie and Gertrude Coon, and gave nieces ten dollars each.� Is enclosing a historical Christmas card from the Society Library. Happy New Year. Willie
