The disagreeable Meyerses, whom they met at Taos, turned up at La Fonda! Is sending some cigarettes. Not very good quality, but no good ones available. These are at any rate fresh. Is receiving letters from people who liked "Tom Outland" in Collier's. Still tracking down old priests. Going to Laguna on Wednesday. Willa Cather [Stout #790]
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]
Sorry to have been unable to contribute to the collection of letters, but didn't receive request until return from Jaffrey. Willa Cather [Stout #866]
Plans to write a short critical study of Jewett in the next year or so, but that won't prevent his doing so. Suggests he approach Mary Jewett and Dr. Eastman, as well as Ferris Greenslet. Only letters to her from Jewett that she wishes to make public are in the Fields edition. Willa Cather [Stout #867]
Enclosing a letter about My Mortal Enemy; please pass it on to Carrie. Has had a number of letters from priests who've read Archbishop. Willie [Stout #885]
Is glad he liked Archbishop. Most of it quite true. Gathered stories from Mexicans and priests and from Lamy's and Machebeuf's letters home. The letters gave her their personalities. Willa Cather [Stout #898]
Letter gave her great pleasure. Writing [ Archbishop ] was the greatest pleasure she ever had. Is receiving and treasuring many letters from missionary priests. Rector in Denver says he is still using Joseph Machebeuf's chalice and vestments. Misses the book now that it has gone from her. Also, is homeless at present. Will probably spend winter in Arizona. Willa Cather [Stout #905]
Appreciates the invitation to visit, but cannot. Is going to Nebraska soon. Also, Edith Lewis's mother ill. Enjoyed being in Jaffrey during the fall but has not been well lately. Needs to get away from New York. Enjoyed writing Archbishop, but now that it is out there are too many events and letters. Enjoys letters from Catholics, however. Nephew is enjoying Amherst. Willa Cather [Stout #910]
Is attending to Cather's mail while she is at Grand Manan. Is not forwarding letters except from family and close friends, so that she can be free to work. Will show her the letter when she returns. Sarah J. Bloom, Secretary [Stout #940]
Is very pleased and grateful for his letter; especially glad he liked Death Comes for the Archbishop. Based on lives of actual first French missionaries who came into the formerly Spanish territory in the southwestern U.S. Sketch on the cover was taken from an old picture of Archbishop Lamy on horseback. Since publication, has received letters from many Catholics, traders, and Army men who were in the old West. Is sending him her published account of how she became interested in the story and gleaned material for it ["On Death Comes for the Archbishop," Commonweal, November 23, 1927]. Finds it gratifying that he takes an interest in her books. Willa Cather [Stout #961]
