Glad to hear Fritz Westermann has gone off to the [Spanish-American] war. Has been writing headlines about the blockade of Santiago Harbor. Sorry not to come to her commencement. Dorothy [Canfield] will be visiting in early July. Has been in Washington with her cousin Professor Gore, who was preparing for a polar expedition. His Norwegian wife, Lillian Thekla Brandthall, is glamorous and impressive. Looking forward to getting back to Nebraska. Willa [Stout #49]
[Begins with lines from A. E. Housman, "The Recruit."] Is looking forward to seeing her in Paris. After Liverpool went to Chester, then to Shrewsbury. [Inserts four lines from Housman's "The Welch Marches."] Saw football being played [two lines from "(Is my team ploughing)"] and went to Shrewsbury jail [four lines from "(On moonlit heath and lonesome bank)"]. Tracing scenes of A Shropshire Lad. Has found out Housman's London address from his publisher. Ludlow Castle delightful, with its associations with both Housman and Sir Philip Sidney. [Inserts three stanzas of her own poem "Poppies on Ludlow Castle."] Willie [Stout #73]
Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going. Willie [Stout #188]
Swedish cousin has died in Paris. Spent a few days in Washington with her cousin's husband after he returned bringing the body. Is settling back into the apartment. Did about 28,000 words on new novel while in Pittsburgh. Has she seen the article about singers in the December McClure's? Fremstad likes it. Has been invited to Boston to visit Mrs. Fields, but can't go until after Christmas. Wishes she [ Sergeant ] were there to go to the ballet tonight. P.S.: Mrs. Fields's primness about a nude figure on the magazine cover is funny. W. S. C. [Stout #270]
Sends greetings from Howard Gore, whom she saw in May 1917. Does not want to be interviewed. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #417]
Leaving Sunday for Wyoming. Noise of the subway is a torture. They are emptying the apartment. Suggests she stay at the New Willard when in Washington. Didn't go to Winchester; to get out of attending a banquet there, told people she would be in Wyoming on May 31. Will probably be in Red Cloud in about a month. Can all meet there and dance the Charleston on the new rug. P.S.: Sending address of Howard Gore. Willa [Stout #887]
Doesn't like her first name well enough to be glad to hear that babies are named after her, but does send best wishes to the little girl. Maybe she will like the name. Willa Cather [Stout #1292]
Likes the picture her mother sent. Seven is a nice age. Enjoyed being seven herself. Please always be sincere, and if she doesn't like her books, say so. Couldn't be proud of a namesake who didn't speak her own mind. Willa Cather [Stout #1293]
Is leaving Monday [16th] to go to Washington, D.C., where a relative is ill. Probably will not be back by Wednesday when he is there. Willa S. Cather Signed by S. J. Bloom, Secretary. [Stout #1333]
Appreciates his note about the book. Hopes the type in the collected edition will look somewhat like that in the Thistle Edition of Stevenson. Will see him in January if it is after the 12th, as she will be in Washington again with her uncle [probably James Howard Gore, Cather's cousin who was more than twenty years older than her]. Willa Cather [Stout #1339]
