• Letter ID: 1998
• Addressee: Brewster, Earl, and Brewster, Achsah Barlow
• Date: 1917-01-07
• Repository: Drew University Library, Special Collections and Archives

To Earl and Achsah Barlow Brewster,  January 7, 1917, from Number Five Bank Street ; Drew U (Brewster 22) 

Adds this thank you to Edith's letter. Loves having Mr. Brewster's gorgeous painting "The Family by the Sea" in their home. Hopes the coming year will be productive for both the Brewsters.   Willa Cather 

• Letter ID: 1999
• Addressee: Brewster, Achsah Barlow
• Date: 1924-02-16
• Repository: Drew University Library, Special Collections and Archives

To Achsah Barlow Brewster,  February 16, [1924?] ; Drew U (Brewster 22) 

Are having a terrific winter, and Montana is a wonderful housekeeper. Work is going well. Is in a wonderful state of mind—much better than in Paris. Did Achsah know that Edith received a $1,000 Christmas bonus and a raise in her salary? She is clearly appreciated by the firm [ J. Walter Thompson Company ]. Both Claude and A Lost Lady are selling well, so she and Edith are enjoying themselves heartily. Feels very good to be working, and is sure Achsah feels the same. Appreciates the vaporizer Achsah sent. Best to Earl and Harwood. It is wonderful not to be worrying over inconsequential things!   W.S.C. 

• Letter ID: 2001
• Addressee: Brewster, Achsah Barlow
• Date: 1923-11-29
• Repository: Drew University Library, Special Collections and Archives

To Achsah Barlow Brewster,  November 29, [1923?], from Number Five Bank Street ; Drew U (Brewster 22) 

Had a wonderful voyage home and enjoyed the company of Frank Swinnerton on the ship. Does not smoke much when at sea, so Edith will get a good many of Earl's cigarettes—and all the chocolate, too. Tried to describe their wonderful exhibition to Edith, but cannot articulate the power of Achsah's Ceylon paintings or Earl's sailors. Dorothy Canfield saw her off and raved about the exhibition, particularly Achsah's triptych. Sends love to Harwood.  Willa 

• Letter ID: 2000
• Addressee: Brewster, Earl, and Brewster, Achsah Barlow
• Date: 1923-02-21
• Repository: Drew University Library, Special Collections and Archives

To Earl and Achsah Barlow Brewster,  February 21, [1923], from Number Five Bank Street ; Drew U (Brewster 22) 

Has been wanting to respond to their letter about One of Ours, but was away at parents' Golden Wedding. They are right about Howard Pyle. The reception of the book has been unusual for her. Those who dislike it dislike it intensely, and many critics disparage it as sentimental, but former military men love it and are purchasing it. Has hired a secretary just to keep up with large and tiring amount of correspondence. Is pleased that the Hambourgs selected the "Blue Nigger" so she might see it another time. Appreciates the photograph they sent, but misses the color. Loves the paintings she and Edith have; "The Scallops" is now her favorite. Is leaving for France at the beginning of April and would love to see them in Paris. Hopes they write regularly to Edith. Must confess something delicate: Edith dislikes the Hambourgs, especially Isabelle. She was probably jealous that they were able to see the Brewsters when she could not. The Hambourg topic has been difficult for her and Edith, for they are wonderful friends of hers but upset Edith so. It is not Edith's fault; their characters simply clash. Edith believes the Hambourgs are condescending to her, but Cather doesn't see it. Hopes Edith can spend time with the Brewsters when they come to the United States in the summer, for that will ease the difficulty of Cather being away. Edith has experienced a difficult winter due primarily to family hassles. Will they do an exhibition in the United States? They should. Hope they received Edith's gift, one of which Cather also received in Red Cloud. Can't wait to talk to them soon and thinks often of their time together in Naples. Has been a trying and unproductive winter for her. Hopes they are well and that they can all be together soon.   Willa Cather 

• Letter ID: 2002
• Addressee: Brewster, Earl, and Brewster, Achsah Barlow
• Date: 1934-07-01
• Repository: Drew University Library, Special Collections and Archives

To Earl and Achsah Barlow Brewster,  July 1, 1934 ; Drew U (Brewster 22) 

Injured hand has kept her from writing to express her admiration for their book on D. H. Lawrence [D. H. Lawrence: Remembrances and Correspondence, London: M. Secker, 1934]. The book reveals a kinder aspect of Lawrence and is much more truthful than the rest, though Brett's was sincere in its way [Lawrence and Brett: A Friendship, Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1933]. Isabelle Hambourg writes that she feels it is the best book about Lawrence. Is going with Edith to Grand Manan the second week of July. Has been stuck in the city finishing her book which was, unfortunately, interrupted for months when her hand was so poor. Hopes to see them soon.   Willa Cather