• 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: 1854
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1936-08-31
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  August 31, [1936] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

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 

• Letter ID: 1861
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1934-07-14
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  July 14, [1934] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Appreciates Elsie's letter from Hastings and is pleased to learn that Bess does not have cancer. The heat is terrible. Has been hoping to see a cooler, wetter forecast when reading about the Midwest's weather in the [New York] Tribune, but it never comes. Feel pity for all, particularly the elderly. Would say it's punishment for the world's latest ideas and ways if she were a Catholic. Very hot in New York when she was finishing the book [Lucy Gayheart], but didn't really mind thanks to cool mornings and Josephine's good nature and creative housekeeping. The typist [Sarah Bloom?] could not keep the purple ink from running and smearing the manuscripts. Had to send dirty manuscripts to both the magazine [Woman's Home Companion] and Alfred Knopf. Both are thrilled with the book. Sent draft to Jan Hambourg to check musical material and received cable in return declaring the book to be her finest one. Not true, but it has good form. All directed toward the end. Had to put it down for four months when it was going well or it would be even better. Is sending a check now in case Elsie needs something for medical expenses, since getting to Grand Manan will put her out of touch for a while. Virginia cried at news of Bess's illness and has fond memories of her. Paper says that Charles is in Red Cloud. How has the town reacted to Will Auld? Does Elsie ever see the Aulds? Amazed that Bess gave Tom money for school—cannot respect him. Elsie should use part of enclosed money to buy electric fans—was a great relief to have them in the Grosvenor Hotel. Feels guilty going where it's cool, but could not read proofs in the heat of Red Cloud. Fears Elsie thinks her selfish, but the many letters she receives indicate her books serve a purpose for many readers and give others something to gossip about. No matter how strong and charitable she was, she could not do more for people than that. Not that she writes them for that reason, but that is their effect. Integrity is always positive, regardless of the form it takes. With love and sympathy.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1921
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1935-04-12
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  April 12, [1935] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Is very busy, but must write about Elsie's health problems. Is she taking the "mixed glands" pills? She should be, as all women, including Edith and herself, are taking them nowadays. Just in case, has included personal prescription for Elsie to use. Has had appendix trouble recently, but will wait until after Isabelle leaves to have an appendectomy. Isabelle is quite sick and is in New York to see American physicians while Jan is touring Canada. Take the pills!   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1953
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1916-12-30
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Philip L. and Helen Cather Southwick Collection (MS77)

To Bobbie [nickname for Elsie Cather],  December 30, [1916] ; UNL-Southwick 

It was a good idea to make it to Chicago and have the party after all. Such excursions can be helpful. Jack did not come for Christmas, and she and Edith had a quiet day, nursing Edith's sick eye. Had dinner with Isabelle and Jan Hambourg Christmas Eve, and invited Joe Charter [?], a widower, and Sanborn, the New York Globe music critic, for dinner on Christmas night. Ended the night early, owing to Edith's eye. Had a wonderful Friday tea yesterday with about 30 people, including Alfred McClung and many friends from Pittsburgh in town for Christmas. Afterwards bolted to the Biltmore hotel to have dinner with Bostonian friends. Feels tired today, but still went to a concert with the Hambourgs. Had lunch on Wednesday with the pianist Harold Bauer, Mrs. Bauer, and the violinist Kreisler. Isabelle is wonderful at entertaining creative and famous people. Received two gorgeous Russian candelabras from Jan and Isabelle for Christmas, which cast a beautiful glow at tea on the new tea table. Best new things, though, are three terrific paintings of the Mediterranean and Ionian sea by Edith's friend Earl Brewster. The paintings are beautiful so large that framing them is going to be expensive. Brewster's paintings are typically selling for $200 to $500, and these are quite good. He said he they are not a gift but a long term loan. Has published a rather weak story in Harper's Monthly [ "A Gold Slipper" ], but got $450 for it, and is glad for the money: expenses are quite a bit higher than last year. Engough apples for a pie cost 25 cents, beef is 36 cents a pound, and chicken costs 42 cents a pound—$2.10 for a five pound chicken! Probably won't starve on Bank street, though.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1987
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1923-08-27/1923-09-04
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Philip L. and Helen Cather Southwick Collection (MS77)

To Sister [probably Elsie Cather],  August 27 and September 4, [1923], from Aix-les-Bains, France ; UNL-Southwick 

[Opening section dated August 27.] Keep mother from getting worried about the portrait nonsense. It won't arrive in Omaha until January at earliest. Knows mother can be awfully stressed by such things, so tell her she [Cather] thinks it is silly. If mother wants to be involved, that's fine, but don't let it be a point of worry. Mary Virginia can certainly handle the presentation of the portrait without a problem. The whole thing is ridiculous. [Second section dated September 4.] Is in Aix-les-Bains getting treatments for worsening back. Dr. Litchfield, whom she saw in Paris when he came for his daughter's wedding, encouraged her to come, as have McClure and Bakst. Bakst even rearranged his schedule to give her more sittings when she returns to Paris (now is going to have 15 sittings instead of the expected 10). Doctor diagnosed her with intercostal rheumatism and said three weeks of treatment will provide a cure. If "friend" interrupts the treatments, it will take longer. Misses lovely Paris, but relief from backache is worth it. Has a wonderful room and excellent food for a small price—much less expensive than the awful accommodations in Lakewood, New Jersey, last winter. Doctor and treatments are costly, though. Treatments are hot sulfur baths accompanied by underwater massages. Took trip from Paris on the impressive Paris-Rome Express, and, thanks to exchange rates, it was not expensive at all. It is still very expensive for local people, who must hate the foreigners that tour in a luxury no natives can afford, especially since so many of their men died to make it worth touring. Loves the pictures of Helen Louise and the baby [probably Charles Edwin Cather, nephew], as does Isabelle and her pregnant Italian cook. The cook and her husband have been preparing for the baby throughout the summer, and Jan is to be the godfather. The baby will be named Jan if it is a boy, and Giovanna if it is a girl. [Note in margin requests that all mail be directed to Ville D'Avray.]   Willa 

• Letter ID: 2079
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1917-05-04
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Roscoe and Meta Cather Collection (MS316)

To Bobbie [nickname for Elsie Cather],  May 4, [1917] ; UNL-Roscoe 

Has been embarrassed to write after so long. Has put off writing everyone but mother and Jack, who was ill. Is mortified that she even neglected writing Mrs. Deland, for now her sick husband has died. It is the war that is causing the problems: it even makes writing books seem trivial. Can't make progress on the new book, and will probably have to rewrite or abandon it. Houghton Mifflin people are very displeased that it will not be ready for fall publication. There are good things in the new book, but it does not seem to be working. Is going to put it aside for a while and write some short stories—needs the money. Has Elsie heard that Rudyard Kipling's son, the prototype for Dan in the Puck tales, is missing in action? It has been over a year now, and hope seems lost. Mr. Greenslet, who just returned from England, said Kipling is devastated. What a shame, as Kipling has given so much joy to so many. Edith's health was good this winter. Helps Edith with eye treatments. They plan to go to Washington tonight. The war and resulting rise in costs have hurt the magazine publishing business. Has had many wonderful musical get-togethers with the Hambourgs, and had dinner with the recently-married Olive Fremstad and her husband [Harry L. Brainard and Fremstad were married November 4, 1916]. They had a fine evening. Has already written mother describing it. People she knows in the British war department say the war will go on at least two years. When Greenslet was in London, he had trouble getting decent food and enough of it, and many buildings had to go without heat. Newspapers aren't really providing the whole story: if not for the entrance of the United States, the allies would have been defeated, for the submarines prevented proper food from getting to the army. Germany's food supply is much better than that in England and France. If the U.S. can produce enough ships and men, the allies may yet win in two years. If not, we will all be Prussian. The Russians can't hold the eastern front unless the allies keep Germany tied down in France. If not, St. Petersburg will soon fall, and then the German army will be fed from the vast agricultural output of Russia. The U.S. has a unique opportunity: we can protect or lose Democracy for the entire planet. And yet a letter from her Mesa Verde guide claims the war is taken as a joke out west. Like Russia, the U.S. is so enormous we can't get things together. Believe it: dark times are ahead. Needs to stop now, but hopes to be better about writing in the future.   Willie. 

• Letter ID: 0511
• Addressee: Cather, Charles F.
• Date: 1920-07-07
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, George Cather Ray Collection (MS113)

To Charles F. Cather [father],  July 7, [1920], from Paris ; UNL-Ray 

Has found out the location of Grosvenor's grave. Please let Aunt Franc know. It is registered by the Society for the Care of the American Dead. He is buried in Grave No. 2, Plot B, in the American Cemetery at Villiers Tournelle. From all reports of how the dead at Cantigny were handled, there can be no uncertainty that it is G. P. Will go there next week and take a picture. Isabelle and Jan will go along. Will stay overnight in a home, as there are no hotels. Feeling a little homesick and eager to return to her own country and her own people, although this country and people are wonderful.   Willie   [Stout #511]

• Letter ID: 0351
• Addressee: Fisher, Dorothy Canfield
• Date: 1916-03-15
• Repository: University of Vermont, Bailey-Howe Library, Burlington, Vt.

To Dorothy Canfield Fisher,  Mar. 15, [1916?] ; UVt 

The Song of the Lark was fun to write, but shows carelessness. Cut out several chapters set in Germany to keep it focused on the Moonstone perspective. They would have spoiled the unity. A few negative reviewers have wished it were a tragedy rather than a success story. The title is a weakness, it's true. Hasn't been up to starting a new book this winter, with Judge McClung's death, the closing of the house, and prospect of Isabelle's marriage [April 3, 1916]. Doesn't get along well with Jan Hambourg. Loss of Isabelle is a severe one. Also, Annie Fields died last winter. So much misery in the world in general, with the war. Wishes they could have a long talk.   Willa   [Stout #351]

• Letter ID: 1440
• Addressee: Fisher, Dorothy Canfield
• Date: 1939-03-05
• Repository: University of Vermont, Bailey-Howe Library, Burlington, Vt.

To Dorothy Canfield Fisher,  Mar. 5, [1939] ; UVt 

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]

• Letter ID: 0375
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1916-12-16
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Dec. 16, [1916], from New York ; Harvard 

People she knows from Sweden and Norway have indicated possible interest there in translations of O Pioneers! and The Song of the Lark. Could he take it up with publishers, perhaps enclosing a copy of Edward Garnett's article in last February's Atlantic? Is enclosing a list of the best people to write. He can get their attention by mentioning that reviewers have thought Thea Kronborg was modeled after Olive Fremstad. Please send three dozen copies of the advertising booklet for her to send to people who inquire. Finishing some short stories for Reynolds to place, but will start on the next book soon. Hopes he can come to New York to discuss the Scandinavian possibilities. Will have a phone in soon and send him the number. Might he be there next Thursday [Dec. 21] for dinner with the Hambourgs, S. S. McClure, and Harry Dwight? McClure will tell everyone about the war.   Willa S. C.   [Stout #375]

• Letter ID: 0386
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1917-04-28
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Saturday [prob. Apr. 28, 1917] , from New York ; Harvard 

Glad he is back from London. Has been socializing with Fremstad and with the Hambourgs lately, so not much writing.   W. S. C.   [Stout #386]

• Letter ID: 0428
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1918-08-03
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Saturday [Aug. 3, 1918] , from Jaffrey, N.H. ; Harvard 

Proofs have now arrived. Hambourgs have taken a cottage at Scarsdale, N.Y., and Josephine is there with them.   W. S. C.   [Stout #428]

• Letter ID: 0429
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1918-08
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  n.d. [prob. late Aug. 1918] , from Scarsdale, N.Y. ; Harvard 

Is spending a week with the Hambourgs and will then go west by way of New York. Several musicians there who play chamber music every night. It's heavenly, but the quiet of corn fields will be a welcome rest.   W. S. C.   [Stout #429]

• Letter ID: 0437
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1918-10-20
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Oct. 20, [1918], from Toronto ; Harvard 

Staying with the Hambourgs for ten days, then on to New York. Book still not available here.    W. S. C.   [Stout #437]

• Letter ID: 0509
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1920-06-20
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  June 20, [1920], from Paris ; Harvard 

Enjoying the food, though prices are high. Not shopping except for necessities. Will spend a few weeks with the Hambourgs and go with them to the south of France and to Sorrento. Edith Lewis going to Italy next week. Has not gone on with "Claude" since arriving, but has planned some cuts, so the money she has spent on drinks has not gone for nothing. French wine is really the essence of the culture.   Willa Cather   [Stout #509]

• Letter ID: 0513
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1920-09-01
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Sept. 1, 1920, from La Côte d'Azur, France, postcard ; Harvard 

Has enjoyed traveling through Provence with the Hambourgs. Did not go to Italy because Edith warned her of food shortages. Will return to Paris for a while before sailing from Marseilles.   Willa Cather   [Stout #513]

• Letter ID: 0685
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1923-05-18
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet, May 18, [1923?], from Ville d'Avray, Seine et Oise, France c/o Jan Hambourg; Harvard 

Sailed April 1 and hopes to be with the Hambourgs until next winter. Is he going to have her select Miss Guiney's poems for the volume or not? Very pleased about the Pulitzer Prize.   Willa Cather   [Stout #685]

• Letter ID: 1021
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1930-10-20
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Oct. 20, [1930], from Jaffrey, N.H. ; Harvard 

Please send royalty check. Appreciates his sending Chief Justice Holmes's letter about My Ántonia. Enjoyed summer in France, but always prefers to spend fall in New England. P.S.: Please send copy of Laughing Boy to Jan Hambourg. W. S. C.  Willa Cather   [Stout #1021]

• Letter ID: 1256
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1935-04-11
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Apr. 11, [1935] ; Harvard 

Appreciates his understanding letter. Isabelle McClung Hambourg has arrived from Europe, very ill. Will stay nearby under doctor's care while Jan Hambourg goes on tour for six weeks.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1256]