Appreciates his Christmas letter about his missionary travels in western Nebraska. Wonderful to think of this being done when the light is so dimmed in the world. Often thinks about Grace Church and her confirmation there. Hand collapsed shortly after Christmas, when she was happily working on something new. Inflamed sheath of the large tendon of the right thumb. Knows there are rumors in Red Cloud that her entire right arm is paralyzed, but that is not true. When people stop taking pleasure in other people's misfortunes there will not be any more wars. Willa Cather [Stout #1662]
Thanks for the box of bittersweet, which she has in a bowl in her bedroom. [several lines blacked out] Wishes they [?] would use Mari Sandoz's book instead of hers. Sandoz would like the publicity. Just wanted to warn her about these people. P.S.: Enclosing checks for the Red Cross and for the Ladies Guild of Grace Church. Willie [Stout #1678]
Appreciates Elsie's letter about the service for the window [a window in Grace Episcopal Church dedicated for their mother, Mary Virginia "Jennie" Boak Cather] and all the old friends in Red Cloud. Has sent notes in Christmas cards to many of them. Overlooked Mrs. Warren, but did remember Mrs. Macfarland in California. Has been busy. The Menuhins came recently, and the mother is quite sick and bedridden, so spent time with the girls until Yehudi and their father came to New York from New Orleans. Douglass was visiting; spent as much time with him as possible. Saw Yehudi's dramatic performance at Carnegie Hall with him. Since Mary Virginia was working, and since she did not want to invite people outside the family, had a quiet, delightful dinner on her birthday with just Douglass and Edith. Douglass really came to New York to consult a heart specialist, who said he was fine. Enclosed a check to spend on something fun. Merry Christmas. Willie
. . . On another topic, has just started a novel and needs a book their father had. He tried to give it to her, but she did not want to take a book so personally valuable to him, especially while living at the Grosvenor. Doesn't want to have it forever, as it should be in father's home, but could really use it for a time. Please ask Carrie Sherwood to get it and send it. It's called The History of the Valley, and it was written by Andrew Kerchival or Andrew Kerchway [The book is A History of the Valley of Virginia by Samuel Kercheval, and this copy is also part of the Rosowski Cather Collection at UNL]. Father rebound the book and stored it in the back parlor secretary. If Carrie has trouble finding it, perhaps Elsie could retrieve it when she goes to Red Cloud for the dedication of their mother's window [a window in Grace Episcopal Church] on All Saints' Day. Will return it in the spring. Willie
