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]
Enclosing something [what?] to be placed in her copy of My Ántonia. Leaving for California March 4. [Note: Edith Lewis had wired Helen McAfee on January 16, 1929, that she was on her way to California.] Willie [Stout #963]
Cather has gone to California and will not return for some time. Piercy may quote from "The Novel Démeublé" and (if Knopf gives permission) from The Professor's House but not from her letter. Should remind her, quoting from a letter without permission is illegal. Ellen Burns, Sec'y. [Stout #964]
Was too upset to write at first. Mother can't speak and has to be fed, yet her mind seems sound. Is staying at hotel near nursing facility. Can be reached care of Douglass. Willa Cather [Stout #965]
Was happy to receive her Christmas card. Mother had a stroke in December and is in serious condition. Many things to struggle with in arranging for her care. Willa Cather [Stout #966]
Has been there two weeks. Mother's condition very sad. Wants to see Zoë, but no one else. Willa [Stout #967]
Has been traveling. Thanks for letter. Willa Cather [Stout #968]
Please forward her thanks to Lizzie, who sent a greeting to mother on Mother's Day. Is staying at the sanitarium. Very sad to watch mother failing. Must get back to New York by mid-June to receive honorary doctorate at Yale. The last she will accept. Only other woman writer honored by Yale in that way was Edith Wharton. Willie [Stout #969]
Is still with her mother, but will return to New York first week of June. Please send tickets for commencement to 35 Fifth Avenue. Willa Cather [Stout #971]
Had bronchitis in January, after mother suffered stroke in December. Has been here since February. Found a house and moved her mother, who is entirely paralyzed on right side. Elsie there with her. Hates California; it seems like a place removed from God. How much better if this had happened to her mother at home! Feels disoriented and despairing. Willa [Stout #972]