Her article on Lawrence captures him better than anyone else has done. So glad to hear that Jeffers liked Archbishop. Admires his "Roan Stallion" and "Night." Paris has deteriorated, more like New York now. Wouldn't have come except to see a seriously ill friend. Misses New Mexico and is tired of festivities. Willa [Stout #1014]
Very much admires Lorenzo in Taos [published in 1932; she must have seen manuscript or proof]. It equals the Buffalo section of Intimate Memories. Whether one agrees or not with the views of the people, they are well presented. Lawrence himself is caught better than anyone else has ever caught him, down to his giggle, or snicker. Country itself has its own life, and Tony's car takes on real significance. Edith away for a week, but read it, too. Is leaving for California before long. Mother about the same. Hopes to go to Mexico City before long. Willa Cather [Stout #1036]
Mary Virginia there vacationing. Wonderful weather. Worries Elsie won't keep up the yard at home. Some time wants to tell them about D. H. Lawrence, whom she knew well. Very fine writer, but full of extreme views. Willie [Stout #1118]
Has sent a telegram asking that Helen telegraph her father; secretary neglected to pack her family address book.� Is including an amusing newspaper clipping sent by someone probably associated with an Indianapolis newspaper.� The end of it has a word from S. S. McClure, who published her first short story [Cather had actually published thirty-two stories—including a few in widely-circulating periodicals—before publishing in McClure's in 1905] and her first volume of stories.� Hopes she hasn't seen it; it wasn't very good.� Worked hard at the magazine for three years [actually she worked in the editorial offices for over five years, from 1906-1911].� Has not kept in touch with McClure as she should, but recently wrote him a letter and will see him soon.� Sending her the clipping because there is no one else left who would appreciate it. �Has never met Jack's daughters [Ella and Catherine Cather]; they are not very tactful and once sent poems composed by their high school teacher evidently hoping she would get them published. W.S.C. [Stout #1738]
Just received unfortunate news [death of Lillian Gore in Paris] from Mrs. Brodie (also known as Lizzie Potts). Has contacted Howard, and father should, too. Willa
Thanks for the letter about the baby [probably Mary Virginia Auld, niece, born November 11, 1905], who likely had a rich Christmas. Had a good trip to New York, but unfortunately was too busy to see the Wieners. Will someday show Bess the beautiful dress she bought for the dinner [Cather attended a dinner at Delmonico's in New York celebrating the 70th birthday of Mark Twain in December 1905]. Auntie Gore's letter said that Douglass Clark has nine children, that Perry's kids are living in Winchester and Walter works at a bank, and Howard Gore's wife is wintering in Switzerland and sending Sidney to school there. Auntie doesn't seem to enjoy their living abroad. Was good of Alec Bentley to visit his father. Is Mrs. Governor Garber still in Red Cloud? Sends affection to everyone, particularly the baby. Tell Mollie hello and please write and get Jess to write, too. PS: Is wearing garters Jess gave her. Received many Christmas gifts, including silk stockings, a leather bag, a pin, hand-embroidered clothing, and books. Willie
Visited Mary Smith with Isabelle yesterday and brought roses. Though Mary looked bettered and is still sore, she was lively and talkative. She's much older now, but is still herself, and she sends greetings. Saw Walter Gore at the bank. He was civil, but not too friendly; did not invite her to visit his wife a block away. Father will recall that when Aunt Lillian Gore arrived from Europe with silver for Walter and his new wife, she was not treated very cordially, and she left for Washington very angry. Walter is fine: he isn't too concerned with his extended family and doesn't behave otherwise. Enjoyed seeing Jennie Smith, now Mrs. Garvin, in Gore [Virginia]. She's heavy and has hardly any teeth, but manages to seem distinguished nonetheless. She has seen many weddings and funerals, the most recent being Aunt Mary (Liza) Trone, who was a housekeeper for Captain Mure. Saw the old Captain—complete with fine white beard—on horseback as straight as ever. Spent a gorgeous day hiking to Anderson's Cove, seeing the wonderful view there for the first time. Talked with Ellen Anderson near her well-kept house and garden; she was eager to talk, and so serious about her claims to like city living that they dared not smile. Later, Ellen came down on horseback for another visit together. Saw Giles and Dorothy leave for the North River on their ancient boat; they returned dressed for winter, complete with fur cap and veil. They drove a fat, drowsy horse and carried some watermelons. Did not get to eat any before leaving. Giles will be pleased to see the seeds father sent; saw them in the post office. Sends love. Willie
Is going back to New York on Monday the 11th unwillingly to sign five hundred first edition books [ One of Ours ] for Knopf. Has had a restful and productive time here [on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick]. Mother should decide if she should come to Red Cloud from mid-October to mid-November or if she should wait and come during parents' Golden Wedding anniversary in December. May have appendix out, but should be fine by October 15, so either time works. If mother requests December, then she must make sure father doesn't remark upon her old age [Cather's birthday is December 7; she'd have turned 49 in 1922]. Remind him of the Woodman's dinner when Judge Yeiser embarrassed "Miss P.D." by revealing her age. Is mother missing Elsie? Enclosed is a letter from Dorothy Canfield. PS: Loves the woolen scarf mother sent her and wears it often while looking at the sea from a cliff—is even wearing it now! [Pictures with scarf enclosed.] Willie
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
Doesn't know much about how her books are made physically, but remembers that the first edition of O Pioneers! was covered in a displeasing yellow cloth and was improved in the second issue with a darker cloth. Does not have a copy around to look at, though. Song of the Lark was covered in blue cloth, but doesn't have one of those either. Has only the handsomer British editions. Believes that only 1,200 copies of The Troll Garden were printed, and has no control over the high cost of the new edition of April Twilights [April Twilights and Other Poems, published by Knopf in 1923]. But really isn't that interested in the first editions. Cannot see eye to eye with Professor Phelps on any book. Upset him by pointing out the mistakes in his work on Russian literature, but, honestly, he does not even know the Russian language! Sorry this letter has been so long in coming. P.S. Yes, the second issue of O Pioneers! was brown with orange stamping. Willa Sibert Cather
