14. 1923:
Rapid City, Man.    September 2, 1923

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Dear Mr. Phelps,

I have not heard from you for some time and do not know whether you are still at Bobcaygeon.

I have now a complete Ms. of volume I of the Pioneers and would like to send you those parts missing in the copy I sent you.

Thanks for the encouragement received from you I am still heavy with that work; and I believe that during the present year I should finish the whole of it. I find the labor exceedingly exhausting, though; especially since I am back at the grind. On the other hand, I begin to think so much of the book myself that I feel I must finish it even should it be at the cost of health.

Incidentally I am planning ahead for another large trilogy, But lackaday! I see the crutches ahead again.

By the way, I found in one of the notebooks regarding the Pioneers the following:

Plan of the Pioneers, drafted Summer 1917.
First attempt to write it, Winter 1917.
Various further attempts, 1927/1919.
First draft written in fall, 1919, 20, 21.
Resumed, Christmas 1922.
Revised, abridged, 1923 - 192?

That's how slowly things ripen. And I suppose, I am far from the finish. However, I should like to have the first volume read by M. & S. as soon as possible.

Let me hear from you. Meanwhile remember me to Mrs. Phelps.

Yours,
F.P. Grove