114.
1927:
Rapid City, Man. March 4,
1927
Dear A.L.P.,
How are you? Not a sign of the Search yet.
But, with Easter approaching and my general strength somewhat
improving, we are beginning to make plans. This is what we
visualize at present. The children have an invitation to
spend the weeks on a chicken farm close to town. Mrs. G. & I
shall go to W'peg to consult etc.. I believe Mrs. G. intends
to write Mrs. P. shortly.
A new trouble has arisen. My dentist - a thoroughly competent
man - claimed that my illness has resulted in a general dying
of my molars which, he claims, now affect my recovery adversely.
However, considering own plans he disadvises immediate extraction.
He wants me to go to a Dr. McInnis (?) in the Somerset Block
and get Xrays. Then, when I come back, he will do what he
think should be done. He has just finished extracting Mrs.
G.'s wisdom teeth, without pain and mishap - teeth which
Brandon dentists would not touch: they tried to send Mrs.
G. to W'peg. to have them excavated under general anesthesia.
I have all the confidence in the world in him.
I just received a letter which makes me feel a little less
despondent once more; from J.S. Woodworth, M.P. H. of C.,
Ottawa . "I have just heard that you are not in good health.
Perhaps you will permit just a note of good will. We have
so few writers - & citizens - who have universality and
independence that one cannot but hope that you may soon be
fit again and able to carry on your work. I know that Manitoba
is not very responsive or congenial sail; but all the more
do we need some one who will reveal us to ourselves . The
most discouraging feature of our life today is the isolation - physical & spiritual - of
those who here and there, across this vast land, are trying
to think out their own thoughts and live out their own lives.
"I've just slipped away from the H. of C. chambers where
hoary precedent and antiquated...[illegible] and obsolete
political institutions [this doubtful] and ideas hold sway.
One often wonders how long things can last.
"But out of the west there seem to come a glimmer of light;
and those from other lands may yet lead us out of the wilderness.
"A year ago I read your Settlers of the Marsh with much
interest - I regret that it has been so bitterly attacked.
As a matter of fact I sent it on to my daughter who...[illegible
to the end of sentence].
"As one who has spent many a year on the prairies, the descriptions
appealed strongly to me.
"With kindest regards.etc. etc."
Well, what do you think of that plan of ours spending a
few days in W'peg?
By the way, I kept your Luchinvar so Mrs. G. would find
time a read it. She likes it.
Yours,
F.P.G.
