Bailey Millard is editor of "The Cosmopolitan Magazine," which Mr.
Hearst has bought. I met him in New York two weeks ago. He had just
arrived and learning from Hearst that I was in town looked me up. I
had just recommended him to Hearst as editor. He had intended him for
associate editor. I think that will give you a chance, such as it is.
Millard dined with me and I told him the adventures of "A Wine of
Wizardry." I shall send it to him as soon as he has warmed his seat,
unless you would prefer to send it yourself. He already knows my whole
good opinion of it, and he shares my good opinion of you.
I suppose you are at your new ranch, but I shall address this letter
as usual.
* * * * *
If you hear of my drowning know that it is the natural (and desirable)
result of the canoe habit. I've a dandy canoe and am tempting fate and
alarming my friends by frequenting, not the margin of the upper river,
but the broad reaches below town, where the wind has miles and miles
of sweep and kicks up a most exhilarating combobbery. If I escape I'm
going to send my boat up to Saybrook, Connecticut, and navigate Long
Island Sound.
Are you near enough to the sea to do a bit of boating now and then?
When I visit you I shall want to bring my canoe.
I've nearly given up my newspaper work, but shall do something each
month for the Magazine. Have not done much yet--have not been in the
mind. Death has been striking pretty close to me again, and you know
how that upsets a fellow.
Sincerely yours,
AMBROSE BIERCE.
[Washington,
June 16, 1905.]