It's "too bad" that I couldn't remain in Oakland and Berkeley another
month to welcome you, but I fear it will "have to go at that," for
I've no expectation of ever seeing California again. I like the
country as well as ever, but I _don't_ like the rule of labor unions,
the grafters and the suffragettes. So far as I am concerned they may
stew in their own juice; I shall not offer myself as an ingredient.
It is pleasant to know that you are all well, including Johnny, poor
little chap.
You are right to study philology and rhetoric. Surely there must be
_some_ provision for your need--a university where one cannot learn
one's own language would be a funny university.
I think your "Mr. Wells" who gave a course of lectures on essay
writing may be my friend Wells Drury, of Berkeley. If so, mention me
to him and he will advise you what to do.
Another good friend of mine, whom, however I did not succeed in seeing
during either of my visits to California, is W. C. Morrow, who is a
professional teacher of writing and himself a splendid writer. He
could help you. He lives in San Francisco, but I think has a class in
Oakland. I don't know his address; you'll find it in the directory.
He used to write stories splendidly tragic, but I'm told he now
teaches the "happy ending," in which he is right--commercially--but
disgusting. I can cordially recommend him.
Keep up your German and French of course. If your English (your mother
speech) is so defective, think what _they_ must be.
I'll think of some books that will be helpful to you in your English.
Meantime send me anything that you care to that you write. It will at
least show me what progress you make.
I'm returning some (all, I think) of your sketches. Don't destroy
them--yet. Maybe some day you'll find them worth rewriting.
My love to you all.
AMBROSE BIERCE.
[The Olympia, Euclid and 14th Sts., Washington, D. C.,
January 20, 1913.]