University of Virginia Library

Nov. 17 '95 ShadeySide
Amberson Avenue

Thank you very much
for sending me the papers about the fire.

The news here was very meagre & until
the Charlottesville papers came I really
knew nothing except that it had occurred.

It is almost impossible to
realize that the Rotunda is no more
and the Lawn without it must resemble
nothing so much as a body without
its head. I have not seen the
Wilsons since it happened but will
go there very soon to talk it over

with them.

I can only hope that this will be
the opportunity to the graduates to show
their interest in the old place & that
it will soon be restored — The trouble
lies in the relics, the pictures etc etc that
were burned — These can never be replaced
& the Rotunda itself can never be
quite the same — There can be but one
original —

But I know we both feel the
same in these matters & there is no
use in discussing it.

I should like to move on to
New York next week— After Yale's
fine showing yesterday I feel quite

confident the team will give a good account of
themselves against Princeton next Saturday. But tho'
I cannot be there, I shall have the next best means of
learning the result. We are to have a special wire at
the University Club & each play will be reported as it
occurs. Of course I wish the University the best of
luck in their big game. I was anxious for them to score
on U. of P. but they seemed unequal to it.

I was sorry to hear that Mrs. Robinson
was not very well. I trust "her Grace" has fully recovered
& please remind her that she owes me a letter.

I presume that Miss Harrison had fully recovered
from her bicycle accident when she was with you. When
I saw her in New York before I sailed she was hobbling on
a crutch — We ride a great deal here & in this glorious
Autumn weather it is great fun. For the past two weeks
we have been having some fine artistic & musical treats here
in the opening of the Carnegie Library. Damrosch, Melba
& other stars. I wish you could be here to enjoy it.

Give my regards to all my friends & hoping
to hear again when you can manage it.