--/--/ We do not correspond--except at considerable intervals as I hesitate to presume much on his [Otto Kahn] attention. There are so many others whom he is always helping that his time is largely taken up anyway. What with two personal secretaries and a whole corps of personal office help--_besides_ his huge financial machine (his interests occupy a building of about 22 stories) he must be a busy man. He wants to hear from “time to time” as he puts it--about how my poem is progressing. But, since writing him New Year’s I shan’t presume again until next March or so. My second thousand is not payable until along in May. At which time I shall probably personally talk to him again. Beyond this money I have no expectations of more assistance, but if my poem when completed seems good enough to him, it may be, of course, that he will be further interested. I’m thankful enough for what I already have, however! Your news about Grandma is rather heartrending. I do hope she won’t have to suffer much longer--and if she does that she will be given enough sedatives to keep the pain dulled, no matter what the consequences. It would be best if she really gives up more--for the remainder of her existence--under any conditions--promises her only misery. --/--/ 230: TO HIS GRANDMOTHER _Patterson, New York_ _January 27th_ Dear Grandma: --/--/ I am hoping to hear from Grace tomorrow all about how you are. Much better, I hope. We had a brief flurry of snow again today, but not enough yet to permit me to use my scrumptious snow shoes. I have been reading the _Journal of Christopher Columbus_ lately--of his first voyage to America, which is concerned mostly with his cruisings around the West Indies. It has reminded me many times of the few weeks I spent on the Island to hear him expatiate on the gorgeous palms, unexpected pines, balmy breezes, etc., which we associate with Cuba. -- -- -- -- 231: TO GASTON LACHAISE _Patterson, New York_ _Feb. 10th, 26_ Dear Lachaise: Constantly your seagull has floated in my mind--ever since I saw it, and it will mean much to me to have it. I can’t thank you enough. I am enclosing an amount which I hope will to some extent defray the cost of materials, and you must let me know if more is needed. I envy you your occupation out here in the extreme cold of the last two weeks--wiggling a pen or tapping a typewriter is hardly as conducive to good circulation or warmth while every breath one takes comes out like a steaming snort from a dragon! At present the snow is so deep that we are obliged to use snow shoes or skis to get anywhere. Fortunately we are well supplied with wood and oil and provisions. When I get to New York--probably not for six weeks or so--I hope to find you in. If the white bird is done before then you can express it out to Patterson, or I’ll be glad to carry it back when I come in. -- -- -- -- 232: TO CHARLOTTE AND RICHARD RYCHTARIK _Patterson, New York_ _March 2nd_