To Daniel MacGhie Cory
Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6
Rome. July 28, 1945
The parcel containing lined slippers was picked up yesterday by me–or rather by two Sisters who accompanied me in a motor on an excursion to town. The slippers are just what I needed–not now, for it is the hottest time of the year—but next winter. The parcel had been opened and was rather crushed, but all was well with the contents. The card with the description of the contents is a new feature and makes it harder for rascals to tamper with what is sent, as has often happened. This encourages me to ask you to send me two pairs of pyjamas, of the largest size, here No 4, because I can easily shorten the legs and sleeves and like the width elsewhere. I have been living night and day for years in pyjamas. I had three good pairs, two made to order, and they have lasted four years. Poplin seems to be the most durable stuff, and does not shrink. I prefer even colours, not stripes, anything that is quiet and will do for a shirt by putting a black tie on with it. In this way, with a scarf over, I can go out in pyjamas even in winter. If you will always put down the price payed, I will make a note of it, $7.50 this time, and eventually send you the money.
From The Letters of George Santayana: Book Seven, 1941-1947. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2006.
Location of manuscript: Butler Library, Columbia University, New York NY