180

March 15, 1966

Dear Jimmy:

Enclosure. Let me know immediately if this arrives safely. And I trust a refund will come on the lost Money Order "in due time."

I'm terribly rushed getting visas, vacinations, shots for Dakar, and trying to finish a novel at the same time, before taking off on the 26th, so write soon. I'll see you, I trust, in June after Ethiopia, Kenya, etc.

Best ever,

Hastily but

Sincerely,

January 16, 1967

Dear Jimmy:

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!

What's happening? Did you go to Africa with Elizabeth Taylor to make the Haitian movie? I read where Gloria Foster, of IN WHITE AMERICA fame, is leaving to join the cast in Dahomey (isn't it, where the are filming?).

Did I write you that Aunt Toy has been ill for several weeks, and is now seriously so in Sydenham Hospital, being rushed there the day after Christmas. And on Christmas itself Emerson's niece's husband dropped dead just around the corner from us. And two days later, our house guest for the holidays and Aunt Toy's oldest friend, went to Harlem Hospital. So we had rather hectic holidays, with Emerson himself being not too well.....Me, I'm O. K. and still playing catch-up with deadlines, being away so long last summer.....Write soon.

February 10, 1967

Dear Jimmy:

I'm taking off for University of California tomorrow for Negro History Week programs, so this is just a hasty note to say it wasn't good to get yours, and to know you've got a source of income for the moment, since it is of the essence. House is all torn up by contractors & plumbers---to the tune of $6000.00, lifting violations, etc., to suit the new city codes. Had to put in two new bath rooms, including a shower in the kitchen, of all places, not needed at all. Meanwhile everybody is sick, now including Mr. Harper. So it is of the essence!....I sent you what looks like a new printing of LOVER MAN I say in Colony Music Shop---for Christmas---but it came back to me. So I am posting it again, this time Registered.....

Best of luck,

Sincerely,