Dear Robert Penn Warren:

Thank you for your two letters, - one inviting me to the Conference to be held there on April 10 and 11, - and the other inviting me to contribute something to the new Southern Review. In reply to the first, I must decline with regret, due to previous speaking engagements elsewhere. I am sure I should find the Conference most interesting. Perhaps you'll have others in later years, and circumstances may permit my attendance on a later one.

In reply to your second letter, may I say that for your thought of me I am deeply grateful? I am referring the letter to my agent, Eric Pinker of New York. I know of nothing you could use at the time; perhaps he will have some suggestion to make. Editors have been most kind to me in inquiring as you have; isn't it a shame-or is it; - that in the press of living I have had no time to write.' I comfort myself with the thought that living is so much more important than writing.

I'm not sure my agent would advise me to try a short subject; my whole energy-if any- should be direct to the 'next book'. But I am asking him to reply to your letter for me. You will, doubtless, hear from him soon.

I'd please believe that I am grateful for your interest.

405 Lee Avenue
Waycross, Georgia
March 26, 1935.