University Boys' Dormitory
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, N. M.

July 10, 1932

Dear Mabel Dodge Luhan:

I have just finished reading LORENZO IN TAOS and I want to tell you it is a beautiful book. I am writing this because I feel I want to write to you after knowing you in the book. You have a rich, deep self -- the beautiful, unafraid self so necessary to a full living.

I am a Filipino boy, twenty years old, and have my A.B. from this university. As I write myself, I have -- this is not conceit -- a more discriminating literary taste than most people -- and I found your book truly beautiful. . . . Edward J. O'Brien, international critic on the short story, ranks me as one of the three best contemporary short story writers in English. My stories are just getting print as I have not been long in America: I have been here less than two years. I do not write popular commercial stuff, but write for the better magazines, though less known. I have published in Scribner's Magazine, The Frontier, The Prairie Schooner, Story (Vienna), This Quarter (Paris). Mr O'Brien is reprinting a story of mine in "The Best Short Stories of 1932" which will come out this Fall. He is also dedicating the book to me for being "a most distinguished artist". I am telling you all this so you will see I am sincere when I tell you I admire your book greatly -- and I don't think I lack taste.

I am at present in Albuquerque. I should like very much to meet you. Will you let me hear from you soon? I could go up to Taos if you are there.

Again, I wish to express admiration for your book.

With best wishes,

Faithfully,