PRESERVATION PHOTOCOPY: ORIGINAL MATERIAL RESTRICTED

14 October 1940

Dear Langston Hughes:

Arna Bontemps called the other day, when I was not here. I had gone to our cottage in Michigan to get Mrs Abremson, and because of that, missed a visit with him. I regret it very much, and have sent him a note asking him to call again.

I value my copy of UN CHANT NOUVEAU, with its inscription, and thank you for sending it to me. I'm going to read it, too, even though I don't read French very well.

Many who were here on the Saturday when you spoke have told me, on subsequent visits, how much they enjoyed your talk, and you, and the poetry you read. I want to join my voice to theirs, for it was indeed a pleasure to meet you.

Your kindness in coming here to talk and to sign books will always be warmly remembered. So will the infectious cheer that you radiate.

I'm enclosing a photograph recently received from a young man who is one of my customers, and also, a copy of my letter in reply. I think the correspondence will amuse you. Willard sometimes understands, and Willard sometimes appreciates, books that he reads, but in the years I have known him, he has never done both at the same time.

I look forward to seeing you again, and I hope that your travels will bring you to Chicago soon. With this letter come my best wishes to you.

Mr Langston Hughes
Hollow Hill Farm
Monterey, California

vhr