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316 East 6th Street
Apt. #6
New York, New York

May 2, 1957

Dear Mr. Hughes,

By way of reintroduction: If you remember, I was taken
to meet you one evening by Calvin Hernton. Then, I was wearing
a sort of beard. You were very cordial, and I was greatly im-
pressed and inspired by many of the things you said. Calvin
read some of his work; we heard a section of a play by you, and
I recited a few of my poems. You invited both of us back to
visit.

At present, I have a story which I have written. It runs
about twenty nine pages, typed. I think it is good, and I
think that it is the type of thing which can be published in
book form with illustrations. It is a Christmas story that
will appeal to both children and adults. I would like to talk
to you about it, and if possible, have you read it and give
what advice you think is appropriate.

I am aware of how crowded your schedule is at the moment,
(I am following the progress of "Simply Heavenly") but I would
appreciate any time you could arrange to talk with me near the
middle of this month (May). As my job goes, I am free all of
Monday and Tuesday each week, and every day up until 2 PM.

Success with your new play, and thank you very much.

May 4, 1957

Dear Mr. Patterson:

Thank you for your note and your kind wishes for my new play.

At the present time I am completely tied up with the "Simply Heavenly" production, but I would certainly like to see you again.

After the opening of the play on May 21st., I shall have some free time and would welcome a visit from you. Why don't you give me a ring after that date at AT 9-6559 in the late afternoon?

Hope to see you soon.

LH:ra

316 East 6th Street
New York, New York

June 10, 1957

Dear Mr. Hughes,

I would like to give some explanation for my asking for
a few hours of your time and being granted a meeting, and then
not making the definite appointment to see you.

In my previous letter, I wrote that I had a manuscript
concerning which I wanted your advice. Since your reply to my
letter, I took the manuscript to Alfred Knopf with the idea of
having it published with illustrations. There, I saw Stuart
Richardson who was very kind and helpful. He read the story,
thought it was well written, and sent it to the Juvenile Section.
It was read there but considered too complicated for children
in regards its sentence structure. Mr. Richardson also felt
that it did not exactly fit into the adult fiction category,
at least not for Knopf, notwithstanding its quality. He sug-
gested that I try other publishers, and he also gave me the
name of an agent, Oliver Swan, of Paul R. Reynolds & Son; and
I have decided to send the story to that agent. Originally,
with your advice, I thought I would make the rounds of the
publishing houses with the manuscript. Since I have already
taken the step, I feel that I should explain to you what
happened.

The Poetry Society of America meeting of last May 23

was very interesting. Especially enjoyable was your reading
and clear communication of Gabriela Mistral's poetry. Especially
curious was the way the meeting developed while you were there
and after: the poets at each other's throats, tooth and nail.

A week ago Sunday, I saw Simply Heavenly, and with all
sincerity I think is a wonderful and important piece of American
Drama. I like to think that people will be reading and doing
that play for many, many years to come. It was fun; it was warm
and human; it was perceptive.

Please excuse the length of this letter but I wanted to
communicate all these things to you, and also the fact that
Calvin Hernton and I are giving a reading of our poetry on
Sunday June 16, at 2:30 P.M., at 316 East 6th Street, Apt#6.
We will send you an announcement, and we hope that you will
be able to come. The gathering will be small and informal, and
if you are able to come for only a short while, I would like for
you to hear us.

Again, congratulations on your play.

March 25, 1958

Dear Raymond Patterson:

Recently I received a letter from Rosie Poole in London telling me that you are one of the poets to be included in the anthology of Negro poets to be published in Holland and that the title, I SAW HOW BLACK I WAS, is taken from your poem. From her description of the anthology, it should be a very interesting one. I expect you know all this, but just in case you had not heard, I send this information on to you.

Next week I am off to California for some poetry and jazz programs similar to the ones I did here at the Vanguard but I will be back in New York by April 27th when there will be a concert of my songs at the Community Church. I hope to see you again sometime soon.

With all good wishes, I am

Mr. Raymond Patterson
316 East 6th Street
New York, N. Y.