Letter 31

Christian Answers Ruth's Chicago Letter:

Working Hard at Library Or I Ain't Missing You

314 S. Rocheblave St. 

New Orleans, Louisiana 

June 7, 1945

Dear Ruth: 

I was very glad to hear that you like the little booklet of poems. Several persons wrote me nice letters about it. Among them was Arna Bontemps, who kindly asked about you. Quarles said that the poems were very good and that the whole effort was superb. Probably the nicest summation of my misguided effort was from the editors of Harper's who said that the booklet was impressive and the poems lovely. I have the "Common Man's Manifesto" under consideration, but do not seem to get much farther than the first page. 

Speaking of work, I also wanted to tell you that Doctor Reid of Phylon accepted an article of mine about the Dunn poisoning. He wrote me that it was "marvelously well done." I want to thank you for the help and encouragement you gave me while I was working on the Dunn notes. He told me that he would publish it in May, but I did not find it in he latest issue of the magazine. When it appears, I shall send you a reprint of that article.

I am sorry to say that since I started work in the Library I have not had much time or inclination to do any work upon the book. The work proved to be a little difficult until my body began to tighten. Then circulation became much better. Three lectures before Doctor Quarles' class and two chapel appearances were about all that I could master thus far. I am now immersed in an attempt to complete a study of the John Henry legend in about four months time. I have been working steadily on it during a month of vacation which just ended. If I do anything worthwhile within the next year or two, I'll let you know.

I am happy to see that you are trying to find time for worthwhile things. Please be careful while you are "on your own" and be sure not to lose your balance. Remember Omar's observation: "Yesterday this day's madness did prepare." In other words, take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself. Please watch your health carefully and try to keep a pleasant attitude towards life . . . . 

Marcus Christian.

P.S. It was so kind and thoughtful of you to send me the Robeson souvenir. If it is the only one you have, I'd like to return it. You probably have read by now that Buggs is returning to Dillard. Quarles asks about you every now and then.

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