To Archibald MacLeish, 23 December [1931]

Summary

Dec. 23

Box 406 Key West

Dear Archie,

Before the poem came I wrote you something like this—but then did not send it because I thought you might think I was preparing an alibi in case I didn’t like the poem. I wrote there was probably no one who was fonder of you or believed more in your work than I do and for that reason it might be questionable policy to have a quotation from me to advertize it since my affection, loyalty and admiration for you being known some Kirstein, Galantiere, Wilson or other shit might take that opportunity to avoid facing the value of the poem by saying here was one friend writing about another.

Having seen these gentlemen perform in the past you can only expect worse than the worst from them.

I believe completely in the poem, in the NewFound Land in the Hamlet and in you and I have said it very many times and would be happy to be identified in any way or glad to make any public statement of belief but the wisdom of having a blurb written by me does not seem very wholly wise. [EH autograph marginal insertion: Later— Believe two sent are O.K.] This is not John Brown’s Body by Stephen St. Vixen Benet or Laughing Boy by Oliver Onions LaFarge and Linscott’s letter asking me “would you be willing to lead the cheering by giving a brief preliminary yip for the book which can be quoted in our advance publicity?