Letter 056, pg. 2

2.

this our first and clearest aim—we will be nothing but “just one more of the same.” Also, we must avoid all generalities, compromises, “softening up” and attempts to pacify or appeal to too many different view-points. They all do that—and fail. Unless we stick very clearly, militantly and decisively to our basic principles—and keep these principles clear-cut—we
will become another ineffectual patriotic organization. 

I am glad that you have ordered the copies of our Declaration. I have had no luck at all with printers here. The prices quoted were much higher than yours.

You write that you have inscribed for me a copy of “The Adventures of a Happy Man,” last Tuesday. Since receiving your letter, I have been waiting for it—but it has not arrived as yet and I hope that nothing has happened to it. I do want to thank you for doing this, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it—even though I am sorry that you would not let me buy my own copy. There are so few authors whom I like to “support.”

I am looking forward most eagerly to reading the unpublished autobiography which you promised to let me read. And I will be “honest”—but I am sure I won’t find it difficult to be.

I am enclosing a list of the addresses you needed for our latest names. On the list you sent me I did not find the name of Carl Snyder who was on our first list. If you have not written to him, I would suggest sending him an invitation, because he would be very good for us to have. He can be reached c/o The Macmillan Company.

With my best regards—in the name of both O’Connors.

Sincerely,

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* Nicholas Roosevelt (1892–1982) was a diplomat and journalist.