Letter from John G. Neihardt to Slade Kendrick, September 20, 1969

Another bully letter from my dear old friend! How! I was happy to hear something about your book, and I can hardly wait to see it. You must remember how I liked the book in MS. Best of luck to you.

I'm having a great time with my autobiography. It may be my almost best book — People laugh and cry when they read it — always at the right places!

Did you hear of the Wisdom Award of Honor for 1969? I enclose the covering letter when the award was given to me. Note the former recipients.

My eyes do a very good job for me, and I'm satisfied with the results of my [operation?] operations.

I hate to think of H. B. in a rest home — even one as fine as Lenoir. I'm still going strong at nearly 89 (soon 90, then maybe 100), but I hope to have my heart go before I'm too damned old. Strange to say, I have more and more influence over audiences. They give me standing ovations. Happily, my voice hasn't changed at all.

Do you know the Wisdom Magazine? If not, take a look at it in your University library.

Kindest thoughts to your Lady.