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April 3, 1941

Mr. Kenneth Roberts Kennebunkport Maine

Dear Mr. Roberts:

Residents of the state may understand why the presence of a legislature in the State House would delay departmental activities -- especially correspondence -- but we are positive that posterity would never forgive the non-inclusion of that now-famous Royalist and his tale in the Maine Author Collection.

We refer, of course, to your most recent masterpiece, OLIVER WISWELL, to enjoy which readers are still waiting in line. Our staff ever since its publication has been divided into two camps: the haves and the have-nots! We can now boast a majority of haves, with the have-nots becoming more impatient for their turn each week.

You have been so extremely kind in the past about the Maine exhibit that we dare to hope for clemency if we extend congratulations at so late a date. We think, however, that it can never really be too late to offer congratulations upon such an outstanding, powerful, honest novel as OLIVER WISWELL; and we do sincerely hope that an inscribed copy may arrive to honor the Maine Author Collection.

Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY SECRETARY hmj �