Letter from James Whitcomb Riley to Howard S. Taylor

THE DENISON, H. B. SHERMAN, PROPRIETOR. INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 1883 Dear Man: Just now I have written a letter to Joel Chandler Harris, in which your name and talents figure prominently. I told him as much about you as I might dare to on two sheets - and in a way, too, that will please and make him feel good that you were - to me - his interpreter of the "Teague Polects' " sketch. Following your model, I have tried to read the same three or four times, and always have brought down the house. Three or four days after your departure I appeared at Rockville near here and your bro. John (with his best girl) came over from C. I didn't know he was in the audience, or would have varied programme more. After we

talked of you, of course, and found you wonderfully lovably everyway. I like you, as you know, and want always to think that you are near. Am much better than when you saw me last - have a world of things to do - and am getting down to them - and want you still to bet on Your old friend, JWRiley.