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Tarkington Booth Nov 2 1899
November 2nd 99
Dear Mrs. Sewall,
You cannot know what immense good your letter has done me. It is worth five years work to get expressions like that. It is also worth running the batteries under fire in an unarmored gun boat; for it was so I have felt while my story ran the gauntlet of the Indiana criticism. What you said helps me so greatly to feel that my boat has pulled into clear waters
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I have had a longing eye on Washington these many days. It represents a parlous? pars; however, very many have attempted it, and left their literary bones there. It makes me a little shivery; but I think I am going to have a try at it. I am not quite ready, yet. But, as you have seen, there lies the huge material, the great block of marble waiting for the chisel of the fellow who can "see the lines in it."
Please, Dear Mrs.
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Sewall, do not forget the two words you found jarring. I shall demand these of you at the earliest opportunity; and that will help me not to do it again. Mrs. Fanny Vandegrift Stevenson found two for me: "brainy bumps", and I managed to have them "improved out of" the second edition. You two will bring me that much nearer my literary respectability.
I thank you with all my thanks, and with
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The best wishes of my heart, I am Yours always gratefully, Newton Booth Tarkington