The Tar Baby and the Tomahawk: Race and Ethnic Images in American Children's Literature, 1880-1939

Box 111

I wrote you a letter some time ago, in response to one from you. A day or two afterwards Mr. Clinton sent me a telegram stating that whatever I proposed to write should be sent on so as to be in the office of Collier's Weekly one week from the day the telegram was sent. So I went out and found a pick-axe, a spade and a derrick and proceeded to build in a hurry what is probably one of the most inane introductions that was ever put on paper. I cannot write in a hurry; when I try the journalistic side of my mind comes to the front and takes charge. On the other hand, when I have ample time, the literary side of my mind will slowly turn over, rub its eyes, cuss because it has been waked up, and then proceed to do what I want it to do.

I am [?]writing to beg you not to allow the introduction to appear unless it is perfectly agreeable to you; and if you desire to suppress any part of it, seize it by the ears, and run your blue pencil through it.

Joel Chandler Harris