Letter, P.D. East to Theron Lynd; November 26, 1962
Transcript
[Personal address extracted]
November 26, 1962
Mr. Theron Lynd, Circuit Clerk
Forrest County Court House
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Dear Theron:
A reliable person who was in attendance has reported to me that:
At a dinner of the Men's Club, on the evening of October 6, 1962, at the Oak Grove Methodist Church, in Lamar County, in the presence of ten or twelve persons, you made the following statement: "There is one known communist in Hattiesburg, and that's P.D. East."
For a good number of years, Theron, we've been acquainted; I cannot believe for one second that you believe such a statement. Needless to say I am given to speculation as to your motive. Such a statement can do and does great damage to the person against whom it's directed.
I've thought about this matter at length; this letter is the result of my decision, and its purpose is as follows:
Within thirty (30) days from the date of this letter I respectfully submit that you do one of two things:
1. Go before The Men's Club of the Oak Grove Methodist Church in Lamar County and make an apology for your unfounded and irresponsible statement, made to them on the 6th of October, 1962.
2. Prove the truth of your statement, beyond the shadow of doubt.
I will expect to hear from you on this matter, Theron.
Cordially,
P.D. East
