| dc.description.transcription | August 19, 1935 Ft. Worth, Texas Dear Sir: Before I give you the reason for this letter I wish to offer you my deepest regrets and sympathy for the death of the man who, from all I have heard and read, must have been the greatest friend you have ever had. I am referring to Will Rogers, and my reasons for believing he was your greatest friend are: (1). Each time he came through Fort Worth the paper stated that Amon G. Carter met Will Rogers at the airport, or, Rogers and Amon Carter had lunch together. (2). In making his radio talks last winter I remember two such statements as this: "Now, take my good friend, Amon Carter, down in Texas." He must have thought the world of you; therefore, that is why I thought you would be the one person who would be ready to do what I would like to see be done. This is it. We have no large monuments here and I think it would be a splendid way for Fort Worth to show her love for Will Rogers and Wiley Post to erect a monument for those two great men, a monument that people will come from far and wide to see. I believe that this could be done by donations, for, haven't we always done things for Will in a big way. During his drouth campaign didn't we, according to population, make a larger donation than any city in the country? Such things as that made him think the world of our city. I am only twenty-two years of age and don't have a thing but a small job, but I would surely be willing to give to the last notch. It may sound strange, me never seeing Will Rogers in person, but I thought he was the grandest person on earth. His death gives my heart a faint feeling and makes me feel as though I have lost someone very dear to me. I am not ashamed to say that I have wiped tears from my eyes several times from thinking of him. It seems as though he has taken with him half of the life and spirit of the American public. Almost everyone seems to feel as I do, that is why I think this could be done easily. It would be great to build this monument and unvail it during the centennial to show the world our love for the man who loved all and was loved by all. We should let the memories of Will Rogers live for ever in Ft. Worth. Mr. Carter, I have written this with a sincere heart and the greatest admiration and love for Mr. Rogers; therefore, knowing that anything as this might be news for the paper, I wish to beg of you not to use my name in case you should print it. I don't care for the publicity. That was not my intention for writing in and I would hate for anyone to think so. Sincerely yours, Noble E. Spraulding | |
