Handwritten Letter from MLK to Dr. Westin

Transcript

[Page 1] Dear Dr. Westin, May I first extend my sincerest apology for not having answered your letter of February 18 sooner. Please know that it is not due to negligence, but [Crossed out: the] that the urgency of my duties as Pres.[ident] of the S.C.L.C. [Southern Christian Leadership Conference] and my over sided schedule [Crossed out: which] often makes it impossible for me to respond to correspondence immediately. I have been hopelessly behind in my mail ever since the Selma campaign and it seems as if [Crossed out: my Sisyphus stone is go get caught up again on my mail. [Inserted text left margin: us if getting caught up [Crossed out: as my mail][Inserted above: out the] has become my Sisyphus stone] I am grateful for [Crossed out: honored by] the invitation you have presented [Crossed out: extended] to me to serve on the Honorary Advisory Board of the Center of Research and Education in American Liberties. To serve on a board [Crossed out: of] [Inserted: which] such notable figures would indeed be an honor. [Crossed out: But Hower] However, the pressing and urgent demands [Crossed out: upon] by the civil rights movement upon my time continues [Crossed out: in] to increase. My schedule is already full well into next year. Please understand that I regret having unable to avail myself [Crossed out: for] of this opportunity and that I hope my schedule [Crossed out: will] in future months will allow me time to serve in such capacities. [Closing signature: M.L.K. [Martin Luther King]