April 15, 1944
Dear John,
Thanks for your letter concerning the Spingarn Medal.
Not having been associated with anything that even closely pertains to blood or plasma since 1941, I was a little surprised. Maybe the fellows had a hard time finding anybody who had done anything last year and since the whole Negro race feels pretty badly about the Army attitude toward blood donors, I suppose there is some small satisfaction in the thought that at one time I was associated with this particular phase of activities connected to the war effort. There is a great deal of bitterness, not only about this particular phase but about opportunities and treatment of Negro troops as a whole, bitterness which makes me very unhappy for there are no suggestions which I can make which would have any effect in removing or relieving any of the situations which caused this bitterness and are a source of constant humiliation to anyone who would like to serve his country in a time such as this.
I have not yet taken up the matter of the bottle with the Cutter Laboratories. I had planned to before this time as a result of your previous note but there just seems to be so many things to do, I have not been able to get at it. I promise I shall take up this matter the first break I get. Many thanks.
Lenore joins me in best wishes to you, D. V. and your loyal crew.
Sincerely,