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Malcolm D. Whitman to Horace Kephart, November 25, 1929

  • wcu_kephart-1674.jpg
  • In a letter to Horace Kephart on November 25, 1929, Malcolm D. Whitman responds to Kephart’s letter and discusses his feelings on trout fishing.
  • MALCOLM D.WHITMAN 2 6i fifth av e n u e MEW YORK November 25, 19 29, Mr. Horace Kephart, Bryson City, North Carolina. Dear Kephart: I have your amusing letter and it cheers me up a lot because it scents of" humor. LA*f- rwA While you look lightly, I imagine, on trout fishers, I hope you are not one of those who believe that the angle is a long pole and a string, with a worm at one end and an ass at the other. One of the great things about this so-called gentle art, aside from its taking one into the outdoors, is its independence. I read once in an old book which I hare not been able to find again: "The urchin with a pin and string Is proud as emperor or king, Vain pride's a forgotten thing, Out fi shing." I struggle for my independence every day of my life, and somehow when I am on a trout stream I feel more independent than ever, perhaps as good as anybody, so these lines have always stuck in my memory. Bear in mind if you should come this way that Mrs, Whitman and I would both be glad to see you. Sincerely yours, MDW:VA