Letters, Feb. 26, 1940

Bloody Breathitt

Sirs:

Four hours ago I stood waiting for a train at Jackson, in Breathitt County. I had just read TIME'S generous words for my first novel, River of Earth.

This was publication day. I was proud. Deputy Sheriff Jerry Combs walked by. I saw his small badge, thought he should have a larger one, size of a fist. He turned away, and within three minutes was shot down stone dead. I don't know why. The high sheriff came. Men set off upriver and down, running with guns in their hands. A woman...

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