Dear Ken: I have kept hopefully in mind the invitation to address the Southern Society concerning which you spoke to me some weeks back. Since receiving your letter of the fifteenth I have studied the prospects even more earnestly.1
The upshot is that I cannot be as optimistic as I was when I talked to you. Mamie and I have decided to revive a considerable portion of the traditional social events that take place between the opening of Congress and the beginning of Lent, which is March sixth. This means some half-dozen burdensome engagements.
Added to this, there is a piece of more confidential information that makes the matter much worse. I have a whole list of names of Heads of State and Heads of Government who want to pay a call on me at an early date. This normally means a dinner for the guest and a return dinner at his Embassy.2
Also, I am committed to a trip to the drought area that must take place some time in January.3
When on top of this is piled all the critical problems of an ordinary day, plus speeches that must be delivered to the Congress at the Inauguration and over television, I have a dismaying winter and early spring ahead of me.4
Much as I appreciate the force of all you say about reaching a fine sector of the Southern population through an address at the New York Southern Society, I truly feel that the circumstances leave me little recourse except to decline. As you know, I am simply forced to take a certain amount of time for rest and recreation, and to add an engagement which I would deem as important as the one you suggest seems to me to be most unwise. I truly regret that I have to give you a negative answer as it is the kind of thing, as I explained to you when we talked about it, that I really would like to do.
If by chance you would like to have a message from me to read at the dinner, I shall of course be more than glad to send one.5
With warm regard, Sincerely
P.S. Many thanks for the wire from you and Margaret that reached us on schedule yesterday. I assure you that Mamie and I heartily reciprocate the sentiments you express.6
