From the correspondence and memoranda files
of the Washington office of the Federal Writers' Project the
following instructions and criticisms relative to the slave
narrative collection, issued from April 1 to September 8,
1937, have been selected. They throw light on the progress
of the work, the development of materials and methods, and
some of the problems encountered.
1. Copy of Memorandum from George Cronyn to Mrs. Eudora R.
Richardson. April 1, 1937.
2. Autograph Memorandum from John A. Lomax to George Cronyn.
April 9, 1937. [Handwritten version, Typewritten version']
3. Copy of Memorandum from George Cronyn to Edwin Bjorkman,
enclosing a Memorandum from John A. Lomax on "Negro Dialect
Suggestions." April 14, 1937.
4. Mimeographed "Supplementary Instructions #9-E to the
American Guide Manual. Folklore. Stories from Ex-Slaves.
"April 22, 1937. Prepared by John A. Lomax.
5. Copy of Memorandum from George Cronyn to Edwin Bjorkman.
May 3, 1937.
6. Copy of Memorandum from Henry G. Alsberg to State
Directors of the Federal Writers' Project. June 9, 1937.
7. Copy of "Notes by an Editor on Dialect Usage in Accounts
by Interviews with Ex-Slaves." June 20, 1937. Prepared by
Sterling A. Brown.
8. Copy of Memorandum from Henry G. Alsberg to State
Directors of the Federal Writers' Project. July 30, 1937.
9. Copy of Memorandum from Henry G. Alsberg to State
Directors of the Federal Writers' Project. September 8,
1937.
Sent to: North & South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana,
Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky,
Missouri, Mississippi, Okla.
April 1, 1937
Mrs. Eudora R. Richardson, Acting State
Director
Federal Writers' Project, WPA
Rooms 321-4, American Bank Building
Richmond, Virginia
Subj: Folklore
Dear Mrs. Richardson:
We have received from Florida a remarkably
interesting collection of autobiographical
stories by ex-slaves. Such documentary
records by the survivors of a historic
period in America are invaluable, both to
the student of history and to creative
writers.
If a volume of such importance can be
assembled we will endeavor to secure its
publication. There undoubtedly is material
of this sort to be found in your State by
making the proper contact through tactful
interviewers. While it is desirable to give
a running story of the life of each subject,
the color and human interest will be greatly
enhanced if it is told largely in the words
of the person interviewed. The peculiar
idiom is often more expressive than a
literary account.
We shall be very glad to know if you have
undertaken any research of this sort, or
plan to do so.
Very truly yours,
George Cronyn
Associate Director
Federal Writers' Project
Slave Narratives, 1941