SOME POETS ARE PIGS
95
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JOHNSON, LYNDON B. Autograph Note Signed, “LJ,” as President, to “Bill &
Jack,” in pencil: “I’ve been very dubious about this from the beginning—When you get in
a pen with pigs you get some of it on you.”Written in blank lower margin on a TLS from
his speech writer Richard Goodwin, warning the president about inviting Robert Lowell
and other literary figures to “Festival of the Arts.” 1 page, 4to, White House stationery;
“CONFIDENTIAL” written in upper margin in an unknown hand. (TFC)
Washington, 1 June 1965
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Goodwin’s letter: “Saul Bellow—the novelist who is a participant in your Festival of the Arts,
and a friend—called me from Chicago. He said that Robert Lowell—the poet who is also an
invited participant—will hold a press conference tomorrow . . . and announce that he will not
come . . . because of his disagreement with our Dominican andVietnam policy. . . .”