TLS signed “Martin L. King, Jr,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 17, 1958. Letter written to a concerned supporter while King recovers from his near-fatal stabbing at the hands of Izola Curry. In full, “Thank you so much for the lovely letter you wrote to me while I was in Harlem Hospital. I enjoyed reading it. Your kind words and genuine concern come as a great and spiritual lift to me and give me the strength and courage to face the ordeal of this trying period. I am glad to report that I am making good progress and am well on the road to a complete recovery. I hope it will be possible, at some future date, to visit your home and meet your fine family. It warms me, deeply, to know that you are interested in the whole struggle for Civil Rights. May I solicit your prayers and continued good wishes as I prepare to rejoin the ranks of those who are working tirelessly and ceaselessly for the realization of the ideals of Freedom, Brotherhood and Human Dignity.” It was during his recovery from this assault that King began to formulate his philosophy of personal redemption through suffering and to see his survival as a sign God spared him for a purpose. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and an unsigned Crusade For Citizenship flyer. In fine condition, with two horizontal mailing folds. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
