". . . I am sorry your telegram and your letter seem to be about two quite different engagements. . . . I could not possibly go through such an ordeal for two days as you describe. What would be left for my evening's work, the very exacting job I am expected to do? . . .
"I am very sorry but I shall not be able to keep this engagement . . . . [A]las, I have spent thirty five bone-crushing years travelling speaking and teaching and reading my stories in . . . this country and Europe, and I cannot let myself be thrown into the hopper with that heedless wastefulness of the past. I am still writing and that must be my occupation."
with--two Western Union telegrams from Porter to White, the first accepting his invitation, the second, declining and citing "doctors orders." 6; 14 February 1965.