Johnny Gruelle,
Care of P. F. Volland Company.
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Johnny:

When I saw your Raggedy Ann books and dolls in a store near here, I went
right in and bought one of each, and when I had read your introduction
to "Raggedy Ann" I went right up to an old trunk in my own attic and
brought down the doll I am sending you with this letter.

This doll belonged to my mother and she played with it when a little
girl. She treasured it highly, I know, for she kept it until I came and
then she gave it to me.

The fun that we two have had together I cannot begin to tell you, but
often, like the little boy who went out into the garden to eat worms
when all the world seemed blue and clouded, this doll and I went out
under the arbor and had our little cry together. I can still feel it's
soft rag arms (as I used to imagine) about me, and hear the words of
comfort (also imaginary) that were whispered in my ear.

As you say in your Raggedy Ann book, "Fairyland must be filled with rag
dolls, soft loppy rag dolls who go through all the beautiful adventures
found there, nestling in the crook of a dimpled arm." I truly believe
there is such a fairyland and that rag dolls were first made there, or
how else could they bring so much sunshine into a child's life?

[Illustration: Raggedy Ann bowing]