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[[preprinted]] NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGE AT DURHAM DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA LAW SCHOOL OFFICE OF THE DEAN [[/preprinted]] March 20, 1953 President F. D. Patterson Tuskegee Institute Tuskegee, Alabama Dear Dr. Patterson: I must say that Tuskegee is very much better at secret-keeping now than it used to be. In spite of my recent visit I was very surprised to read in the papers this week that you have resigned from Tuskegee. To me, that almost qualifies for Ripley's "Believe It or Not." In a way I am really sorry to hear that you are going because you are my favorite President. I am sure, however, that you have given the change your best thought and judgment, and upon that basis I wish to congratulate you upon your new position with the Phelps Stokes Fund. Frankly, I cannot help but feel that if the situation were reversed greater congratulations would be in order, which perhaps makes your individual decision all the more unusual and unselfish. The trustees will have a difficult time in finding a successor who will be able to approach your attributes of sound judgment, vision and planning for the institution, fair dealings with all concerned, and what is most important your ability to inspire the confidence of those with money and who are otherwise in position to help the institution. I hope you will accept these remarks with the sincerity that they are given, for I believe that our friendship is on such a basis that flattery in this situation would be completely out of place. Yours very sincerely, [[signature]] Albert L. Turner [[signature]] Albert L Turner ALT:mht