Lee, Harper: 1926 - 2016
To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960 - Letter by Truman Capote
© 2024 Monroe County Museum
"Yes, it is True that Nelle Lee is publishing a book. I did not see Nelle last winter, but the previous year she showed me as much of the book as she’d written, and I liked it very much. She has real Talent.
Oh I do wish I could have some butterbeans. now! This very minute.
Love to all, hugs and kisses T"
This shows that Capote had little access to Lee's manuscript and did not write the novel.
Capote wrote this letter on July 9, 1959 to his aunt Mary Ida in Monroeville.