I received this e-mail yesterday:

Message from Marie Hartford (John's wife)

To correct the Internet posting by Mark O'Connor regarding John Hartford.

The "family" of John Hartford has never refused phone calls. It is disturbing to hear from our friends that Mark O'Connor has made such a ridiculous statement, when he has not once made any attempt to verify his information by dialing our number himself.

John's friends are welcome to call and visit, as they have done faithfully during his illness.

Marie Hartford