Forget Your Letter of Salvation

So, I pick up the phone and the dude starts the conversation by saying that I'm the third person that he has spoken to in about one minute's time.

I think that he's making pretty good progress. He states that there is a very dangerous situation and that if something isn't done there will be a tragedy. I tell the gentleman that we need a letter. I tell him this because all requests of this nature require something in writing.

"You mean I have to write a letter?"

In my head, I get ready the list of reasons why we need a letter before I say "Yes."

"Goodbye."

How important is the issue to you if you won't jot down a sentence and put a stamp on it?