RK-652

No. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. [handwritten] Dec 13th, [printed] 18 [handwritten] 58

Dear Father

Kinder "low" you get enough letters these days

This morning I had an interview with Hon Robert Smith about Ill survey. He thinks we can do it well and promises help - As the man to foot the bill through he names James M. Davis. Hillsboro Montgomery Co Ill. Though he says he may, or we may, think of a better man possibly - I will prepare a letter asking Mr. Davis if he will take charge of the thing and Mr Smith will endorse it and send to him - Ill. State legislature meets 1st or 2nd Tuesday in Jan. & its 40. days. So weve time enough.

I think we had perhaps better try to get the thing through under auspices of Ill state agrical. soc. what do you think? At any rate I'll prepare the plan and have it endorsed by the Society if possible at their meeting - who are the men to write to about it and who of the society should take charge in the event of you not being present. My name must never be mentioned in the matter at first. and in no case by you or me! If the survey goes Ill get it [illegible] enough - Ill have a circular out in a few days. this Ill send to you for distribution when 'tis time Ill send you an editorial to be published in Prairie Farmer about the last of this month [word crossed out] If you come to Washington you can go to Springfield after you return - middle [word crosssed out] last of I am best time for the hill. Bob.

[page turned] I want a list of the principal newspapers in the state if to be had conveniently - Ill send circulars to 'em so as to touch off the whole [illegible] at once Ill let the Prairie Farmer (Emerys) lead the thing tho.