UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Berkeley,

November 4, 1891 I.

Prof. O. C. Marsh, New Haven.

My dear Sir,

Referring to our conversation regarding some one to write my brother's memoir, I have had some correspondence and talk with those who ought to know better than I, living at such a distance, who would be likely to be willing to serve impartially and friendlylily in the matter. Unfortunately my letters have been long in reaching, hence I have delayed writing to you to the last, perhaps too much.

The two persons suggested are, first, Agassiz, to whom I have written, but too late to receive a reply as to whether he is able and willing; if so he will tell you when asked. The other, who I think would be willing, and specially acceptable to Mrs. Hilgard, is Fairman Rogers. Him I do not know personally and have not written to; if you decide to appoint him please say to him on my part that I shall take it as a great favor if he will accept, adding this to many obligations we owe him on behalf of my brother. Of course, whoevcr is named will have my earnest cooperation in gathering the needful data; the trouble is that I have lived at such a distance from him during most of his career that I have only heard say and a few letters as my personal contribution for that period.

I am sorry that meetings of the Academy always occur at times when my duties would prevent me from attendance even if I were near enough. I hope next time however to be represented by a paper at least - until now I have been too hard pressed with detail work to write anything presentable.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Berkeley, February 10, 1892.

Prof. O. C. Marsh, New Haven.

My dear Sir,

Upon receiving your letter relative to
my appointment to write my brother's memoir, I immediately set to
work to canvass the chances of getting some one else to undertake
the work, as - especially under the peculiar conditions of the
case in some respects - I thought it more than usually unsuitable for
a near relative to write the biography.

I have now exhausted the venire of persons whom I can very well
ask to undertake the task, and so finally conclude to accept the
appointment and act as nearly judicially as I can.

It will be impossible for me, however, to have the memoir ready
for the April meeting of the Academy, as I am preparing for a year's
absence in Europe and am crowded with work needed to be done
before I leave. It may be that I will have to defer the completion
until I reach Europe and can shove off the overwork that is now b setting me. On my way I may visit New Haven summer) and if so
hope to see you there among others of the ancient regime.