Roseburg,Or.,Sept.12,1904.
Col .Henry E.Dosch,
St .Louis,Mo., Dear Sir:-
It is passing strange that I never received an answer to my letter addressed to you at Portland a short time since?
I presume you were very busy,and did not have the time?
I had hoped to secure your assistance towards obtaining a position of some standing in connection with the Lewis & Clark Exposition,and am disappointed.   It seems strange,too that a man of my experience in exposition matters,- a successful experience,- should have to almost beg an opportunity to apply that experience. Friends have expressed great surprise that my services had not been sought.
I dislike to entertain the thought,but it has come to me that perhaps because I urged your appointment as director general,certain parties have thought it might not be advisable that I should have any connection with the 1905 Fair? Why they should think so,I cannot tell,but it has been hinted to me.
Mr.CrOode and L in old exposition days were good friends,but someway he does not   remember what I did for him when he was a stranger^, and needed someone at court;one who was not backward in urging consideration for him and the company he represented; but let it pass.
It would have been just to my hand to have gone to St.Louis in he-half of the Lewis & Clark enterprise.   I know Oregon and its people, probably as well,if not better than most Oregonians. I know what is produced,where and how much.   The whole country,from the Willamette to the Snake;from the Cal. and Nev.line to British Columbia is familiar to me,and I really,- if I have to say it myself,don't know where
a better posted man could be found.
I have been urged to point out this and that defect in the progress of preparation,but have resolutely declined,after turning the carpers down as they deserved. I would have liked very much to* have had the opportunity of writing for the fair,in my own way,and think I could have accomplished much for its promotion.
When I hear eastern and Californian visitors praise the selection of the site it makes me painfully proud for the double reason that I was the first to urge it,a fact that has not been recognized in any way?
I resigned my position with Lazard F.reres last June,after 18 years hard work. It was absolutely necessary because of the condition of my eyes.    Drs Brown and Wood warned me that if I remained in the office two months,jI would go blind.   I came here under treatment and for rest.   The improvement has been surprising. I am writing you without using glasses,and am ready to don the harness once more. Wishing you honor and success,! am as ever,
Oregon Building, World'a Fair Grounds, Saint Louis, Mo. Sept. 20th, 04.
Col. R. W. Mitchell,
c/o Soldiers Home,
Roseberg, Oregon.
My dear Colonel:
Your favor of the 12th inst., reached me a few days ago and I was indeed,    leased to hear that your eyesight is getting much • better.     The other letter that you speak of reached me just as I was leaving Portland for here again, which explains why it has not been answered.       The matter of your appointment, or your connection in any way with the Lewis & Clark Exposition has had my best attention at all times and I have talked it over time and again with Mr, Reed and Mr. Goode and number of other Directors or our Exposition, and why they could not find a place for you, especially in the department of Publicity and Exploitation, ia a question I am unable to answer.    I feel confident, and you know that I know that there is no man better qualified to fill such a position than yourself, and a man that has done as much for the State of Oregon and is thoroughly known in the State of Oregon beyond it's boundaries and must certainly have a place in our Exposition, and I still hope that since the
new organization of the hoard which had a. new lot of members to it's Executive Committee, that they will see their way clear to find a place for you.     There is nothing in my department with which you are familiar as it portends practically to Foreign and Damestic Exhibits only.    It also seems to me that you should have aposition with the State Commission of which Fr. Jefferson Myers is chairman, especially in the Agriculture Department, you know there is a difference between the corporation and the commission, and exhibits for
the State of Orecon are made by the Commission the same as any other Commission of any bthtr State, and they certainly will require some compentent men to make these exhibit*, over which we have no control.
! Hoping (.hat you may continue to improve in good health and spirits, I add kindest regards,
Most cordially yours,