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University of Texas
Austin, Texas

October 21st, '91

Professor C.E. Bessey,
University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, Neb.

Dear sir:
Last June the Board of Regents of this University established in connection with my School-Geology-an Assistant Professorship of Biology. The new man, it was expected, would give prominence to Botany and after a year's service,, if all went well, a new School would be created under his charge. Dr. L. M. Underwood was elected to this position last August but, being unable to secure a release from De [Pauw?] Univ., could not accept. The positions, therefore, still vacant. Among the numerous applicants is Prof. R. Ellsworth Call of Des Moines, Iowa. My special object in writing is to inquire if you know him and, if so, could you endorse him for the position? Or do you know a better man? We want a teacher of some experience-one well versed in modern methods. The salary offered is two thousand dollars with five hundred the first year for equipment- more will follow later on.

Your opinion on the above will have great weight. I have known of you and your work so many years that I do not feel that I am addressing a stranger and I hope that you will not consider my letter an intrusion.

Very respectfully yours,
Frederic M Simonds
Prof. Geology, Univ. of Texas