COPY March 7, 1917. Dear Mr. Dorr: Your letter of March 5th is received. I quote the following paragraph from my letter to you of December 30th, 1916: "I further understand that in order to buy the mountain from the west of these three mountains referred to in the above paragraph, over to Seal Cove Pond, including all of the western range of mountains, probably $20,000 will be required. This is based on definite prices quoted on some tracts and the judgment of yourself and others in regard to what the remaining tracts can be bought for. Whether this estimate of $20,000 is inclusive or exclusive of the northern portion of Beech Moun- tain, which you think can be bought for $3,000 and for the purchase of which I have agreed to supply the money, you are not sure. Toward this $20,000 I understand that the people of Southwest Harbor can be re- lied upon to contribute $10,000, and that the remaining $10,000 is yet to be secured. Of the tracts comprised in this $20,000 section, I understand one option expires on January 1st, which you are anxious to take up, and that the amount of money involved in the purchase of the tract which the option covers is $1,500. Toward the second $10,000 involved in this $20,000 purchase, you can count on me for $5,000, which I will pay whenever you ask for it. This will enable you to exercise the option expiring January 1st and to make any other purchases which it is desirable to close immediately. When the $5,000 has been expended, I shall be glad to know just what the situation is. Of course, this $5,000 is in addition to the $3,000 which I agreed in the Fall to contribute for the purchase of the northern portion of Beech Mountain." You are asking for the payment of my pledge of $8,000. I assume, therefore, that you are ready to make the purchase of the northern por- tion of Beech Mountain which you thought could be purchased for $3,000 and for which purpose I agreed to supply the money necessary up to that amount, last Fall before leaving Seal Harbor. Am I right in this as- sumption and what is the actual price at which this property can be bought? My pledge toward the western mountain purchase, other than that just referred to, was for $5,000. Has the $10,000 which you stated you had every reason to believe could be collected from the Southwest Harbor people been pledged and collected, and if not in whole, to what extent? In line with your request, I am enclosing my check for $8,000, $5,000 of which is in payment of my pledge of $5,000, the remaining $3,000 to be used to whatever extent is necessary for the purchase of 2. the northern portion of Beech Mountain. If the whole amount is not needed for that purpose, please so advise me. I wish it were possible for you to give me definite information with reference to the moneys received from others on this mountain project, and also as to the tracts of land actually bought and the prices paid therefor. It is much easier for me to follow transactions which are thus definitely set forth, and at the same time, it is much more interesting than where what is being done or being purchased is stated in general terms only . Very truly, (Signed) John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Mr. George B. Dorr, Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C. Little mywn NEW YORK BOOKING OFFICE THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL THE HOME STEAD BATH HOUSE IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR. FRANK HOPKINS, MEDICALDIRECTOR 46TH STREET & MADISON AVENUE OPEN ALL THE YEAR ROOMS FOR THE HOMESTEAD HOTEL H.ALBERT, RESIDENT MANAGER MAY ALSO BE RESERVED AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, PHILADELPHIA HOT SPRINGS, VA. May 9th, 1917. Dear Mr Dorr: I am so much interested in the matters which we talked over last Winter and which you are trying to work out, that I shall be very glad if at your convenience you could send me the information which I asked for in my letter to you earlier in the Winter, enclosing, at your request, a payment on account of my pledge. While I am assuming that the letter referred to, en- closing my check, was received, I am sending a copy herewith. Very truly, Mr George Dorr, Boston, Massachusetts. 26 Broadway New York April 1st, 1918 Dear Mr Dorr: Your letter of March 24th with its interesting suggestions in regard to the employment of a young forestry expert at Seal Harbor, is received. While I have not had time to give the subject ex- tensive consideration, my first thought is that a stranger, particularly a young man, coming into the community for such a purpose, would not be apt to have the sympathy and coopera- tion of the natives, but would, I fear, rouse their enmity and antagonism. Employment of a local man, to occasionally patrol the timber lands belonging to the Government, which would be accessible would seem to me to give promise of better results. forwood sutting For many years Mr Stebbins has employed Mr McCrae to do various work for the Realty Company. In the Winter the Company has permitted natives to cut wood in its timber lands under the direction of Mr McCrae. I believe that Mr Stebbins regards the cutting which has been done in this way as beneficial to the Woods, rather than harmful. Mr McCrae has for many years been employed during the Summer by the Village Improvement Society, to work on the trails. He knows the country as well, or better, than any other man. With the least expenditure of time, I think he would be able to check up any unauthorized wood cutting on the Government property during the Winter, and better than anyone else, to protect the timber. Since this is not a question which need be decided be- fore the Fall, I suggest that you discuss the matter with Mr Stebbins during the Summer, who can give you better judgment of Mr McCrae's fitness for such work, than I could. Very sincerely, John D. Mr George B Dorr, Somerset Club, Boston, Massachusetts.