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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT May 28th., 1902. John Muir, L.L.D., Martinez, Cal. Dear Sir:- Will you kindly AID us in preparing
a complete and accurate biography, of about one thousand words, BY SENDING a full account of your life and work, making brief
mention of your family history; or by INDICATING THE SOURCES from which such authentic data may be obtained; or by expressing
a willingness to be interviewed regarding the insertion of such a sketch in our great National Biography. The National American
Biography, with its features of public interest, and value, when completed, will reflect credit upon our country. It is being
prepared on the same high plane as Leslie Stephen's great Dictionary of National Biography, which will last as long as the
English language. Twenty artistic volumes of this authentic work will be published, and EVERY NAME ADMITTED must first be
acceptable to our National Advisory Council, the sixty members of which are of the HIGHEST STANDING, and were chosen from
thirty-five States, and fifteen different professions. They have signed contracts, covering a period of five years, to pass
upon names considered entitled to a place in our National Biography; and also, as Contributors, to furnish original estimates
of those worthy of mention. Serving on this Advisory Council are Nine U.S. Senators, fifteen Governors, four Bishops, twelve
Presidents of our leading Universities, three Rear-Admirals, etc; a few of whom are: Hon. J. C. Burrows, U. S. Sen. from
Mich. Hon. S. M. Cullom, U. S. Sen. from Ill. Hon. J. P. Dolliver, U. S. Sen. from Iowa. Hon. George P. McLean, Gov. of
Conn. Hon. James B. Orman, Gov. of Col. Hon. R. Fenwick Taylor, C. J., Supreme Court of Florida. Rear-Adm. Robley D. Evans,
U.S.N. Noah Brooks, Esq., Author and Journalist. Daniel Chester French, Sculptor. Joseph Jefferson, M.A., Actor. Hon.
Carroll D. Wright, U. S. Comm'r. of Labor. Maj.-Gen. James Longstreet, Soldier Statesman. Rt. Rev. Wm. C. Doane, D.D.,
LL.D. P. E. Bishop of Albany. Rt. Rev. C. D. Foss, D.D., LL.D. M. E. Bishop, Philadelphia. Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst,
D.D.,LL.D. Pastor Mad. Sq. Pres.Ch., N.Y.C. Rev. Francis L. Patton, D.D.,LL.D. Pres. Princeton University. David Starr
Jordan, LL.D., Pres. Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. William H. Welch, M.D., Johns Hopkins University. Prof. Crawford H. Toy,
LL.D., Harvard University. Rear-Adm. Henry Glass, U.S.N As the result of this expensive yet gratifying feature, will undoubtedly
make our National Biography the MOST SELECT ever published, we trust you will grant the above request at an early date. A
copy of your biography will be submitted to you for correction before going to press. Yours very truly, illegible Managing
Editor. N.B--We would be glad to have your photograph on file, one suitable for reproduction in an historic work of this
character. It should be endorsed with your autograph for identification, and if not used, will be returned at your request.
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