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April 3, 1941

Mr. Gilbert Patten Frank Merriwell's Rancho Yucaipa, California

Dear Mr. Patten:

You are kind to write to us, and generous to promise MR. FRANK MERRIWELL, and the possibility of other books for the Maine Author Collection. We have felt keenly the lack of your works in this exhibit, and are really most appreciative of your gracious offer to help.

We assure you that paper bound or cloth bound copies will be more than acceptable, and our one regret is that we fear it will not be possible now to accumulate a complete file of your famous stories. You may modestly insist that five hundred dollars is "a ridiculous price," but we are thoroughly aware of the scarcity of the Merriwell stories.

We hope that you will call at the library during your stay at "Freedom's Shore," and we assure you of a most cordial welcome.

Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY

SECRETARY hmj