September 9, 1926



Dear Doctor Holland:



A number of years ago you mentioned to me the matter of a pension and later sent a circular relative to this matter.  I never fully understood the arrangements but sometimes had a hope that, after giving my life to science, there might be provision made for me in my old age, if I did not have the time and opportunity to provide sufficient means for this event.  I remember that you once remarked that with our ability we could make money if we devoted our time and thought to it as other did.  You are familiar with the struggle of scientists to do thier life work, and especially with those who have been connected with the Carnegie Museum.



Perhaps, if I considered myself only I might never bring up this matter, unless I became helpless, were it not for my faithful companion who has been with me in all of the hardships of pioneering besides having to contend with ill health.  She deserves it whether I do or not.



As you know I served the Carnegie Museum from 1902 to 1923.  Then, as my health and salary would not allow me to return to close confinement in Pittsburg, I asked for and obtained leave of absence.  Douglas Stewart told me, however, that my position was open for me whenever I wished to return.  But in reality I served the museum form 1894 when I began collecting fossil mammals form the Teritary of Montana, as all of this collection on which I spen my time and money for eight years was practically given to the museum when I entered its service, and most of my scientific work in the museum afterward was based on this material.  I never, at least during the later part of my work bothered anyone by asking for a raise in salary.



I have nearly arrived at the time when men but I am as eager to do my work as ever.  I am able to do so, with a little surgical repair work, and I expect to continue my mental and physical activity as long as I have my health, yet I have arrived at the age when I wish to be assured that my little family will be taken care of and I think that, under the circumstances, I am justified in expecting it not that I am helpless and have not fair prospects.  But under that best management and foresight we find this a very uncertain world.



Earl Douglass