Confidential.

I do not suppose that you, or any one else in Chicago, yet begin to realize the importance and the difficulty of setting the leading element of the Exposition in really {accurate} maps. I have had experience of similar business, and from the moment we began to think of the Jackson Park plan, have seen that its success would turn largely upon what could be done and what could be prevented in the use of the lagoons. I began at once to seek sound information and to study the subject. When I was last in Chicago, I verbally advised you and advised the Committee on Buildings and Grounds that I was engaged with it and begged that I might be allowed to go on for the present privately, and with assurance that no proposition would be entertained for any use of the lagoons until after I could have a conference with the proper authority in the matter. Nevertheless, afterwards, knowing what a pressure would be brought to get some advantage for securing privileges, I thought it best to write you as fully as [312]I could at the time upon the subject and engage your interest in it. The effect of the publication of my letter can hardly fail to wake up a host of speculators and hobby riders to the opportunity and to set them to putting obstacles in the way of what is desirable for the public.

Looking over my letter, I see that I was at fault in not stating my objects and wishes more explicitly and in not marking the letter “confidential.” I am very sorry for it, but the mischief is done, and the only question now is how it can be { … }.

Would it be practicable for you to get me authority to proceed now in the matter officially? {Limited}, of course, only with reference to maturing a proper scheme to be submitted. Am I authorized to consult Burgess professionally?

Do take my word for it that this is a matter of extreme importance to the success of the Exposition and a matter requiring most cautious and deliberate study. It may easily take a shape that will make the whole lagoon plan a bad one; one of which I should be ashamed.

Yours faithfully.