I shall take charge of a literary department in the Minneapolis Journal on September first. I am planning a series of articles (to be illustrated with photographs) dealing with a very select number of poets and prose writers. The Journal, as you may know, has excellent standing and has the largest circulation in the Northwest. I hope to do a little good with my series.
I want to do an article on you. I feel some pride in the fact that I was among the first to sound the trumpets over your "Learning and Other Essays". This time I should like to deal not only with your work, but with you. To do this I need data, biographical and otherwise, a photograph of you and one of your home where you do your work, some of the things that the better critics have said about your work etc.etc. I assure you that I shall not be fulsome. I would not insult you with cheap praise or mushy comment. Perhaps you would instruct your publishers to send me one or two more books (review copies).
By doing this for me you will be putting me under obligations; but I shall endeavor to do you good in return.
Jno. G Neihardt John Jay Chapman, Esq., Barrytown, N.Y.
