7 Harvey Road,
Cambridge,
England

July 20, 1905

Dear Sir,

Several of our leading Universities in America feel the need of strengthening their departments of theoretical physics as soon as vacancies arise or new chairs may be created. I have been much attracted by the excellence of your published papers and write you to ask, if as opportunity offers, I may mention your name as one who under favorable circumstances might be willing to accept an important post in one of our principal Universities?

Any reply you may choose to make to this question I will regard as confidential if you wish it, but as you will easily understand I would rather not propose to any of our institutions when an opportunity comes, the name of anyone who would under no circumstances be likely even to consider such a call.

Vou will understand that I have taken the liberty to write you solely from my personal interest in the progress of physics in my own country and that I am not acting in any official /2/ capacity. I trust you may thus realize the spirit in which I have written and not be offended by the frankness of its expression. Please believe me therefore,

Yours with high regard,
E.F. Nichols

My address until Aug. 10th will be that given above and later Columbia University, New York City