The Battle Creek Journal,
Corner of Main and Jefferson Streets, Battle Creek, Mich.
George Willard & Co., Publishers.
Editorial Rooms,
April 27th 1871.
W. M. Carleton Esq.
Dear Sir: The State Publisher's Association meets this year about the middle of June at Bay City, at which time an address and poem are among the exercises. As President of the Association, it devolves upon me to select (or secure) the Poet, and it would give me as well as the other members of the Press great pleasure to be able to announce your name in this capacity. Our poets thus far have been from the editorial fraternity, Mr. Bates of the Detroit Post favoring us last year. Your recent poem "Betsey and I are Out" has a widely deserved popularity upon which, though not having the honor of a personal acquaintance, I sincerely congratulate you, as it is a rare credit to the literature of Michigan.
To my earnest request in behalf of the Association I hope to receive a favorable reply as soon as convenient.
George Willard
President, Michigan Publishers' Association.
