Dear
Mr. Feller: I was deeply interested in your letter of the twenty-seventh and in the attachments from my old friend, Governor Dewey. Apparently you have produced something for the control of insects that should be a boon to all farmers.1
Naturally, Mrs. Eisenhower and I should also like to be rid of such pests. The questions in my mind are two. Naturally I know nothing whatsoever as to the nature of the mechanism and so my first question would be: is any major excavation required for the installation of the plant? I ask this question because there is, in the neighborhood, an extensive underground network of water lines, gas lines and electric lines.2
The second question involves the delicate one of overall value of the installation. I would be delighted, of course, to accept such a present if it were of moderate cost. However, you can readily understand that if very much expense is involved, it would be impossible for me to take such a gift as long as I am in my present position. On the other hand, even if fairly expensive, we might work out some arrangement whereby I could pay approximately the actual cost of the equipment and installation, always provided, of course, that such costs were within my means.3
I realize, of course, that your offer is a genuine and a courteous one, involving no thought of exploitation on your part. Nevertheless, I am sure that you understand the necessity of my following a clear-cut policy in dealing with business firms of the country.
I hope you will not consider this letter ungracious, and if I should hear from you further on the subject, I will get in touch with a friend of mine in Gettysburg, Brigadier General Arthur S. Nevins, who looks after my interests there when I am not present.4
With deep appreciation of your thoughtfulness, Sincerely
