1Vc 22 fl9I 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE  orI'N FOREST SERVICE 
DISTRICT 3 
ADDRESS REPLY TO 
DISTRICT FORESTER 
AND REFER TO                             GAS AND ELECTRIC BLDG. 
0                                       ALBUQUERQUE, N. MEx. 
Personnel, 
Le opold, Aldo 
December 17, 1919. 
The Forester, 
(Through District Forester), 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Col. Graves: 
Col. Greeley took up with me furin8 his visit hare 
your offer of the Operation position in District 1. 
I highly appreciate your offering me this opportunity, because it was my
personal impression. after the Salt Lake meet.ing, that it is one of the
four most responsible fielt positions in the Service.  My first impulse was
to accept it at once, and that is still my personal preference.  On more
sober reflection, however, I have concluded that the transfer involves risks,
which, in justioe to my family, I can hardly afford to take unless ordered
to do so. 
The first risk  is financial.  Regardless of hopes or prospects, every Forest
Service man with a family to support must definitely face the possibility
of being forced out of the Service by the salary situation.  If I am forced
out down here, I have established personal connections, through my service
with the Chamber of Commerce, which I think I cai. fall back upon. If