Letters (1876-1880) concern college suit against Muscatine to recover illegal wharfage fees. Other letters of interest: G. Magoun, June 21, 1884: long letter on resignation D. Mears, Sept. 4, 1884 and Sept. 16, Oct. 28, Dec. 10: on being considered for college president; contributions for "Ladies Cottage"; library contributions of E. A. Goodnow. D. Mears, March 5,9, May 8, 1885: more on Goodow and library; criticism of college's search for new president. D. Mears, July 7, 1885: on accepting the Presidency. E. Adams, Aug. 29 1885, and Sept. 1, 1885; on changing college name. D. O. Mears, Sept. 17, 1885: on endowment, criticism of trustees. Merrill, Sept. 26, 1885: on changing college name. D. O . Eshbaugh, Oct. 1, 1885: on changing college name. John Meyer, Oct. 30, 1885: on changing college name. Albert Shaw, Nov. 12, 1885: on Carleton and ollege named after benefactors. D. O. Mears to Trustees, Nov. 16, 1885: long and important letter concerning Goodnow's proposed endowment of $50,000 to college on two conditions: first, that Mears become president prior to the gift and second, that Iowa College become Goodnow College. The letter reveals much about Mears as well as Goodnow. Mears to Chamberlain, Nov. 25, 1885: "no college lives on its name" arguing for proposal. Rev. R. Cordley, Dec. 7, 1885: argues against change. D. Mears to Chamberlain, Dec. 24, 1885: Goodnow sick, proposal seems lost.