November 7th, 1955.
Dear Mr. Reidy,
I should like to express  again my deep regret that I was unable to attend the meeting on Saturday, November 5th concerning the creation of a National Library of Medicine, owing to a prior committment [sic] for a speaking engagement in Oklahoma City.  Fortunately I had the pleasure of discussing the matter with you briefly while in Washington the previous week and of expressing my enthusiastic hope that this proposal would be given the most serious consideration.
There is little more that I can add to that which I have expressed previously in my article on this subject (a reprint of which has been sent you) and in our Task Force Report to indicate the great need and importance of this library. I have been concerned with this problem for almost a decade and I have become increasingly convinced. In many ways it constitutes the most significant factor in the furtherance of medical science in this country. I cannot adequately emphasize the important function it could serve the people.
If I can be of further service in furthering this proposal, please let me know.  I consider it of such importance that I should be willing to devote any time or effort toward its fulfilment. In this connection I expect to be in Washington on December 1st for a meeting at the National Research Council and would be glad to meet with you again while I am there.
Sincerely yours,
Michael E. De Bakey, M. D.