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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 8, 1860
Text: Poughkeepsie May 8th 1860 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir Availing myself of your former kindness in my con- templated "Female CollegeH schemes, I take the liberty to seek some information respecting a young gentleman formerly of your City but now engaged in this, in the instruction of young men for commercial pursuits of life, but who cannot afford the expense of a regular Colle- giate Education &c My motive in making this enquiry is with reference to his employment as an assistant to me...
Show morePoughkeepsie May 8th 1860 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir Availing myself of your former kindness in my con- templated "Female CollegeH schemes, I take the liberty to seek some information respecting a young gentleman formerly of your City but now engaged in this, in the instruction of young men for commercial pursuits of life, but who cannot afford the expense of a regular Colle- giate Education &c My motive in making this enquiry is with reference to his employment as an assistant to me in my office matters during the pro- or less gress of the College construction, having more leasure he could render these me all the services needed from xjcxxxx hours, without encroaching materialy upon his own engagements. Will you please to inform me wether you or your friends are acquainted with this Young Gentleman (H.G. Eastman) and his antecedents. I understand his Parents reside in your City. There is rather a calm at present in our Colledge movements. We are waiting for some new plans of buildings, also negotiating for more ground adjoining HMillcoven where we have pretty much concluded to locate the Institution. I am receiving numerous expressions of congratulations from various sources (public and private) for my contemplated enterprise with many suggestions touching the working part of the scheme, &c When I get all the building designs completed would like you to see them with reference to your approval, knowing that you possess the faculity of estimating our wants. We wish to avoid if possible the too frequent custom of building in haste, and where a long life of penitence cannot afford relief-fee-* At your early convenience please to let me hear from you. Yours very truly &c M Vassar 1S&
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 9, 1859
Text: Poughkeepsie July 9, 1859 M B Anderson L.L. D My very dear Friend You doubtless have learned thro1 some Channel of my ill health, soon after your visit to Po, last January I was seized with a slight attack of parilisis and without going into the details, suffice to say that its effects still remains in my system especialy in the mental organs. 1 have placed myself under the care of the ablest Physicians in our State (Messr Doct Packer, & Clark of the City of N York) but cannot say that 1...
Show morePoughkeepsie July 9, 1859 M B Anderson L.L. D My very dear Friend You doubtless have learned thro1 some Channel of my ill health, soon after your visit to Po, last January I was seized with a slight attack of parilisis and without going into the details, suffice to say that its effects still remains in my system especialy in the mental organs. 1 have placed myself under the care of the ablest Physicians in our State (Messr Doct Packer, & Clark of the City of N York) but cannot say that 1 have yet derived much benefit from their advice or treatment, the fact is the chief difficulty lies in the brain, which is beyond the power of medicine to reach. My general health is good and if it continues to hold out a year or so I may yet regain my mental strenght. I leave home on Monday with ray Nephew for the sea shore, either Newport or Long Branch. It would afforded me much pleasure to have attended your Commencement, seated near at hand, but that is impossible as my mind and body requires repose. My dear friend & former Pastor of our C B Church of this City has written you in behalf of Henry H. Fay wishing the bestowment of the Hon^ degree A.M. Master of Arts and have solicited me to address you on the subject. I have no claim upon the University Bord for this favor, nevertheless it would gratify me much if your faculty could consistently confer such degree at your present annual term, you doubtless, are acquainted with him as he visited your Institution several times while his Brother William was at Rochester. Please to say to your Hon. Mr Sage that I paid my note of $1000 with interest given to your Bord a year or so ago. With my most sincere desire for the prosperity of the Institution which you have the honF to represent I remain dr Sir Very truly Yours in haste M Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 20, 1862
Text: Poughkeepsie Dec. 20, 1862 Dear Miss Hubbell Your note of the 11th (…) is before me and in reply would remark, that our College Edifice is in the course of construction but from its magnitude and terms of contract with the building will not be completed ready for occupancy before the fall of 1864. To your second enquiry, “weather [sic] you can avail yourself of its benefits” we can only say, that the time will be very moderate but at the early period no definite system has yet been adopted....
Show morePoughkeepsie Dec. 20, 1862 Dear Miss Hubbell Your note of the 11th (…) is before me and in reply would remark, that our College Edifice is in the course of construction but from its magnitude and terms of contract with the building will not be completed ready for occupancy before the fall of 1864. To your second enquiry, “weather [sic] you can avail yourself of its benefits” we can only say, that the time will be very moderate but at the early period no definite system has yet been adopted. Our President having been 8 mos (…) on a professional tour in Europe and at the proper time will arrange all detail, and will send you a circular. For the present I forward by to day Mail an Article on am College by the Revd. Tyler and also on address on the Opening of our Organization MV
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 1, 1866
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will never, no never, be obliterated from my Memory. I remain Dear Miss G. Yours truly &c. &c. Matthew Vassar 298VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE Tuesday Evening 1866 rMay 1 j To Miss Mary L. Gilbert. Cor. Sec. of the Students of V.F.C. My dear Madam Words are impotent to express my feelings at the doings at your College to honor my Birth-day yesterday - to say that I was highly pleased would be a meagre reply - In truth I now learn that the heart finds things which the power of language cannot express, and those things occured yesterday - Please to accept my thanks for your kindness - The scene of which will never, no never, be obliterated from my Memory. I remain Dear Miss G. Yours truly &c. &c. Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 6, 1863
Text: ^ Poughkeepsie Octr 6" 1863. My dear Miss Towne. Yours of the 3r Current is just received and in reply would first commend you for the frankness expressed regard- ing yourself and the anxious fervor you have to become a pupil in the V\,F, College. I shall do all I can to meet your wishes, shall place your letter on file to be referred to again a few months before the Col- lege opens. Your Suggestions on organization had been anticipated and distribution made far and wide of our Plans ...
Show more^ Poughkeepsie Octr 6" 1863. My dear Miss Towne. Yours of the 3r Current is just received and in reply would first commend you for the frankness expressed regard- ing yourself and the anxious fervor you have to become a pupil in the V\,F, College. I shall do all I can to meet your wishes, shall place your letter on file to be referred to again a few months before the Col- lege opens. Your Suggestions on organization had been anticipated and distribution made far and wide of our Plans & purposes, we have no fears of want of patronage, already we have more applicants than the College can accomodate,, We are now busy with the 'Observatory"Gate Lodges &x &c the College proper is nearly completed- there is some more Outer building to be erected Gass & Steam buildings for warming & lighting the College. The School in one sense is not in my hands, still my wishes are generally met in regard to every thing connected with the enterprise, I shall do all I can to second your views & purposes when the time arrives to act, which will be perhaps six months before Commence- ment. respectfully. P.S„ Since penning the above memory is refreshed that I had a note from you in 1861 which I believed I answered at the time. I send by today's mail President Jewetts visit to Europe--- cMatthew Vassar . 173 h .30*
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 30, 1861
Text: Tuesday Morning July 30. 1861. Matthew Farrand Respected friend My Clerk Mr. Schou handed me yesterday your note & Book entitled "Sketches of Female Education" by Miss Moore, I have only had leasure to peruse a few of its pages, but even those have convinced me that the author was a woman of superior mind and master of the Sub- ject of which she treats. I was quite impressed with the fact that her views on Female Education assimulated so near to my own and which I intend to...
Show moreTuesday Morning July 30. 1861. Matthew Farrand Respected friend My Clerk Mr. Schou handed me yesterday your note & Book entitled "Sketches of Female Education" by Miss Moore, I have only had leasure to peruse a few of its pages, but even those have convinced me that the author was a woman of superior mind and master of the Sub- ject of which she treats. I was quite impressed with the fact that her views on Female Education assimulated so near to my own and which I intend to inculcate in the College now in process of construction. I shall pride myself in adopting Some of her rules which is so much in harmony with my own Scheme. The work I shall send to the Stationery to be re=bound ready to be placed in the College Library with the donors name written on the fly=leave of the Book. With many thanks for your kindness, I sub- scribe myself Yours RespectfullyCopy of a Letter to Matthew Farrand July 30th
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 19, 1864
Text: Friday Morning March 19 1864 Prof. M P. Jewett Sir The note you handed me yesterday morning and of yesterday date accompanied with explanation and appologies you then made seem to demand from me some reply thro1 the same medium and permit me in the way of a preliminary that after sleep- one day, ing over it one night and reflection upon with-a-sincere prayers to my Heavenly Father to direct me aright, I this morning place some thoughts before for your consideration. Alluding as I did in that...
Show moreFriday Morning March 19 1864 Prof. M P. Jewett Sir The note you handed me yesterday morning and of yesterday date accompanied with explanation and appologies you then made seem to demand from me some reply thro1 the same medium and permit me in the way of a preliminary that after sleep- one day, ing over it one night and reflection upon with-a-sincere prayers to my Heavenly Father to direct me aright, I this morning place some thoughts before for your consideration. Alluding as I did in that conversation to the circumstances that led to our early -ae% intimate and warm attachment continuing thro f,a course of several years, and ending in the noble enterprise of Building a College for the elevation of Woman, and altho frequently interrupted by opposite arguments for the purpose eliciting truths and Strenghthen & not weaken the conception I little thought that you would or coulds a Christian Man calmly set down in your study and deliber- ately pen and forward to a Member of our Board of Trustees, such a cool and unblushing Slander & falsehood as said letter contained, which only fell into my hands by a Providential circumstance. Yet after hearing your explanation of yesterday and seeing your Contrition for the consequences and your seemingly heart felt appolog ZC&tL q.nas q.OM umnax^naS anjcq. b saxxioaaq ~3.t$ ear- ^-eqj. d^ Ahxjajo Ao:mrjp.io aqq. ^aaxxi aAV ua^\ noA o% #»pnaq.xa pxq 'uctiio'fi.tioS -e jo xo^o-ezvrqo ani^. nrroi aqq. vaoxj :j.x*edap j XTT^ XOVi ^ST^ 3-on op I ssaxsq^xaAan q.nq 'qxtrod &JV& no noA o:). Avs oq. xaq^xaj Sniq^on aA-eq J axojaxaqx --saaq.STia:x aqq. Aq paptoxp aq ^.snux axtnf uj Sirpj.aaj^ aqj. xa^ye pn*e no aSax -I°D 9tW J° iSax^ aqq. nx aon-ennr^noo xnoA *g it ^oox^xsao pxnoqs I ^qq. pip i s*e noA oq. A*es oq, Ap-eaj: ST2iW I •tiioq aqq. ^ aui 03. uox^nna^xa ntCopy of a letter to M. Jewett march 19 -not sent-
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 2, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie March 2r. 1864 Prof, M„ P. Jewett L.L.D. Sir, A letter in your handwriting and in your signature lies before me from which I make the following extracts: vizi. "M. V. Junr aim is to put off the opening of the College, first till the fall of *65; then under }^d$)^t some pretext to '66,* and so on, indefinitely. Meanwhile M. Vassar has become more fickle & childish thaix ever. - He wants the College another year for a play thing to amuse himself with, M.V. Jr. tells...
Show morePoughkeepsie March 2r. 1864 Prof, M„ P. Jewett L.L.D. Sir, A letter in your handwriting and in your signature lies before me from which I make the following extracts: vizi. "M. V. Junr aim is to put off the opening of the College, first till the fall of *65; then under }^d$)^t some pretext to '66,* and so on, indefinitely. Meanwhile M. Vassar has become more fickle & childish thaix ever. - He wants the College another year for a play thing to amuse himself with, M.V. Jr. tells him, "when the College is once opened the President- & Faculty will have all the power and all the glory -- you will then be nobody"-— Like a child, M.V. must have new every* excitement to keep alive his interest. If then the College can lie still 12 Months and M* Vassar have nothing to do about it all the autum, Winter, & Spring, he will cease to care for it, will become dis- gusted with the whole thing, will change his will, giving his money to "the Boys" during their lives & applying it inconnection with their fortunes (already so appropriated by their wills) to the erection of a vast Hospital in Po!keepsie, for a family momument." "For some months past M«V* J? has openly declared "the Col- lege shall not be opened next fall" To prevent the opening, he had gained the consent of of his uncle to have no meeting of the Trustees in FebX He dared not submit the question to the Board" "M.V, JF. admits this (opening of the College) can be done11 if we choose to give all our time and attention to it, but we wont11 Precious little time has he given to the subject except to try hard not to do it11 nBut M.V JF. and Swift had secretly agreed to a denier resort. I discovered this two weeks ago. The plot is to bring before the Trustees a Report on the cost of completing buildings, furnishing the rooms & showing so enormous an aggregate that it will be best to wait another year hoping for a fall in prices f,« Why do they desire conceal- ment? why are they afraid to have the Pres. see their figures. Because they wish to make up a false issue- to impose onthe Trustees leaving no chance for detection and experience1' nMy old friend D.. Babcock, whom I sincerly pity, will aid the conspirators with all his force and cunning. He assumes the pastorship of the first Church here (salary $750) for the sole purpose of getting the ear of M Vassar and revenging himself on the President. But D? B. cannot influence more than two votes at most, and when the yeas and nays are called for I suspect he will find himself alone. This is a poor World. What a mean nasty thing is the love of filthy lucre] From its defilement may the good Lord deliver usn PaS. For three years I have lived in the misdt of plotting and counterplotting, mining and counter miningo I am often heart sick and ready to abandon the whole enterprise] but to say nothing of the higher considerations, my "old Adam wont allow me to give this selfish & contempible faction a triumph so signal, a joy so exqui- site,11"How come the Ex. Com. to take the matter of constituting the Faculty out of the hands of the Committe to which the Trustees had confided this important trust? and why did the Ex. Com. secretly send out the slip from the Ladys Book to the President & Principles of Institutions over the Country asking an expression of their views of the practi- bility of finding Ladies prepared for the heads of the Departments in this College — any names you may suggest, gsrc"-- nAs collateral matter subsiduary to their design they will oppose the election of any Professors at this Meeting. They will also hasten to have their Report on the cost of furnishing refered to a Com. to report at the June Meet- ing. A measure fatal to the hopes of the Petitioner11 Again they will dictate to M. Vassar opening address getting him strongly to commit himself & thus compel the Board to follow the founders lead. Finaly when they wish to frighten him out of his wits, they will then threaten to resign]----- The remainder of this remarkable document Sir, is of the same tenor. Ij-t 3 seems to preclude the possibility of explanation,- You will doubtless see at once the impossibility of any further confidence or harmony between us. I forbear to state the circumstances under which I placed you were you are, and these obvious traits of your character as since developed, which renders it past hopes, that you can longer be usefull in your present position. The only alternative for me is to ask your resignation in proper hands without delay. Whatever further communications there may be between us they must be in writing I remain Yrs &c. M, Vassar.Letters of M. Vassar to M. P. Jewett the signature 1864
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 22, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie March 22d 1864 Prof M0P. Jewett Dear Sir. Yours of the 17""1 inst is before me and I have delayed a reply thus far hardly conceiving that one was necessary or perhaps expected- Upon reflection I have satisfied you for the right myself that one is due touthorough understanding of our present position and to prevent any possible misconceptions. You speak of being nencouragedn by the Hon Mr Kelly to renew the assur- ances of your regret &c-----I do not of course know...
Show morePoughkeepsie March 22d 1864 Prof M0P. Jewett Dear Sir. Yours of the 17""1 inst is before me and I have delayed a reply thus far hardly conceiving that one was necessary or perhaps expected- Upon reflection I have satisfied you for the right myself that one is due touthorough understanding of our present position and to prevent any possible misconceptions. You speak of being nencouragedn by the Hon Mr Kelly to renew the assur- ances of your regret &c-----I do not of course know to what circum- is stances that encouragement is due and it but fair to you to say that our positions are in no respect altered from what they were when I wrote you on the 2** inst, at least for the better as I have since heard (if true) much to widen our difficulties It is impossible that we shall ever again occupy the same relation to each other hereafter, and a sense of self respect require me in honesty & canodr to leave the expression of them just as I have already written them to you as I cannot nor would not disguise ray feelings. I subscribe myself Respectf^ &c jMatthew Vassar }Copy Letter to Prof. M. P. Jewett 22 March 22, 1864
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 24, 1863
Text: Poughkeepsie Saturday P M. Oct? 24th 1863 ProfFM. P. Jewett My very dear friend Your kind and candid note of six pages was received this morning and I have given it as careful perusal and consideration as my health and \\fe^X office dutys to-day would admit,--- And in reply, I am first constrained to say, your want of experience in those matters which it chiefly embrac**- seemed to carry the idea that it is only to will and it is done, to command and there it stands fast- you forget thatds...
Show morePoughkeepsie Saturday P M. Oct? 24th 1863 ProfFM. P. Jewett My very dear friend Your kind and candid note of six pages was received this morning and I have given it as careful perusal and consideration as my health and \\fe^X office dutys to-day would admit,--- And in reply, I am first constrained to say, your want of experience in those matters which it chiefly embrac**- seemed to carry the idea that it is only to will and it is done, to command and there it stands fast- you forget thatds much time taken up unavoidably in preliminaries, before the work can commence, He is a wise man who first sit down to count the cost before he begins to build his house and well considers his plans &c. As an illustration think of the amount of debates, opinions &c &c growing out of the apparent simple location of the Gate Lodges, which by-the-by, your consel with the Executive Committee reccommendations took up several con- secutive weeks, waiting the plans of Daniels & Renwick, and then con- sider the time consumed in settling upon the Buildings to be erected for Heating & Lighting the College &c — You know or at least ought to know, that I have always streniously urged and advocated the policy (for the past year) of expending the College funds in all neccessary & indispensable departments as fast as possible as they then was commanding advanced values, — - besides I was extremely anxious to press forwards not only to get our funds into Bricks Mortar &c, but to finish all the material structures to save other expenses and turn the current the other way, vizi, earning an income in its educational departments.- With due difference to your superior judgement in these latter matters, am I willing to yield, but in those of general buisness character, you nor any other man shall-3»# dictate to me my duty. Your life and exper- ience has been one ofan educational type- mine of buisness in general, you are practicaly in your calling- I in mine, and I allow no man to coerce or dictate to me in my course of policy. Your desires and ambition appears to be baised entirely on the relations which the College will sustain to the present - mine to the present and future. You are for doing things up in (comparatively) in a day, I am for com- pleting firmly, and leave the gloryfication of it to future generations----- present You seem to predicate your idea upon the fact of its moral influences, but I would respectfully ask wether there will not be "precious souls to be saved after you and I are gone to our final resting places. You urge the opening of the College in fall !64, that the founder may see the fruits of his labours to nhis honor & happiness11, surely if any human eyes would desire to see this consumation mine much more so, Generaly my fellow creatures give their wealth to charitable objects after their discease, but I have been permitted thru God to cast my Bread upon the Waters while I live, and you are now Lecturing me why I don't give it faster —If for the good of the enterprise, I to forego am willing the pleasure of seeing the College in opperation - shurely you ought not to complain. -*- Your simile as applied to me in a California Gold Mill is nonesense. You take it for granted I have built the mill to grind your Grist only- I pray its benefits will extend far and wide, Another argument you propound for my con- sideration nThe happiness I will have to walk out, over the broad grounds and inspect and suggest improvements &c &c. You seem not to consider that I am an old man nearly 72 years of age, and subject to much more than the ordinary infirmities of age, but suffering with bodly as well as mental weakness- especialy when over-taxed- It was only Thursday I came home took my bed at 7 P.M. could neither sleep nor rest, partly on account of a physical ailment, which troubls me much when I taxed too much.-- But to return again to some of your Questions,- You seem to forget, that I am not the owner of theCollege funds. I have no more right how and when to use them than any other man on the Ex Com-—True out of respect to the Founder they have often yielded this own judgement but I was not therefore willing to abuse it. I am unwilling to exact a tame submission to my authority. I have no more official power than any other of my associates, and thus why should I place myself in an attitude to offend them thus You say the College has lost money by delays an every thing is now clearer. Ah my dear Sir you have discovered the fact after,and not before it happened. Why did you not tell the Committee that every article of building was going to grow clear and clearer after [] was declared. Did you do so? the fact, shows the contrary. Did not all stocks and all security decline? Did we the Committee not sell our first year funds to meet College payments, below par, have we not made up the losses and much more beside by not going faster? You forget the financial interest of the College we have more than made up our loss by keeping along moderately. but you say too slow. Now as you have alluded to a financial authority [P.G.V.} you say there will be a greater inflation of prices next summer, now I think so too, and stocks at least some of them will perhaps be doubled in value and if this should be so why spend our funds so rapidly and especially when you have to pay 30 to 40 percent more for what you buy? My dear Mr Jewett I cannot pursue my thoughts any further my eyes grow dim and brain hot— You seem to argue with me if I could do miracles, but I cannot do more than I have- Do come and help, I am willing to surrender all up to the Executive & your- self. In the name of Heaven do come and give a hand to the work, talk to com. as you have wrote me, and if I have wrote any thing in this hurried moment forgive me if it is offensive I remain my D^ear Sir Yrs. truly M Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 18, 1862
Text: Poughkeepsie December 18th 1862 Dear Miss Anderson Your (…) of the 15th current is at hand and would inform you that our College Edifice is in the course of Construction, but from its magnitude and terms of the Builders Contracts will not be completed and ready for pupils before the fall of 1864 Our President Prof M P Jewett has just returned from a professional tour in Europe and at the earliest opportunity will enter upon his duties of (…) organization. Your valued note will be placed on...
Show morePoughkeepsie December 18th 1862 Dear Miss Anderson Your (…) of the 15th current is at hand and would inform you that our College Edifice is in the course of Construction, but from its magnitude and terms of the Builders Contracts will not be completed and ready for pupils before the fall of 1864 Our President Prof M P Jewett has just returned from a professional tour in Europe and at the earliest opportunity will enter upon his duties of (…) organization. Your valued note will be placed on file to be referred to again at the proper time. We contemplate that the funds the institution will enable us to some extent to admit (…), altho’ we have suffered a little loss in an southern security. I extend you a pamphlet of the Proceedings of the first Board of Trustees, and also article on the College enterprise by (…) now a distinguished (…) in Boston Yours very Respectfully
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Text: Poughkeepsie September 15th 1860 Dear Miss Cleveland Your note of this morning is before me which among many others like [impart] I have carefully filed away as a testimony of the numerious[sic] wants of an Institution as that contemplated by the “Vassar Female College” etc. If in the good Providence of God my life and health should be shared untill[sic] next spring I hope to commence building, but considering the magnitude of the work it may require some two years from this time before it...
Show morePoughkeepsie September 15th 1860 Dear Miss Cleveland Your note of this morning is before me which among many others like [impart] I have carefully filed away as a testimony of the numerious[sic] wants of an Institution as that contemplated by the “Vassar Female College” etc. If in the good Providence of God my life and health should be shared untill[sic] next spring I hope to commence building, but considering the magnitude of the work it may require some two years from this time before it can be opened for practical uses. Be assured dear Miss Cleveland your name will be early enrolled upon its records for admission etc. With much regards I subscribe myself Yours very Respectfully M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 27, 1863
Text: rAug. 27, 1863 j Miss Caroline E. Williams Leavenworth Kansas Dear Madam. Absence from the city for a few weeks last past has prevented an earlier reply to your note of the 19 inst. The College is in rapid progress of construction, but by the terms of the Builders contract will not be completed ready for opening before Sep 1864, before which time circulars will be issued setting for terms & conditions &c I send you two Phamplets just issued - one containing the system of organisation,...
Show morerAug. 27, 1863 j Miss Caroline E. Williams Leavenworth Kansas Dear Madam. Absence from the city for a few weeks last past has prevented an earlier reply to your note of the 19 inst. The College is in rapid progress of construction, but by the terms of the Builders contract will not be completed ready for opening before Sep 1864, before which time circulars will be issued setting for terms & conditions &c I send you two Phamplets just issued - one containing the system of organisation, the other the PresJ Professional tour io Europe Yrs &e [Matthew Vassar 3 110 a
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 26, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie January 26tjl 1864 My Dear Miss Davis Your frank, and soul stirring letter of the 23 inst is at hand mental and its contents are only another proof of the want of some^medium whereby the craving desires, of so many of your sex can be gratified. to It was this very idea to afford '"Woman" an opportunity to help herself may that she -will do it - and that as well as Men, but being created after Man, desired thus too have he has in all ages. obliged her to become...
Show morePoughkeepsie January 26tjl 1864 My Dear Miss Davis Your frank, and soul stirring letter of the 23 inst is at hand mental and its contents are only another proof of the want of some^medium whereby the craving desires, of so many of your sex can be gratified. to It was this very idea to afford '"Woman" an opportunity to help herself may that she -will do it - and that as well as Men, but being created after Man, desired thus too have he has in all ages. obliged her to become second to him in all departments of life .while the Creator only intended her to be a help mate to him, not he hasAmost countrie hia Servant or Slave, he hasAmost countries made her his Slave. I will place your intelligent note on file and when our College open (Spring '65) will endeavour to find a possition for you in some one of the department of Studies, for I cannot believe that a Lady manifesting such intense thirst for human knowledge would prove a drone in the hive of any Institution.Your case meets the primary object for which V.F.C. was^fes designed, vis to furnish an education M the highest mental instruction to those you were hungering & thirsting for such Knowledge, Our College enter it is founded upon the University plan, any pupil canover the age of 12 years, and may learn such branches of Study as she or her guardians choose. The s whole course ^f Ctudica would occupy ordinaryly 4 Years, but any special given branches which she prefer to attain of Course will be grantod and she can the remain in College only one Year receiving a diplomata for what Studies 194 a Jan. 26, 1864 - 2 she has mastered. My health is such I do not as not to permit'me to go abroad, therefore could not meet your proposed appointment I send you a brief sketch of the proceedings of the first Board of Trustees, and a Copy of Pres. Jewett professional tour to Europe I single would send our plan on "Organisation" but have not a copy left. Now Dear Miss D I avail myself of the permission suggested in your kind let- you ter, "not to denyAthe Means needed" without the best of reasons," and that is suhstantialy this, that I have pledg" myself to God, and Country women, to Build \ eqtlp and endow an Institution for "Woman", and I dare other not allow myself to turn aside from this purpose for any.earthly object. I am dr Madame ^Matthew Vassar 1
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 1, 1868
Text: Poughkeepsie, Friday Morning May if* 1868, My dear Miss Gilbert* I embrace the earlest leasure moment after the exercises of the "Founders-Day" to thank you for another testi- mony of your goodness in remembrance of me through the beauti- full Boqua of Florals sent by Express-Man yesterday Morning, and if they were of a nature as lasting as the memory of the recipient will be to the donor how delightfully it would add to his happiness &c. Yours very truly &c. &c. Matthew...
Show morePoughkeepsie, Friday Morning May if* 1868, My dear Miss Gilbert* I embrace the earlest leasure moment after the exercises of the "Founders-Day" to thank you for another testi- mony of your goodness in remembrance of me through the beauti- full Boqua of Florals sent by Express-Man yesterday Morning, and if they were of a nature as lasting as the memory of the recipient will be to the donor how delightfully it would add to his happiness &c. Yours very truly &c. &c. Matthew Vassar. To Miss Mary L. Gilbert Vassar College Pofkeepsie N.Y.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Text: Wednesday Morning My dear Miss Gilbert I have scarcely words to express my thanks to you for the magnificent Collections of Florals and so beautifully arranged in a fancy Basket etc sent me yesterday, altho’ I slightly saw them at the Monday Evening Banquet, I had not time to examine thier[sic] beauties, but yesterday I gave them a full survey. Doct[or] Bishop Lady & Daughter spent the day with us and there were many calls and all admired the beautifull[sic] Gift. May you my dear Miss G....
Show moreWednesday Morning My dear Miss Gilbert I have scarcely words to express my thanks to you for the magnificent Collections of Florals and so beautifully arranged in a fancy Basket etc sent me yesterday, altho’ I slightly saw them at the Monday Evening Banquet, I had not time to examine thier[sic] beauties, but yesterday I gave them a full survey. Doct[or] Bishop Lady & Daughter spent the day with us and there were many calls and all admired the beautifull[sic] Gift. May you my dear Miss G. and your Brother the bearer live many, many years is the prayer of your grateful friend. Matthew Vassar Founder V., College N. B. I invited our Neighbor florist Mr. Haggerty in to see the Boquet[bouquet] this morning who brought with him a N. York City amateur, both of whose admiration justify the above & incoming etc M. V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 6, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. Vassar Envelope...
Show morePoughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. Vassar Envelope addressed: Miss Vassar College Filled in in pencil: . M. W, Whitney 312 . 4?'Poughkeepsie December 6*1} 1866, My Dear Miss I strived to hear your able address on 3fr "Harmony in Discord" but only could catch now and then a word or sentence, but as you have.been so kind as to send me the manuscript I have read it this morning with much sattisf action, and think you have done the subject ample justice, &c------- Please to accept my best thanks and respects for yf kindness I am Dear Miss . Your3 truly &c &c. -# Monday Evening M. VassarEnvelope addressed: Miss Vassar College Filled in in pencil: . M. W, Whitney 312 . 4?'
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 10, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V# Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send...
Show morePoughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V# Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send your messages by old nWiddowersn theres no depen- dence on them while being surround., by so many College attraction. . Miss Germond joins in these sentiments & sincere regards &c Yours truly &c M. Vassar O Q K /<*» %j aj> 45sPoughkeepsie Saturday Morning March 10, 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I am just in receipt of your kind note of yesterday morning handed me by your Treasurer M.V. Junr to attend a social gathering at the College Chapel last evening to listen to a Shakesperian Reading by your President. It is a quaint saying that you cannot loose what you do not posses, but I do not believe from what I learn this Morning but xxxxxx I have lost that which I cannot regain very soon again by my absence. Dont send your messages by old "Widdowers" theres no depen- dence on them while being surround., by so many College attraction. . Miss Germond joins in these sentiments & sincere regards &c Yours truly &c M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 21, 1867
Text: Thursday Morning November 21st, 1867. My dear Miss Powell I intended to had seen you after the Gymnastic Exercises last evening to express the pleasure and satisfaction the exercises afforded me & my accompaning friends, and were much impressed with the improvement the Young Ladies had made since my first visit, and had my health admitted intended to have expressed this deserving tribute of praise to them ere I left the hall, failing in that opportunity be pleased dear Miss P-----to...
Show moreThursday Morning November 21st, 1867. My dear Miss Powell I intended to had seen you after the Gymnastic Exercises last evening to express the pleasure and satisfaction the exercises afforded me & my accompaning friends, and were much impressed with the improvement the Young Ladies had made since my first visit, and had my health admitted intended to have expressed this deserving tribute of praise to them ere I left the hall, failing in that opportunity be pleased dear Miss P-----to tender to the young Ladies my humble salutation &c Yours very truly &c Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: April 28, 1868
Text: Tuesday Morning April 28th 1868. My dear Miss Powell I received last evening by the hands of a col. Boy your note of yesterday' date, and were glad to hear that you and all the other Young ladies of the College were pleased with Miss Dickinson Lec- ture last evening# and before I had passed the Gate-Lodge after leaving the Observatory I was sorry we had not remained to hear the Lecture,— en notwithstanding my deafness, as her addres & manners I could have dis-cerned and after all...
Show moreTuesday Morning April 28th 1868. My dear Miss Powell I received last evening by the hands of a col. Boy your note of yesterday' date, and were glad to hear that you and all the other Young ladies of the College were pleased with Miss Dickinson Lec- ture last evening# and before I had passed the Gate-Lodge after leaving the Observatory I was sorry we had not remained to hear the Lecture,— en notwithstanding my deafness, as her addres & manners I could have dis-cerned and after all that goes far with our sex. The subject of "Womans Suffrage" or "Idiot and Women", was correctly quoted from the Laws granting the right of them to the ballot Box, and when I first read the Law some ears ago I was equaly supprised to find our Fair Sex placed in so shamefull category as "criminals, paupers, Idiots &c," which if the Law was right by this classification I think it is full time that my 300 Daughters at "Vassar" Knew it, and applied the remidy. The truth is it is all nonsense and irreconcilible with Divine truth in regard to the Mental Capacity of Woman, nothing but long prejudices with the dominering spirit of Man has Kept woman from occupying a higher eleva- tion in literature & art, "but mens tyrany & jelousy, and wilfull usurpation of her normal arights &c. Excuse these hasty writtin remarks with many interruptions while waiting for my Carrage to go to the College Yours very truly &c ML. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 1, 1864
Text: ) Po'keepsie Feb?" 1, 1864 My dear Miss Raymond Yours of the 25th ultimo came duly to hand - you needed no appology in thinking yourself "presumptious in making known to me your Wishes" if it was "a dream of life" for it was substantially for that pur- pose that the College was built and endowed viz to afford the most liberal education to the young women of America and at the lowest minimum coat £ and in special cases Beneficiaries will be received- The terms...
Show more) Po'keepsie Feb?" 1, 1864 My dear Miss Raymond Yours of the 25th ultimo came duly to hand - you needed no appology in thinking yourself "presumptious in making known to me your Wishes" if it was "a dream of life" for it was substantially for that pur- pose that the College was built and endowed viz to afford the most liberal education to the young women of America and at the lowest minimum coat £ and in special cases Beneficiaries will be received- The terms next noirt ensuing of tuition & Board will not be decided upon till jejune annual Meeting ■neiit oticuing. I shall place your frank & sensible letter on file to be r.efered to again at the proper time- I think you have done wisely 4e» ) in -e«fee*' entering Lake E. F. Seminary for a Year, what instruction you gain there will lesson your requirements in V.F.C The-fee-institution will be Xoandcd1 organlsed on the "University" plan, a full course 4 Years, but studies can enter for only if pupils are sufficiently advanced in their Education need a term of one A— year, and receive a diploma accordingly. Yours very Respectfully kc £Matthew Vassar , 197 a
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: October 2, 1866
Text: 'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M* L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar 309 4W*<'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear...
Show more'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M* L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar 309 4W*<'Spring-Side' Tuesday OctF. 2?. 1866 My dear Misses M. L. Dickinson, PresT and M E. F. Talbot, Sec. J Vassar College. ::\ Tempory illness has prevented an earlier acknoledgement of your kind note of the 22.. Ultmo, announceing my honary membership of your Society &c, and in reply beg to say, that if my health permit will endevour to do the honors imposed upon me Yours very Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: July 18, 1862
Text: Poughkeepsie N. Y July 18 ^1862. Ivf3;8 Angelina G. Weld Dear Madame] Your extremely interesting and intelligent letter of the 15 . inst.: came duly to hand, and it is truly gratify- ing and refreshing to ones feelings amidst the deplorable sad times upon which our beloved country has fallen to discover Such noble instances in your Sex appreciating and encouraging our hands and hearts in the establishment of an Institution for their own Special elevation &c^ . I am no monomaniac nor...
Show morePoughkeepsie N. Y July 18 ^1862. Ivf3;8 Angelina G. Weld Dear Madame] Your extremely interesting and intelligent letter of the 15 . inst.: came duly to hand, and it is truly gratify- ing and refreshing to ones feelings amidst the deplorable sad times upon which our beloved country has fallen to discover Such noble instances in your Sex appreciating and encouraging our hands and hearts in the establishment of an Institution for their own Special elevation &c^ . I am no monomaniac nor enthusiast who by dwelling long on a Single idea have arrived at certain results, for most part of a long life (now passed three score and ten years) I have Spent in business pursuits and while thus engaged, especially in the latter part, I were providentialy lead to the reflection & consideration of Female Education, in the first instance through a niece of mine whom God in his Providence had left Fatherless and destitute of means for Support; and thus obliged in early life to seek employment for a livelihood among strangers far away from her native home in the Southern part of the State of Virginia, for several years she' devoted herself in teaching in a private Gentle- mens family, subsequently returned to Po'keepsie and opened a Female Seminary in this City - This I had almost said was the first Institution of the kind North of the Highlands on the Hudson River, and now at the present moment numbering Some half dozen or more well Supported Female Institutions; this dear Niece Several years since departed this life in the full hope of a blessed immortality. ' I am lead to trouble you with these thoughts from the consideration that the intro- ductery portion of your note before me Speak of your early life much in unison of my Niecefs history - she also was "tempted to live a fashionable & frivolaus life,11 she found education too at a low grade in Virginia and rejoiced to return once again to her friends at the North, and sought a position where she could be a blessing to her Sex and to the world. How wonderful! are the ways of Providence, what little inci- dents turn the whole spheres of hiiiman destinies. As it regarded myself 1 know nothing nor thoughtnothing about education, having been born in a Country or a portion of it where the parents as a gen- eral thing considered it only a Waste of time, and money to impart it, but to save further detail in this letter I send you per this days mail the March number of the "American Journal of Education'1 where you will find a-very brief sketch of my early history. You have been .pleased to refer so kindly to the great work I have undertaken infusing your own inspirations and prayers for its Successfull issue. In regard to your friend'Miss Lucia E. Sheppard, I shall cause her name to be registered (on the Books of applicants:) in the Institution, to be referred to again on the' return of our President from Europe and shall do all in my power to serve you and her in your united wishes. Allow me Mr.s W—- in parting to add, that, I thank you most cordialy and kindly in all the deepest Sincerety of my heart for the high testimony of appreciations in which you hold and speak of the V:F:C: enterprize &c?- and do desire your earnest and.devout partici- pations with me at the Throne of Grace that this benificent work forthe elevation of woman may be crowned with the blessings of God for its Successfull issue &c? I remain very Respectfully Yours &ca M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 17, 1863
Text: Poughkeepsie February 17, 1863 Mrs. C. M. Fitch Dr Madam Yours of the 14th (…) is rec’d and in reply would remark that our College Edifice is in rapid course of construction but from its grand magnitude and terms of the builders contract will not be completed ready to open before the fall, 64 Our President Prof M P Jewett has just returned from a professional tour in Europe and is now busily engaged in the College organization, and as soon as Completed Circulars will be upon giving the public...
Show morePoughkeepsie February 17, 1863 Mrs. C. M. Fitch Dr Madam Yours of the 14th (…) is rec’d and in reply would remark that our College Edifice is in rapid course of construction but from its grand magnitude and terms of the builders contract will not be completed ready to open before the fall, 64 Our President Prof M P Jewett has just returned from a professional tour in Europe and is now busily engaged in the College organization, and as soon as Completed Circulars will be upon giving the public every information &c I send you a copy of the Proceedings of the first Board of Trustees and an article on the College by the Revd. M Tyler now of Boston Yours Respectfully
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 9, 1863
Text: Poughkeepsie January 9 1863 Mrs. Fairchild Judd Bethel Co Dear Madame Yours of yesterday is at handed would inform you that in the absence of the President Prof M. P. Jewett LLD on a professional tour for the last 8 months in Europe, nothing is important has been done regarding the internal organization of our College nor will any thing be done until probably next summer when circulars will be issued giving all the necessary information. I send you a pamphlet of the early proceedings of the...
Show morePoughkeepsie January 9 1863 Mrs. Fairchild Judd Bethel Co Dear Madame Yours of yesterday is at handed would inform you that in the absence of the President Prof M. P. Jewett LLD on a professional tour for the last 8 months in Europe, nothing is important has been done regarding the internal organization of our College nor will any thing be done until probably next summer when circulars will be issued giving all the necessary information. I send you a pamphlet of the early proceedings of the Trustees and also an article on the college enterprise by the Revd M Tyler Yours truly M Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: n.d
Text: Springside Wednesday Morning. Dear Mrs. Raymond You will find within the accompanying Baskett a few bunches of Grapes, and would have sent you some Florals, but my Gardener anticipating every day a visit from “Jack Frost,” to save them, removed them to the Greenhouse, and must wait their winter bloom. Twice I have been to the College since your return and purposed to have Call. To see you, but at each time met some visitors in the office to take up my limited time. The Doctors informed me3...
Show moreSpringside Wednesday Morning. Dear Mrs. Raymond You will find within the accompanying Baskett a few bunches of Grapes, and would have sent you some Florals, but my Gardener anticipating every day a visit from “Jack Frost,” to save them, removed them to the Greenhouse, and must wait their winter bloom. Twice I have been to the College since your return and purposed to have Call. To see you, but at each time met some visitors in the office to take up my limited time. The Doctors informed me3 yesterday that you and your little family were all well. Give my regards to to all. Yours truly &c M. Vassar P.S. Miss wishes to be kindly Remembered with her best love &c. M.V.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 25, 1862
Text: Poughkeepsie June 25, 1862 Mrs M. E. Gage Dear Madam Your favr of the 20 ■ Inst came duly to hand, and in reply to your several enquirings would 4*eg*4e* inform you that in process of construction our College Edifice is -undo3* rapid advancement but from its great &c before Magnitude.will not be completed ready for the reception of pupils until!1 the Spring of 1864 In answer to your second enquiry ("what will be the terms, what the graduating course &c" I can only say that...
Show morePoughkeepsie June 25, 1862 Mrs M. E. Gage Dear Madam Your favr of the 20 ■ Inst came duly to hand, and in reply to your several enquirings would 4*eg*4e* inform you that in process of construction our College Edifice is -undo3* rapid advancement but from its great &c before Magnitude.will not be completed ready for the reception of pupils until!1 the Spring of 1864 In answer to your second enquiry ("what will be the terms, what the graduating course &c" I can only say that our President is now on an official tour to Europe and will be absent from the Country until next Spring soon after which Circulars and^puhlic press will be the all s pertaining to the Institution say medium to make known -every- matter that ito patrono may do a ire I can- thus much that "practical teaching and Domestic economy" will receive special attention Yours very Respectfully MV [Matthew Vassar 3
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 13, 1864
Text: Vassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N.Y., May 13 1864 M^f M. E, J: Gage Dear Madame.1 Your note of 10 . Current was duly received and in answer would briefly remark that the College Edifice is approaching its completion and is expected, if nothing happen to pre- vent, to be finished & furnished by the coming Fall either October or November.The Board of Trustees hold their annual meeting in June proximo when it will be definitely decided at what time the College will open for reception of...
Show moreVassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N.Y., May 13 1864 M^f M. E, J: Gage Dear Madame.1 Your note of 10 . Current was duly received and in answer would briefly remark that the College Edifice is approaching its completion and is expected, if nothing happen to pre- vent, to be finished & furnished by the coming Fall either October or November.The Board of Trustees hold their annual meeting in June proximo when it will be definitely decided at what time the College will open for reception of pupils and Circulars will be issued giving all the requisite informations in detail Your letter together with a previous one received from you in June 1862 has been put on file and I will not omit to send you a Circular as soon as issued but for the present it is impossible to determine whether the College will open this fall or early in Spring 65. Respectfully yours &c M.. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 16, 1862
Text: Poughkeepsie December, 16, 1862 Mrs Sarah M Perkins Dear Madam Yours of the 11th (…) is received and in reply would remark that am College buildings are in process of construction but from the magnitude will require some 18 mos or 2 years to complete. In consequence of the long absence of our President (…) M P Jewett, on a professional tour in Europe no organization or rules of (…) for the College has as yet been adopted, as soon as these arrangements can be made you will her [sic] from us...
Show morePoughkeepsie December, 16, 1862 Mrs Sarah M Perkins Dear Madam Yours of the 11th (…) is received and in reply would remark that am College buildings are in process of construction but from the magnitude will require some 18 mos or 2 years to complete. In consequence of the long absence of our President (…) M P Jewett, on a professional tour in Europe no organization or rules of (…) for the College has as yet been adopted, as soon as these arrangements can be made you will her [sic] from us again, in the mean while your letter will be placed on file to be referred to again at the proper time. Yours respectfully &c MV
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 6, 1864
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for this Enterprize Thanking you for your Kind sentiments expressed towards the Institution and myself, for which I feel highly gratified* I remain Dear Madame Respectfully yours M. Vassar 24o .40'Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Sept 6n 1864 Mrs. Sarah Oliphant Madame. M? James Bowne of this city handed me your letter to him containing a request of a Photograph & all the documen that have been issued with reference to the Vassar F. College. Being not in possession of any Photograph, I take the pleasure in remitting you a Lithograph and also the different pamphlets apper- taining to the endowment & erection of the College, which all I hope will contribute to the interest you manifest for this Enterprize Thanking you for your Kind sentiments expressed towards the Institution and myself, for which I feel highly gratified* I remain Dear Madame Respectfully yours M. Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 2, 1867
Text: August 2d 1867 Doct. Nathan Bishop L.L.D My dear Sir Some time ago I called your attention as Chairman of the Ex. Board of Trustees of " Vassar College " to a suggestion made by me of the propriety of the latter furnishing at their own expense thier respective half lenght potraits for to be hung up in the Art-Gal- lery, and more especialy do I desire this in as much as my Likeness in Oil & soon will be added the Marble Bust, and then perhaps a Bronse Statute,—a lavish ex-...
Show moreAugust 2d 1867 Doct. Nathan Bishop L.L.D My dear Sir Some time ago I called your attention as Chairman of the Ex. Board of Trustees of " Vassar College " to a suggestion made by me of the propriety of the latter furnishing at their own expense thier respective half lenght potraits for to be hung up in the Art-Gal- lery, and more especialy do I desire this in as much as my Likeness in Oil & soon will be added the Marble Bust, and then perhaps a Bronse Statute,—a lavish ex- penditure I think of Vanity, & that without a Single member of eithur Board to indorse or sustain me in it! Will you please to lay this matter before your Ex. Committeeat your next Meeting. I intended to have Spoken to you yesterday on this subject, but other mat- ters engrossed my thoughts I forgot it &c—besides I was rather out of tune in point of health &c Yours truly, &c M. Vassar—
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 3, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho,l I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000...
Show morePoughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho,l I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000., That the receipts for Pupilship some $52,000 Leaving a Ballance in the Treas of some $ 17,000 to which add above Ballance from donation fund of 4.000 you have now in the Tres/ Say a Ballance of 21.000 to run your Col- lege for the residue of the term 4 mos $- I have not the facilitiy or means to know what your expenses will be for the next four mos. but if I am rightly informed the Profesships sweep off one half of the present Bal- lance in the Treasury to say $10,500. and as no Material addition will be made from pupil Receipts from the lateness of the season, and also in consideration of your inabillity for want of Room to accommodate Many more the question arises from what source can you draw to meet the difference. It is evident that you must either reduce your running daily ex- penses or raise your prices of tuition after the first six Months or as the s last alternative borrow Money to make up the deficits- As I do not 281 Nov. 3, 1865 - 2 understand that you have any devised plan for relief, I would respect- fully call your attention to the Subject------- Disconnected with the business of the College proper. You are incuring an expenditure of some $3 5,000 in Building a Gymnasium, Riding School &c and for the payment of which in part say $25,000 I purpose to Loan the College and accept yr B & Mortgage----- As you have already appointed a Com. on ^'Intrenchment ? of-Vitelaty-the College I shall wait thier Report which I understand will be made to-morrow. I think there is a wide Margin open for retrenchment in that department - a Leake in your Vessel that must be stopped ----- Your Steam expenditure is excessive, not hower by fault of your Engineer, but by waste of heat by inmates throwing open Windows &c. - I am verry desirous to see the whole thing reduced to a System and as M Smith your "Steward" has now had 6 Weeks to experement I think he ought to be ready to Report &c. It is the unanimous judgement of this Community that you have fixed the College terms of Tuition &c too low & the public are expecting an advancer it may be well therefor to consider early what that advance shall be, which of course is a Matter to be settled by the Board of Trustees at thier Next Meeting-----—-----1 have many sleepless nights about the issue of this Enterprise, and the sooner I am relieved from my anxities the happier 282 .44: Nov. 3, 1865-3 my hours will be. I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c M. Vassar On verso: To Nathan Bishop Chairman of the Ex, Com. of V.F. College Po'keepsie 283 ,44Poughkeepsie—----November 3„. 1865. To the Hon. Ex. Com of the V.F. College. Gentlemen I take the liberty of addressing you altho, I could have desired that no occasion would have justified the necessity----- I have been recently informed by your Treas,r that the available funds from the original donation made by your Founder to the College is reduced to some 3 to $4000. and that the floating Indebtedness of the Institution running and other Expences accrued to date amounts to about $35,000., That the receipts for Pupilship some $52,000 Leaving a Ballance in the Treas of some $ 17,000 to which add above Ballance from donation fund of 4.000 you have now in the Tres/ Say a Ballance of 21.000 to run your Col- lege for the residue of the term 4 mos $- I have not the facilitiy or means to know what your expenses will be for the next four mos. but if I am rightly informed the Profesships sweep off one half of the present Bal- lance in the Treasury to say $10,500. and as no Material addition will be made from pupil Receipts from the lateness of the season, and also in consideration of your inabillity for want of Room to accommodate Many more the question arises from what source can you draw to meet the difference. It is evident that you must either reduce your running daily ex- penses or raise your prices of tuition after the first six Months or as the last alternative borrow Money to make up the deficits- As I do not understand that you have any devised plan for relief, I would respect- fully call your attention to the Subject------- Disconnected with the business of the College proper. You are incuring an expenditure of some $3 5,000 in Building a Gymnasium, Riding School &c and for the payment of which in part say $25,000 I purpose to Loan the College and accept yr B & Mortgage----- As you have already appointed a Com. on ^'Intrenchment ? of-Vitelaty-the College I shall wait their Report which I understand will be made to-morrow. I think there is a wide Margin open for retrenchment in that department - a Leake in your Vessel that must be stopped ----- Your Steam expenditure is excessive, not hower by fault of your Engineer, but by waste of heat by inmates throwing open Windows &c. - I am verry desirous to see the whole thing reduced to a System and as M Smith your "Steward" has now had 6 Weeks to experement I think he ought to be ready to Report &c. It is the unanimous judgement of this Community that you have fixed the College terms of Tuition &c too low & the public are expecting an advancer it may be well therefor to consider early what that advance shall be, which of course is a Matter to be settled by the Board of Trustees at thier Next Meeting-----—-----1 have many sleepless nights about the issue of this Enterprise, and the sooner I am relieved from my anxities the happier my hours will be. I remain Gentlemen Yours truly &c M. VassarOn verso: To Nathan Bishop Chairman of the Ex, Com. of V.F. College Po'keepsie
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 10, 1868
Text: Poughkeepsie. Friday Morning January 10^1868 Nathan Bishop L.L.D. My dear Sir I wish to call the attention of your Ex. Board to-day to a subject which has occupied my mind for some time past, viz* that of the "Riding School" department. —Repeated enquiries have been made of me wether the Ex. Com* would allow Prof .r Von Seldeneck to take pupils residing outside the College during the school term, to which I replyd no, but it has lately occured to me that the Ex. Committee might with...
Show morePoughkeepsie. Friday Morning January 10^1868 Nathan Bishop L.L.D. My dear Sir I wish to call the attention of your Ex. Board to-day to a subject which has occupied my mind for some time past, viz* that of the "Riding School" department. —Repeated enquiries have been made of me wether the Ex. Com* would allow Prof .r Von Seldeneck to take pupils residing outside the College during the school term, to which I replyd no, but it has lately occured to me that the Ex. Committee might with propriety consent to such an arrangement without prejudice to the College, by setting a part special hours for instruction for that class, I would not promise that the admittance of such outside pupils should be granted without proper guards & provissions as to character &c, and that no one pupil should be admitted without first being refered and approved by your Board, by this or some like this arrangement, no offense would be given, as no reason need be assigned for \^, rejection^ &c. I believe the Riding School has never been one half filled with pupils, and it may be do utfull wether \^$i^5Mt ever will from College pupils alone; I hope Gentlemen you will take the foregoing subject into consideration at your Meeting to-day, and decide upon it pro, or con,----- Yours, Respectfully &c Matthew Vassar P.S. My health does not permit me to come out to the College to-day, or would have conveyed the above verbaly &c MV
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: n.d.
Text: To my honored Nephew Matthew and John Guy Vassar Dear Relatives, Feeling sensible that my days are fast being numbered at least for buisness[sic] purposes of life, I therefore improve the waining[sic] moments briefly to address you, and I need not by the way of preface remind you that I trust in God that he will so influnce[sic] your hearts to insure the full and complete developement[sic] of my long cherished hopes in the reiliseation[realization] of the College enterprise. Let not my Glory...
Show moreTo my honored Nephew Matthew and John Guy Vassar Dear Relatives, Feeling sensible that my days are fast being numbered at least for buisness[sic] purposes of life, I therefore improve the waining[sic] moments briefly to address you, and I need not by the way of preface remind you that I trust in God that he will so influnce[sic] your hearts to insure the full and complete developement[sic] of my long cherished hopes in the reiliseation[realization] of the College enterprise. Let not my Glory be turned into shame by the “plotting and counter-plotting” of selfish and unprincipled men. The College is a fixed fact for … or for woe, and the name of its Founder with all his intimate associations stands or falls together. As we made our wealth in common let us unite in one common purpose of humanity in its employment, like a wise master Builder I have laid the foundation, it now remains with those that comes after me to crown it with the Crest of Glory. The edifice now stands with the family name of “Vassar” engraved on tablets of marble in the foreground of the building. There is no doubt that through diversified circumstances I have arrived at an event in the history of woman that will descend down to the remotest period of her future destiny, and all I hold dear in this life and that which is to come conveys to my mind and heart that nothing short of Divine interposition has guided me to these results. May I not then implore your counsel, your favorable influence, present and ultimately, in all the means within your power to extend them, and I would therefore kindly suggest in this connexion[sic] that you jointly unite either in the erection of another monument on the Grounds of the College for a Gallery of Fine Arts (similiar[sic] to that of our friend Rev’d[Reverend] Doct[or] Magoon) or use that now designed in the Building. In no way could you use your reductant means so worthily so honorbly[sic] so benificially[sic]. My thoughts almost runs into extacy[sic] when I contemplate such a powerful influence!Unlike any other benevolence, its grand beauty is its indefinite expansion, its ruffled waters will never cease to flow till its creasted[sic] foam reaches the shores of Eternity! Will you not my dear Nephews take these suggestions kindly to heart. I don[‘]t wish present action but only when you cease to have power to use your means they may flow in this channel so that your names may be identified with mine to decend[sic] down to all time. With these reflections which may be my last to you on this particular subject I Remain truly & affectionately Your Uncle, Matthew Vassar
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: June 11, 1868
Text: Poughkeepsie June 11th 1868 Professor Chs. S. Farraf Dear Sir Enclosed please to find accompaning this note 42 Continental currency Bills of different valuations amounting to some £206.500 with $3t¥o New York & Spanish curency, which I were presented with last Eve- ning by Mrs. Sarah Robinson & Miss Martha Forbes for the use of the Vassar College. Time is gradualy wearing away these land Marks of by-gone days & therefore the importance of preserving the scanty few in some of our...
Show morePoughkeepsie June 11th 1868 Professor Chs. S. Farraf Dear Sir Enclosed please to find accompaning this note 42 Continental currency Bills of different valuations amounting to some £206.500 with $3t¥o New York & Spanish curency, which I were presented with last Eve- ning by Mrs. Sarah Robinson & Miss Martha Forbes for the use of the Vassar College. Time is gradualy wearing away these land Marks of by-gone days & therefore the importance of preserving the scanty few in some of our public Archives,—You will please to give them a place in Vassar. Your8 Respectfully &c M. Vassar.
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: January 1, 1863
Text: Mr. Schou will make a Copy as before Poughkeepsie January lst(?) 1863 Rev£ Chs A Raymond My dear Sir. Yours of the 24 Ultmo was rec last evening and my reply thereto this morning marks a memorial period - yesterday ended, to-day begins the new Year. It is a fit occasion to erect our "Ebenezers" God us we are for thus far has ^^ helped^wfe^ and spared to see the bright rising sun another A of this New Year Mornmg. Well, your letter has been thrice read. First to Amanda, Secondly to...
Show moreMr. Schou will make a Copy as before Poughkeepsie January lst(?) 1863 Rev£ Chs A Raymond My dear Sir. Yours of the 24 Ultmo was rec last evening and my reply thereto this morning marks a memorial period - yesterday ended, to-day begins the new Year. It is a fit occasion to erect our "Ebenezers" God us we are for thus far has ^^ helped^wfe^ and spared to see the bright rising sun another A of this New Year Mornmg. Well, your letter has been thrice read. First to Amanda, Secondly to Matthew, and thirdly to Mr. Swan, and will bear reading to every one inter- the cause of ested inJEducation. I prize the valuable thoughts and suggestions which it contains, and would that I had time and health to circumstances this Morn- d reply ing would admit of i^[ hoartfull more enlarg commendation - but my poor wife is quitofast approaching her last moments. We thot this morning she was dying, but she rallied again and may survive many hours perhaps some of a Female Friend days - add to which we had a particular call^upoH^from Millwalkee, this raorning, not knowingMrs. Vassar was sick- I have requested Mr. Schou to make another "Copy of the program of the payments of our Profession1' and will enclose you by early mail. Miss Germond unites in her best regards with the joint complements of the season to you & yours Very Respectfully 1 am dear friend truly yours &c (unsigned) cMatthew Vassar 3
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 12, 1862
Text: Hamilton Dec. 12, 1862 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear friend I received your very kind and cheerful letter a few days ago. Yesterday I received the article from the W. E. …, I am much oblige to you for sending it. and as you request my opinion, you shall have it. Though I am afraid that I am rather " …" the crude opinion which I am giving you, is rather a cumbersome extent. The "animus" of the article seem to me very kind. The style is quite "piquant" and [serious]. The...
Show moreHamilton Dec. 12, 1862 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear friend I received your very kind and cheerful letter a few days ago. Yesterday I received the article from the W. E. …, I am much oblige to you for sending it. and as you request my opinion, you shall have it. Though I am afraid that I am rather " …" the crude opinion which I am giving you, is rather a cumbersome extent. The "animus" of the article seem to me very kind. The style is quite "piquant" and [serious]. The points made in reply to objection, are "well put". and on the whole it is unusually good. The notices of yourself and [B. Lewett] are not fulsome, but …, and in good taste, and I see but little to mention; But in a praising way! Though to an "[expert]" in the Female college [line], some points seem overdone, and other not free from objections. … 1st The implications, quite abundantly sprinkled over the impact of the article-are quite unnecessary[sic]. There is no possible failure to be feared. How can it fail? Should it be How, it will not fail. But so far, I can't see any perfect[sic] of any [hailing]. That feature of the article is rather chilling in its tendency. … 2nd. He speaks of its … character as being not a large seminary, but a Real College. I don't see any real practical bearing to such a [distinction]. The idea of having a college for young ladies, where they will enter as the young men do in the american colleges, and remain [for] years, is [chimerical].-it is transcendental, as this is to be the fruit of its kind, where with the preparation of these young ladies be accomplished. … "Enter College' after an academical course, which has been presented with [singular] uniformity, for nearly one hundred years. But what uniformity is there in the girls [schools], most of them already [ape] “college … of… and not one girl in twenty could enter a male college. You may regard it as a fixed fact, for much have a … department, blended with for college. You can only avoid it in one may & that is death to your distinction … by making your college of … low a grade as to burlesque the very title of college. Your great success will be with pupils who enter at about for teen year of age. and such rule alone graduate. Girls are manifestly not boys! Let us not forget this. Boys study for a profession; girls cannot. More than half the student in our male colleges, have … that period of life, which leaves girls in the honorable; but not served clap of … maids. Love is a … sentiment with girls than ambition-not with boys. Men crave distinction-wealth-influence. Women crave affection-a husband-a home. You can’t change nature and if you depend when girls who have … eighteen years, to enter and … for years, you will find the number who grduate very few - and these all ugly. The good looking girls will all have lovers & be in a hurry to marry. Your only chancefor … graduates will be to do arrange your … of studies, that the pupils may enter from thirteen to fourteen-one year preparatory-graduate at nineteen or twenty. You can't hold them any longer, … they are bound to be old-maids & professional teachers. This is the practical plain truth. The idea of a college … as … alludes to is so intangible, that I suppose he … keep the intimation that it might fail- ... 3: The replies to the objection against a "boarding school" and … but a boarding school are well put. Does anyone really raise such objection? Prof. [Crosby]'s notions one exceedingly inapplicable to girls. they are … … The last few pages about the depression of women are true of the past, but not of the present, & among Ms. [Percontra] the very fact that women really govern us, not through one intellect, but through one sensibilities, and that they are the ruling power is the true ground for advocating their education. So much for the criticism — We are prospering, decidedly prospering so far. The … is very pleasant, the pupils all lady-like and good student. Their part training has been a very one sided affair though. They are all great at mathematics, this bassn been the grand hobby here. Very little knowledge of their own language, none of themselves, none of the object around them. Yet they are to be mothers! What a mistake to know nothing but algebra …! This comes from imitating the american college system, &applying it to girls. I can but hope that Vassar Female College has a higher mission. Has Jewett [returned]? I hope so. Tell him to write me when he gets …, and ..his …legs. I am anxious to know what he has learned in his absence, though I can’t expect it all in a letter. My thanks to … Amanda for her brief letter. It was very refreshing though brief. I am anxious to know how your apprehension for … Vs’ state one likely to terminate. Let me know if any … result ensue. Keep me posted in the news department of your enterprise Remember me to Jewett … do. From Truly … A. Raymond
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Creator: Raymond, Charles A.
Date: September 12, 1862
Text: Friday Sept 12. Matthew Vassar Esq. Dr[Dear] Freind[sic]. I send by Charlie to avoid to delay of mails. I have received from N[ew] Haven what interest money could be collected on short notice, being about half what I need. Please let me know by Charlie what I must do to make the necessary arrangements for the remainder, and I will find time to come up to-morrow morning and execute what bonds may be necessary. I never hated anything in my life, more than I have the stern decrees of an adverse...
Show moreFriday Sept 12. Matthew Vassar Esq. Dr[Dear] Freind[sic]. I send by Charlie to avoid to delay of mails. I have received from N[ew] Haven what interest money could be collected on short notice, being about half what I need. Please let me know by Charlie what I must do to make the necessary arrangements for the remainder, and I will find time to come up to-morrow morning and execute what bonds may be necessary. I never hated anything in my life, more than I have the stern decrees of an adverse fate, which make it necessary for me thus to trouble you, and whatever obligation I may give, you may be assured will afford me but little repose until it is cancelled. The customary salute to Miss Amanda. Until to-morrow. Yours Truly Chas[Charles] A. RaymondRev’d[Reverend] Ch[arles] C.[A.] Raymond Sept. 12. 1862
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: August 13, 1863
Text: Hamilton Aug. 13. 1863. Matthew Vassar Esqr. Dear Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you some time with enclosure. My acceptance of the enclosure can only be temporary, & from force of circumstances, which now promise to be but of that [duration[. Mr Jewett and succeeded in insulting me quite grossly before your letter arrived, so I was not surprised at its tone. Upon Mr Jewett formal pledge to alter nothing materially in the plan of organization, which upon his...
Show moreHamilton Aug. 13. 1863. Matthew Vassar Esqr. Dear Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you some time with enclosure. My acceptance of the enclosure can only be temporary, & from force of circumstances, which now promise to be but of that [duration[. Mr Jewett and succeeded in insulting me quite grossly before your letter arrived, so I was not surprised at its tone. Upon Mr Jewett formal pledge to alter nothing materially in the plan of organization, which upon his importunity I made out for him. I wrote you a private letter, concerning the authorship of the plan. But I find the plan as now …, … mangled, and defaced, and smooch added which is crude and impeachable, & wholly ridiculous; that in justice to myself, I must gather the misshapen abortion upon Mr Jewett. How much he knew of the principles and detail of the system which he now proferses to understand as well, [due to damage unrecognizable] obtained his knowledge as revealed in the “plan,” you and I both know. But as he has reported and reproduced these principles and details, his “plan” is full of blunder; and as a working schedule wholly impracticable. In a word “what is good is not new, and what is new is not good,” and it is first such a … affair, as from his correspondence with me I was led to expect, and from which I tried in vain to save him. now the thing is out, and challenges criticism it shall have mine as freely as it … it. had as soon as I get time, I shall … through the public …, and over my own signature, one or more letter to your Trustees, upon the history, and defect of the plan of organization as submitted to them. My respect to My Amanda. The will fund in one of my articles to Harper, for next month (Sept) under the head of Religious Life of the new slave, something to amuse her Very Respectfully Char. A. Raymond.Ch. A. Raymond Hamilton Aug, 13th 1863 Anewed 9 Sept Lee Copy Books
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: March 13, 1863
Text: Hamilton march 13 1863 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend I have to thank you for the picture of the college, which has come at last. I am very grateful for the gift. The picture … quite as impressive as a whole, as the … paper engraving. Some of the little … which may be created at some future impression I will mention to my amanda. Jewett and I have been butting our heads together in the dark for some time. he not getting hold of my ideas very clearly, and I wholly ignorant of his. Finally I...
Show moreHamilton march 13 1863 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend I have to thank you for the picture of the college, which has come at last. I am very grateful for the gift. The picture … quite as impressive as a whole, as the … paper engraving. Some of the little … which may be created at some future impression I will mention to my amanda. Jewett and I have been butting our heads together in the dark for some time. he not getting hold of my ideas very clearly, and I wholly ignorant of his. Finally I got tired of so much voluntary work, under such great disadvantages; especially as I not knowing his intentions didn't know whether I was doing anything to the purpose, nor whether my heavy … … in the right intention. So to bring out the facts in the case, I proposed to him to make some arrangement by which we could be together … the work of organization. Thinking that if my … was needed, the college … afford to pay my expenses while doing their work, and if I was not needed, i was spending as much time very unprofitably to other, & to myself. The result of my proposal to Jewett has been the development of his purposed method of completing the college organization and which is so different from what I imagined it would be; and so different are our views of what is demanded by the occasion. That it makes all my anxieties, and … in the college behalf appear simply ridiculous; because not … or not …. However it is very clear that the time had arrivedfor such a … on my part; and that I did well, in seeking to force it by my proposal. now to show you how two …, can not exactly disagree, but form different diagnosis and to let you amuse yourself by comparisons. I will give you the … of the two plans. When for consider that I have been for two months firing away big guns, at what was at last to have been [reckon] over by the …-gun of some professor. You will think that I ought to either hope firing, or know what I am shooting at. If course I know your wishes concerning the general character of the college and I was trying my best to work them into a grand embodiment, especially as I knew they … with my own views. I wanted to do a “big thing” in the way of education, and make form organization the occasion, of giving it to the world. My impression was that everything was to be prepared from coming June meeting, that every department was to be organized upon paper. a full report to be made by the press to the …., explaining the principles upon which the … of restriction was arranged and demonstrating … of the system …. Pointing on the deficiencies of other system & the need of reform. Then showing wherein the design of the Founder had been … in seeking to promote such reform by so magnificent an endowment. Then recommending for adoption by the … a general course of study, & directions for the professors in carrying out that course (embodying your view of making education practical, do as to give authority to thesuggestion & issue conformity to your [workers]. Upon doing such things & recommends the appointment of professors; the whole plan & detail of organization would be published to the world as college form “circular” and be scattered abroad for a year or so, before you opened, as an advocate & [expositor] of your system. It would be worth 200 pupils, to get the thing … well and have a years …. and all this which involves heavy work, I supposed must be done by June, for your meeting. hence my feeling of haste, pressure, & the need of vigorous work. That great reforms are needed Fem[ale] education you & i both know. That your ideas of meeting them are the true ones, I also know. That your college should have no definite purpose beyond the hundred & one other mammoth establishments such as [abbolt], it seems to me a pity. and when a good thing can be done to the would - and a glorious work be linked with the memory of the “Founder” as a practical reformer of superficialities, & a clear sighted appreciator of what was needed in the education of the … why I can’t bear to think of theses being nothing done, in the important matter of organization, but the getting up of a big school in the … typed plan of all other such schools in the world. It strikes me as a [tame] thing; for so great an attempt, having thus peculiar views, & feelings I thought that Jewett also had them, & something creditable would be attempted. But Jewett’s ideas are very different from mine. In facts notions and mine are opposites. His idea, as I understand it amount practically. In the having first such a school as the others have it …. abbott & only bigger. This general idea is this, to elect the teachers, and let each in his department arrange his subjects, and matter of instruction. This is of course … i.c. it is what any man who had no special object to accomplish would do. It is what has been done for forty years, & to a great extent by lady teachers! and the result is a piece of … no leading purpose to accomplish; no leading mind …. all the … of … to that purpose, & guiding and … it … the whole. In fact no object, no system at all, only a certain quantity of education furnished by each of 7 men; Of course when compared with others, it is only more of the same stuff, that is now so plentiful in … & other places: the patchwork is in bigger pieces, because worked upon the larger framework of a greater establishment. Here you see how great a difference there is in our ideas of what is needed. and how to carry out the [organization], so as to accomplish the need. I would have for my purpose, a [radicle] reform in the whole system of Fem[ale] studies (and I have shown Jewett how this can be done; when I speak of the need of it, … of it; I have fact to refer to) introduced to the … in connection with the … of V[assar]. F[emale]. C[ollege]. and giving the founder the honor of … his …, to accomplish such a definite purpose (its not what it is for?) I would haveall my working plans & course of studies - Each subject to be taught specified, and how to be taught - - prepared, & …, in every development before electing teachers: ( and not want for them to teach ,me what should be taught, & how taught) and I would have the teachers elected to carry out the founders wishes, in a fixed specified way or not at all. Jewett elects the teachers first, they mark out their own work. Of course as they are elected to do nothing, in any special manner, they are not accountable to any one for their manner of teaching, and may do as they choose Do they do nothing flagrant. I would, having carefully, day by day, … with the founder such points as I know he wished to reach. Do reach them by incorporating them into my system as laws. So that the professors when chosen, shall be chosen under them, … to our … of not conforming to them. Who shall say that your teacher of anatomy shall not teach “Homeopathy”, your teachers of moral philosophy “…” & your teacher of history “Infidelity” What shall done it from being a great rest of “Radicalism” instead of an exponent of truth. Let me [found] … voices here, and loud ones too. For must have some … of a safe ground before your teachers are here or you are not …, … the …. … of your gifts. Jewett don’t believe in brining future generations. I tell you you can’t be too safe, and you only prevent … to now this I wanted to see well done; and to arrange it all, I knew time & labor, & daily con==ference were …. Hence my proposal to Jewett. I come to carry out his plan, … other labor is needed than to [elect] teachers and give them pencil & paper, and in a day you have all the organization that you want. Of course my interference in such a work is ridiculous. It is an impertinent offer of help when none is wanted. I thought I was working for something alive, but the birth is turning out an abortion, let those who beget it, father it, with all my heart. So you see sector disagree, & I give it up, hoping for the best. But what V[assar]. F[emale]. C[ollege]. is to … for the memory of its founder & the good of the world; beyond being a liberal …, to build the biggest building for … purposes, in the country I can’t perceive. To organize, & appoint your teacher without having everything elaborated, and …; and then paper into law, but the Trustee at your request is to have anarchy, & confusion, & nothing … Trust upon it that your college shall have a purpose, shall be something, and be felt in the … and see to while in vigorous health, that the work is done well. Let you should misunderstand me, and be let to look upon my proposition to Mr J. as of a character with such Bs. I wish to … that I purposed to compensation for my labors, excepting the refunding of … expenses … by myself, and that I also … stated that I did not want any election, or appointment to any [office] whatever in the matter, all such things were to the future. In fact I intended to make a deep … proposition, though from Mr J letter I think it wasn’t so … …. we will let no one but my Amanda, read this letter or know its content, besides yourself. “Watch & Pray,” This is an important time in your college history, and I am not by any means certain that Mr J. is up to the demands of the …. If you have any special work to accomplish for your college at your organization, in the time to announce & perfect it- With which warning, I close my voluntary labor in V. F> C. writing it well, and many years of as bright happenings to its … founder, as … man can properly receive. From My Chal. A. RaymondRev!! Leh A. Raymond March 13 1863 Important on new … ….
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Creator: Raymond, Charles A.
Date: September 16, 1862
Text: Newburgh Sept 16. 1862 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend I have thought of your “settlement day” to day, for the College. And of the great burdens which you had imposed upon yourself when you might have relieved your declining years of them. And I must say, that if you in your own view, wee financially depressed, in that of all good intelligences you were morally elevated. You have the high example of our great Exemplar, who “when he suffered, suffered not for Himself.” And is not this also...
Show moreNewburgh Sept 16. 1862 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend I have thought of your “settlement day” to day, for the College. And of the great burdens which you had imposed upon yourself when you might have relieved your declining years of them. And I must say, that if you in your own view, wee financially depressed, in that of all good intelligences you were morally elevated. You have the high example of our great Exemplar, who “when he suffered, suffered not for Himself.” And is not this also being in sympathy with him? I have myself had experience of some new feelings. Very mortifying, very painful, but I hope very purifying as all chastening ought to be. I have realized as never before how blessed a thing it must be to be able to relieve the wants of others. And forone of the few periods of my lie I have wished I too was rich, that I might make others feel grateful. Anyhow I know what want is. Though not starving. But then so many other people are in the same situation that one has no sympathy. Don’t you want to educate some smart girls for teachers in Vassar Colege[sic]? Think of this suggestion which will do me a good turn, and the others benefited, and not hurt the College. Anyhow it will be as cleared as available as Doct[or] B[ishop]’s plan, and quite as practical, though not similar. If you have any relations, or perteges[proteges], that would like to be prepared for teachers, let me prepare them at Hamilton, and let then expense there, be repaid by their own services as teachers, when you open. This is often done where some freind[sic] wishes to educate or a teacher, some deserving girl. And the girl giving an obligation to that effect, pays by teaching afterward. Notice that I claim no merit for the suggestion, and confess, that I am just looking for pupils in the suggestion.I leave for Hamilton to night or tomorow[sic] morning. I have money enough for the present, having financiered[financed] the matter through by force of circumstances without borrowing. That is I have given notes which I must pay, some other day, and which will be as thorns in my pillow till paid. Then I have lost all self respect and feel like a beggar. Do you know I went to your house she then any feeling like a whipped dog? Or at least feeling as one looks. I couldn’t screw my feelings for a second visit, so I sent Charlie. When I get away, I will write you something more cheerful and hopeful. I intend before this to submit for your comfort the considerations pro & con, concerning an endowment for your College, i.e. beyond the amount necessary to keep your buildings in repair. There are strong things to be said on the side of not endowing to pay salaries. And I think you would like to hear them ifyour securities are in danger of being sacrificed. Write me at Hamilton. Make my regards to Mr. Swan, and salute Miss Amanda. Katie was delighted with her parasol “thanks Miss Amanda a dollar.” Susan may tell how grateful children can be Yours Truly Chas[Charles] A. Raymond [This part is upside down] 1862 Rev[erend] Raymond Newburgh Sept 16
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 20, 1863
Text: Hamilton May 20. 1863. Matthew Vassar Esqr My dear friend I should have written you some time ago, had I not heard that you health was such, that you were not able to [sustain] any correspondence requiring much thought: but having heard from Prof. Reebee that you seemed to be in usual health, and appeared quite young and vigorous, I have decided to make certain suggestions to you which seem to me of great importance to the purpose welfare of your enterprise. I am reluctant to do this for the...
Show moreHamilton May 20. 1863. Matthew Vassar Esqr My dear friend I should have written you some time ago, had I not heard that you health was such, that you were not able to [sustain] any correspondence requiring much thought: but having heard from Prof. Reebee that you seemed to be in usual health, and appeared quite young and vigorous, I have decided to make certain suggestions to you which seem to me of great importance to the purpose welfare of your enterprise. I am reluctant to do this for the reason, that I seem always placed in the position of the man at the most head whose … it is to any “breaker ahead.” and I didn’t like to be always on such …. But someone must give warning, no matter how unpleasant; and if the breaker are there better to know it, than to have the ship sink. I do not like the [scheming], and … rolling propensities of some among your board of trustees, from Doct. B. …, and upwards. From what I infer from some of Mr Jewetts’ letters, these are great efforts being put forth to secure the election of certain …, among those who are trustees, or can influence Trustees, in the election of teachers. If teachers are propounded and elected under such influence, you will have associateda body of men, bound together by no mutual object, and working each man for his own emolument only. Under the new system of instruction which is to be inaugurated, there will be dissatisfaction, which will lead to compliant to the Trustees, and eventually to a wholesale distraction. I have always urged upon Mr Jewett, the … of counteracting all this, by means of your authority. and I am afraid that he does not see the subject as I do, and has therefore said but little on the subject to you. my opinion in that the Trustees have nothing to do in the matter of organization but to carry out your wishes. They are not like Trustees of a general fund, contributed by the public, who are to act for the public. and as long as you live, and have your own views to perfect they ought not to be permitted to interfere with your wishes. This is the high ground which I would assume as the …, and as you have a purpose in what you have done in establishing do great an enterprise, that purpose should be respected. If you are clear in your convictions, and … in the expression of your wishes, they cannot in decency fail to do as you wish. and how much contention & trouble, both present and future will be saved, by starting from so simple, and first a stand point, in completing your organization, as your wishes. I am prepared to submit to you a plan, with its details; by which alone in my opinion, you can start right, and keep right; and avoid all the anxieties and difficulties of selecting & electing your professors. and also secure the college against all contemptible scheming, & log-rolling, both now and hereafter. If it is not done before the time meeting, and by your own personal authority, co operating with Mr Jewett, it can never be done at all. and your college will be like other colleges, full of schemers, & jealous minded professors who will wear out your …, your self, & your whole enterprise, by their self produced frictions. To carry out my plan, you must start anew in the matter of teacher: ignore all pledges, and promises (made by Mr Jewett, and the Trustee) on the ground of … which have arisen and which were not foreseen until your organization of studies brought them to light and select an entirely new set of young men; who will work together, & be wholly under your [president], and be unknown but by reputation & references to the Trustee and presented by you as your choiceand for reasons which you will be prepared to give This is what I suggested in one of the first letter I wrote you last summer on the new system, of which Mr Jewett, has now adopted. It is a … past of that system, if it is to work successfully. You and he may both depend upon me for all the details, if you are prepared to adopt them; and for reasons why the plan should be adopted. I haven’t time now to write any thing more definite, but it is time to make such suggestion. I knew the time would come, and have been expecting it from the first. If you are not yet ready to receive the suggestion, it is because you are not near enough to your June meeting, to see what may appear when too late to remedy it I mean the plotting, and wire pulling, log-rolling, for places, for the friend of the Board of Trustees. The whole matter must be taken entirely out of their hands or everything is gone. Jewett will have to resign in three years, as … way land did at Brown. There is but one way, to carry out your wishes, establish … your ground purposes & defeat all selfish plotters. There must be inaugurated by the will of the Founder, a system of choosing, & managing teachers, which will make you … independent and …. Shall I say more upon the subject Your Truly Char. A. Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: September 22, 1862
Text: 1802 Chr. A. Raymond Hamilton 32 Sept Hamilton Sept 22 (Monday) Matthew Vassar Esqr Dear friend your very kind letter of the 18th just, was handed me by the P. Master to day, I suppose it came to the village Saturday night, but I was not at the office on Sunday. I hope the mail will prove more accommodating than they did at …. You allude to your depression of spirits for several days. But I am happy to see that your letter is more cheerful. I assure you that you deserve to feel happy and I...
Show more1802 Chr. A. Raymond Hamilton 32 Sept Hamilton Sept 22 (Monday) Matthew Vassar Esqr Dear friend your very kind letter of the 18th just, was handed me by the P. Master to day, I suppose it came to the village Saturday night, but I was not at the office on Sunday. I hope the mail will prove more accommodating than they did at …. You allude to your depression of spirits for several days. But I am happy to see that your letter is more cheerful. I assure you that you deserve to feel happy and I shall feel like taking … against fate if you do not. When I was in the theological seminary at New Haven I was much … with the first lecture which I attended. The subject of which was “God moral …” The question propounded for discussion was, “what is the highest … of happiness?” The answer was“…, — the voluntary imparting of happiness to other” “Hence god was perfectly happy, because entirely benevolent.” Upon this sound moral principle you certainly can learn happiness. But I poor mortal, was for two weeks not only depressed, but profoundly miserable. My very existence was a burden. Had there been none depending upon me, I would not have raised my hand to have saved my life. I never before feel poor, but for two weeks, I was as melted as if …. I am thankful that my apprehension were not selfish, but to think of those around me, as prospectively needed, almost caged me. I suppose nature exhausted … by drinking down into the lowest deep, you yesterday came a reaction, and to day I have felt more like a live man. Your kind letter sent as encouraging atmosphere before it, doubtless, and my reaction was caused by its prospective influence. It has also caused me to abandon my old notion, that no simple friendship can stand the test of a … draft upon it. Yours it seems had stood it when I had no securely to make good a … transaction. I need not distress you by … my gratitude. I have thought a great deal about your uneasiness concerning the … future of your College, as affected by the … of securities. And my views, which based upon what I have seen and experienced, are not of yesterday, would have been given you long ago, had i not felt, as if, I might possibly be … counter to some of bro. Jewett’s ideas upon the same subject, and i felt a delicacy … broaching them. When I saw you were really annoyed however I determined that as soon as I felt like myself, I would advance my suggestion letting them pass for what they were intrinsically worth. If you approve of them, and they seem to you sound, they will at least very much alleviate any future apprehension. Candidly then, I am of the decided connection that you could not do a more unfortunate thing that to leave Vassar College do liberally endowed that the teacher would be independent of their own [execution] for a support. Could you so endow your professorships, as to make them wholly independent of patronage, you would furnish portions for a class of men which would perhaps in time become mere [sinecure] for lazy incumbent. I know that the best of men, need incentive, need a … to …, or they will not half put forth their strength. There is no incentive like self interest, and you must make their support even, depend largely upon their effort, or you will never bring out and sustain half their energies. If you give your magnificent building, furnished free of rent, and endow the building with a … sufficient to preserve it, with its grounds & furniture in perfect repair forever, with an additional amount to renew library & apparatus and absolutely refuse to endow professorships making your teachers earn by their success their salaries, and giving them all they can earn, to be divided among them according to a certain distribution the proportions of which shall be fixed by law. You will have done more to keep up a lively and successful institution than if you endowed your professorship with a million of dollars. You do not what lazy men, who will simply live and fatten on your bounty You want energy, talent, success and men who have such traits will make their own fortunes, with the opportunities you can give them. If you have any surplus, often endowing your building, let it be a fund the product of which shall educate forever, such poor talented girls as the Trustees may appoint, the fund paying their expenses, at the free prices fixed by your Trustees. If you have not such a surplus, still you have enough, if you have paid for your building furniture, & provided for their preservation. Thus much for the subject ofof the majority are enthusiastic in their admiration of my course of study, and system of instruction, the same that I suggested to you as the “University System”. I enclose you and editorial notice from one of the Hamilton Papers to show that “Things in a working”. Your containing check for $250 came to hand to day. It tumbled out of your letter as I opened it, and gave me a decided …. It was really an agreeable “shock” and I fell still more like a man for receiving it; it has certainly made me feel …, like a forsaken … …, who could not see his way clear from failure and disgrace. I shall try to make it for you a good investment, bring … you in, not only equivalent dollars, but a haven’t of grateful thought, & kind memories. My regards to my Amanda and the assurance that I shall write her a long letter as soon as we get in a quiet state. I don’t …, but I have wished twenty times for her talent in making everything about a house so cheerful. endowing professorship in general. If I had … million dollars I would not do it, if I wished for a … of high reputation which would be progressive, and lead the age. I would endow the building, so that the furniture should be renewed, grounds preserved, and every department of social & educational life lack nothing for the material of successful labor. Then let your teachers make their … by their reputation, and you will have an institution with a … reputation and never …. It is easy to perfect the minute details for such an arrangement, if once decided upon. They shall be elaborated, and given whenever you call for them. Sept. 25. Thursday I was … … by company while writing the above on the evening of the 22nd. The next day I went to … to meet … & babies. All arrived safely on Wednesday, though much …. Mr …/… with her husband, who have remained … to ship the …, will follow with two boys soon … has gone back to the …, and is … … …. We are getting things in some order for a beginning. The professorsmy house cleaning and house arranging talent … elevated g…. And such servants as we have here, are … I … note, & must stop, though not half through. I wish … I could see you both again. Truly from Chal. A. Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: February 24, 1863
Text: 1863 Chs a Raymond ... Hamilton July 24 1863 Matthew Vassar My new friend … my very huge … with my … concerning the organization of the twenty department of V[assar]. F[emale]. C[ollege]. I have suggested to him among other things plans for the formation of a picture gallery and … of natural …, which I wish to present to you more in detail, that if they meet your approve, you may insert upon their being accomplished. and to begin with the picture or art gallery. In connection with your...
Show more1863 Chs a Raymond ... Hamilton July 24 1863 Matthew Vassar My new friend … my very huge … with my … concerning the organization of the twenty department of V[assar]. F[emale]. C[ollege]. I have suggested to him among other things plans for the formation of a picture gallery and … of natural …, which I wish to present to you more in detail, that if they meet your approve, you may insert upon their being accomplished. and to begin with the picture or art gallery. In connection with your college and its workings, you have a sure opportunity of becoming at the same time a munificent patron of art; and … of forming a gallery of paintings which in time, may become not … celebrated, than the college itself. The idea is very simple. You will of course have a professor, or at least a principal teaches of painting. A mere teacher of painting if a good one, would cost from live to eight hundred dollar a year if a lady if a gentleman ten or twelve hundred. Now such a teacher would be no more useful as an instructor than a young lady who would cost you three or four hundred. You would pay the additional form or … hundred you simple ability to …, or style. But a person of real … … would ... reluctantly to the terrible drudgery of teaching girls, The principal … of which teaching … to in painting the … for them. The labors of such a principal teacher of painting therefore would … … …. … and though useful to a degree, yet you would have nothing to … you it. … of this, I propose the following. You have a gallery for exhibiting pictures … as a part of your institution. To … it you … purchase perhaps a few good pictures, but not many, but you will form it in this way. You appoint a professor of painting, as the same salary as your other professor, who may teach by … upon art as a part of his …, but his from upon … to from you gallery by painting original pictures, & copying … celebrated works as you wish for art studies. This profs must he a first …. not a teacher of painting and the special contract made with him would be that he is to paint for your gallery, at a … salary, and you hire all his …. Such a position would be a paradise to most artist, and you would have no trouble in focusing any6 one almost. Historical … painters alone … … the position, and they are not after … of their bread. The advantage to the … studying painting would be that they would see this artist paint …, and this is the only way to learn how to paint, … by seeing some one … paint. I have mentioned … of W Haven to Mr Jewett, as perhaps a suitable person and I … know but … who painted the pilgrim fathers for … and who … new here would also be suitable. The position would be very much like that of their at … point, truly the would work for the college. Think what a collection of … … manage went you might thus have in ten, twenty forty years! and at really no increased expense. This is what you want, to live in the future generations, and have an eye to posterity. The same principles are applicable to your museum of nat[ural] …. You need not spend large sums of money for collection of …. This may do for a mere show collection, but you want something which will in time be an amusement to the age, now how will you do this! Why I instead of buying any ones collection which may fall to pieces in five years, (for … are good for nothing … well, preserved) and paying a large sum, you simply by the …, a man who are … it is to collect … specimens. The … at home, goes to market and get all the …, to N. Y. market and get … … has Barton market next … makes exertions, to … part of the neighborhood Skins & stuffs everything! Exchanges with other curators, & you have in five years, a collectionworth as many thousand dollars, and all the time it has cost you no more than to employ a man, to take care of those for had purchased. Think again in twenty, fifty years what you would have, Keeping a man … constantly employed. In fact you need not spend over one thousand dollars to make a suitable stand in such things. … you wish to do everything at a …, "… … twelve the first time" The time wisdom for founder of such … is to lay broad … foundations, for future measure. These are the things which you should provide for by your own personal …. I have written much to you lately concerning the great and good things which may be hoped for from your magnificent enterprise. But I have been doing a very great amount of work for it and Mr Jewett has the results so far. I thought your own cases would be enough for you to think of . Still I am very anxious that certain things should be done soon, which no one but yourself can do. My regards to my Amanda and let me know whether you are making much … in your college affairs. Make an effort and write a letter. You haven't written one such as you … to … in a long time. It will do you good to … up the … a little, and let us have some great and … purposes …, which are perhaps lying dormant within you- Truly yours Charles R Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: May 24, 1863
Text: Let no one but my Amanda see there paper. Hamilton May 24. 1863 … My dear friend, I send the copy of a letter upon the subject of your college matters, because I want you to understand fully the points which belong to that side of you question; and in addition I want you to understand definitely some others matters which concern the founder of the college, and his future reputation. There have been, all along, certain things calculated as I think to deprive you of that which is rightly yours...
Show moreLet no one but my Amanda see there paper. Hamilton May 24. 1863 … My dear friend, I send the copy of a letter upon the subject of your college matters, because I want you to understand fully the points which belong to that side of you question; and in addition I want you to understand definitely some others matters which concern the founder of the college, and his future reputation. There have been, all along, certain things calculated as I think to deprive you of that which is rightly yours due, and which I have tried to remedy, but had not the ability or power, within myself. and you must at last be the guardian of your own future reputation, and secure your right by your own … and revolution. You may be a little worried by the matte,r but the results will more than compensate you. You must decided and act now, or it will soon be too late. This coming June meeting will place the thing beyond your reach. These are the points. Do you wish to have your name go down to posterity as the intelligent founder of a college, endowed … by you, for no special purpose at all, excepting, that Mr Jewett prevailed on you to do it. Or do youwith to appear, as having acted with a purpose which was not only intelligent, but wise, sagacious, & benevolent? Of course you will say “You wish the truth to appear, and as you were no main tool, so you will be no mans’ steeping stone, to a reputation which is purely your own. now who is the author of the system which Mr Jewett … so highly, and … he hopes to gain credit for introducing into V[assar].F[emale].C[ollege]? I do not mean who made the system, but who first suggested it for your institution, and accepted it as the thing best adapted to its want! IF you did not do it, while Mr J[ewett] was in Europe and before he knew anything about the details of the matter, then you and I are too very mistaken individuals. as to the work of convincing Mr. J[ewett] of the excellency of the system; of making out its details, and adapting them to his purpose, I did all that, not for his reputation, but for yours, and because I knew what would meet your views and wishes. You had certain ideas, often expressed in your conversation to me, which you wished carried out in the college you had founded. You needed help, for the habits of your life had been such that you were not familiar with the practical details of such work of organizing a college for young ladies. Mr Jewett never could have done what you wished, and therefore I did it for you through him. To whom now belongs the honor, certainly to you, and to me if to anyone. But I do not wish to be known in the matter. What I have done, I have done cheerfully for you. I give it to you, it is yours, for you deserve it. So that really, by the gift of my share, and the right to your own, the whole is yours. now what I want is this. I want you to assume the credit of the whole general system as yours. I want the college with its system of instruction, handed down to the future generations, as the in its entire & complete whole, the offspring of the sagacity, and benevolence of Mr Vassar and of no one else. I am indignant than any one should wish to claim the …, more than body.that any one should suppose that you have given … for …, and knew nothing of the purpose for which you have it. When I know that your ideas upon the subject of a great reform in Fem[ale] Education, were original, sagacious, wise, & true, and you lacked only some one to shape them into system. This I have done for you, made Mr Jewett a convert to your views, so that they could not be controverted, and have done it all for your own gratification alone, and no one but yourself, shall have the credit of the work. You will see form my letter to Mr J[ewett] accompanying how you are to do this. He won’t like my letter, but he can’t keep himself. He has got himself into the position he occupies, and must come to you to get him out. Of course you will do this, and about tw weeks before your meeting I will, come down and spend if you wish a week with you, and keep you on your … to the Trustees, and see that your affairs are all in order, to secure your rights in the matters. You will find that you have had no timer friend, nor … in this matter of your college - not even among those who are supported by your liberality and who hope for increased support - than myself and that your own reputation, is a little safer with me, than with some who Hand nearer to your …. you may depend upon me, for any thing you may wish in this matter. Your Truly Char. A. Raymond
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Creator: Raymond, Charles A.
Date: August 25, 1862
Text: Newburgh Aug 25. Monday. M. Vassar Esq. Dear Friend I have put time to report the results of my visit to Hamilton, and announce my return on last Friday evenig[evening]. I was much pleased with the country and had a very cordial welcome from those interested in Educational matters. I spent the week at Doct. Eaton’s. Preached “one of my best sermons” on Sunday as Miss Amanda said I would. Attended some of the commencement Exercises, but was occupied most of the time in negociating[sic] with a ...
Show moreNewburgh Aug 25. Monday. M. Vassar Esq. Dear Friend I have put time to report the results of my visit to Hamilton, and announce my return on last Friday evenig[evening]. I was much pleased with the country and had a very cordial welcome from those interested in Educational matters. I spent the week at Doct. Eaton’s. Preached “one of my best sermons” on Sunday as Miss Amanda said I would. Attended some of the commencement Exercises, but was occupied most of the time in negociating[sic] with a “sick man” who was purprietor[proprietor], by default of the rest of the parties, of the Seminary. He wanted it seen badly. I told him I had no money to buy, at present, and if I had knew so little of the place, that in buying I might be “sold” myself. He result of two or threedays talking was, that I have rented the property for a year, praying the interest of what it cost him, with the privilege, at any time during the year, of purchasing upon very easy conditions. Every body thinks, a grand good thing can be made of it, and that I am the very man they have all the while been looking for. The Proprietor informed the rest of the Trustees after our first interview, that “I knew more about the business, than all the rest of them put together”, which I received as a compliment, Encouraging me to make a liberal bargain. I am in hopes of succeeding finely after the first session, but it takes a great deal of hand work, to resuscitate a collapsed affair. However as I have nothing else to do, the work would hurt me. I presented your letter to Judge Harris. He was very polite, and premised me any assistance in his power. Hesaid my claim was good, and would in time be paid, but I must wait for a special act of congress, to be passed perhaps in Dece[mber] next. This was Encouraging, but the certainty of getting, even a few hundred down, to aid in starting my new Enterprise would have been more so, than the future expectancy of so many thousands. But I must accept the slow shilling [&] I can’t have the nimble sixpence. He also Encouraged me very much, or intended to do so, by mentioning among others, Doct. Rich or Fuller of Balt[imore] who was so much worse off than I, by having to wait, that he was actually in want: We shall leave next month, as soon as we can get away. My regards to Miss Amanda, and many thanks both to you and her for all your kindness. It makes me rather sad to think I may not soon see you both again. May God bless you both. Yours Truly Chas[Charles] A. RaymondRev[erend] Ch[arles] A. Raymond Aug. 25. 1862
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: November 25, 1864
Text: 1862 Chr. A. Raymond 28 … Hamilton Nov 28 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend It seems hardly possible that a month her passed since receiving your last letter. No doubt but that with your multiplied case you have not … much such poor …, and I have been so busy about other small matters, pertaining mostly to the sometime … of teaching, that I have felt like doing little else. Teaching is very hard work in one …, for … all the time imparting, and at the same time trying to make an impression upon...
Show more1862 Chr. A. Raymond 28 … Hamilton Nov 28 Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend It seems hardly possible that a month her passed since receiving your last letter. No doubt but that with your multiplied case you have not … much such poor …, and I have been so busy about other small matters, pertaining mostly to the sometime … of teaching, that I have felt like doing little else. Teaching is very hard work in one …, for … all the time imparting, and at the same time trying to make an impression upon others. It is very … to the … system, and after making studying a few hours you feel as if “Virtue had gone out of you” — I seldom feel like writing letters at night after teaching all day. … … respite in given .. by thanksgiving holidays — and I improve the … in writing though so late. But where is miss Amanda! She is a more correspondent than I. She is certainly letting one … in neglect. i don’t … her hand any more, … the … with it. Has shen been enjoying a … from her … friend who has kept her hand all to himself? You were deciding about heating the College when you last wrote. What have you decided upon? I know all the objections to all other plans, but that of …. This I have never tried, and may … it to be the best. Which have you adopted? I believe we left off in the midst of the subject of “Paying professor”. I was trying to show you that an endowment was not necessary in order that they might be paid. That the right … would pay themselves. It seems that I proved to much, and you see that they … receive too high salaries. Practically I think they would not be excessively paid for the work they would …, & the … they would have. But you could modify the plan beyond a certain point. Though it is a question whether any … of the … would as effectively and the institution. … that you could ask of them ought to be to pay their own way, and take their own …, letting them have what they could make. … talent, would thus be repaid, and such cannot be had without paying for it. … a stay … the other day, containing a passing notice of the “College,” & of bro. Jewett. Send me any such notice that you don’t want. And by-the-way ask Miss Amanda to send me the papers that you take, when you have no further use for them. News is an item here, and no one take N. Y. papers. My … won’t stand a … draft, for … bills for them all, and it will be a work of benevolence for Miss Amanda, to save them from being corrected into … paper. She can let her light shine by making that me of her good work. She owe me more than that for not answering my letter. We are … here on a moderatescale. After getting under way, I think we can sail the ship to good profit. On the whole we don’t dislike the place. … a good place for …, but not much for sunshine. We have had five bright days since we have been here. When you come up next summer we shall hope for better weather. It is said to be delightful in summer. What are you doing for preaching now! And what is the local news about College Progress? I seem quite out of the world. Remember me to Mr Jewett and family when you see them, and the Prop when you write — Miss Amanda is another From Truly Cha. A. Raymond
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Creator: Raymond, Charles A.
Date: August 28, 1862
Text: Rev[erend] Ch[arles] A. Raymond Aug 28, 1862 Newburgh Aug 28. Thursday Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend On the principle that “misfortune makes a man acquainted with strange bed-fellows” I certainly have got into one of the most confounded …, that a man of sense could well get himself involved in. If it wasn’t humiliating, it would be ludicrous. I certainly have “put my foot in”, this time. I can’t either go ahead, or stand still. It is a case of decided “quondary”[sic], but I don’t see the way...
Show moreRev[erend] Ch[arles] A. Raymond Aug 28, 1862 Newburgh Aug 28. Thursday Matthew Vassar Esq Dear Friend On the principle that “misfortune makes a man acquainted with strange bed-fellows” I certainly have got into one of the most confounded …, that a man of sense could well get himself involved in. If it wasn’t humiliating, it would be ludicrous. I certainly have “put my foot in”, this time. I can’t either go ahead, or stand still. It is a case of decided “quondary”[sic], but I don’t see the way out at all. And as this is a money case, I will say at the outset, that I never beg or borrow from my freinds[sic]. So I am not after a “friendly loan”. You must understand the question at the start or you will think I have given the great army of Pious leeches, who pray for you; that they may prey upon you. Business is business. If you can commend me to some shylock, who will take his power of flesh as it is in the bond”.say to your kind nephew, who loves a good per cent, why I can submit, and groan; but only upon such business principles. This isn’t in your line, and the “friendly loan” isn’t in mine, so I’ll proceed, and you won’t misunderstand me. Of course I didn’t expect to go up to Hamilton without some money. Of course I couldn’t do so. I must pay up sundry little leakages here which are nothing when you are going to stay, but count up when they come all together as you are going to leave. I must have also enough, to be above asking credit among strangers, after reaching Hamilton, where my supplies must be purchased. Then there was the expense of moving my great family & getting settled again. [In short] I knew I should need put about five hundred dollars, and as far as I can still see, I was not mistaken. Of course I was to get this money, not out of my own pocket, where it wasn’t, but out of my good mothers’ where it was & is. I am afraid, is to remain, anticipating such necessity, upon any move which I might make, I went to see her, & learn the facts concerning her finances, having never enquired therein, in fact thinking it indelicate to do so, until therewas some necessity. I found that her father had left her a competency, in the hands of Trustees, to be divided at her death among her children. And as I was entitled to me this at her death, & she had more than she could spend, & her other children, not having need of any, could not be wronged, I proposed to draw for my share while I needed it, which was now,in the poverty in which the war had for a time left me. She like a good woman consented to this, and I left feeling sure that I had some three or four thousand if I needed it, to fall back upon, in any safe proceeding. So I went to Hamilton, entered into writings, issued my circular & advertisements, saying I was going to Hamilton etc. Wrote to mother that I was ready for five hundred to start with, expected it would come yesterday, when lo! came a letter instead, full of sympathy but no money, & conveying these interesting facts. “That my Uncle her Trustee, who had loaned most of her money to his sons - engaged in manufacturing - wouldn’t consent, to her calling in, or realiying[sic] it, now, nor to her selling any stacks to raise it. And she was powerless to aid me”. This Uncle is the one who drove poor Father to his excesses, by his severity & hardness, and if he were not now a veryold man, my weak human nature waned like to give him a caning. The more so as I have no contempt left to lavish upon him, having exhausted all upon old scores. The facts are thus as you see, that mothers’ good intentions, are met by simple impossibilities, for the money, though secure, is under his control as Trustee, and he has loaned it to his own sons who in these times can’t raise an extra dollar. Now isn’t this beautiful? I can’t stay here. I have advertized[sic] to leave, I can’t go. I haven’t the means. It is ludicrous, and yet it is most mortifying and distressing. Now what is to be done. My first impulse was to write to Hamilton, tell them I was disappointed and couldn’t meet my engagements. But that is a litter Pile to an upright and proud man - to say “can’t” when you ought”, and then I have dismissed my school here, & have no income if I remain. The next thing to consider, what I can sacrifice to raise within a week $500. I have some thousands in good receipts, could I not assign that as security for as many hundreds? I have nothing else but my household furniture worth a thousand dollars, which I might mortgage for five hundred. The perspect[prospect] in a business way looks dark. I certainly ma caught, where I least expected it. Can you experience & tact tell me what to do? I shall leave Saturday to Preach in Phild[Philadelphia] at the first Chh[Church] Sunday. Let me find a letter when I come back. I believe your nephew makes advantageous loans, sometimes. What must I offer to make him think it safe, & am object. My love to Miss Amanda, and don’t tell her what a scrape I have stumbled into. Yours Truly Chas[Charles] A. Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: December 29, 1862
Text: man through the … of the northern mind for novelty, especially in preaching. By invitation I preached in the chapel of the university a few sundays … The next week some of the older students were at my house, and attempted to [flather] me by saying; 'it was considered the finest specimen of pulpit oratory ever given in their chapel'. I cannot tell for how peculiarly let down, I was by the nature of the … I was anxious that my effort should approve itself to the student and Profs[sor...
Show moreman through the … of the northern mind for novelty, especially in preaching. By invitation I preached in the chapel of the university a few sundays … The next week some of the older students were at my house, and attempted to [flather] me by saying; 'it was considered the finest specimen of pulpit oratory ever given in their chapel'. I cannot tell for how peculiarly let down, I was by the nature of the … I was anxious that my effort should approve itself to the student and Profs[sor] for a special reason, but not in the way [reported]. What I did attempt was this; I had often insisted in my criticism upon preaching here, that these was very little of the preaching of the gospel in the northern pulpit: - that I had heard a great deal of preaching about god, human right, and moral duty; but very little of the preaching of the [crop] of … on the hope of man. So I selected as my subject The … of Xth suffering happening & death. as illustrating my idea of preaching the gospel — after [typing] hand to preach church; to be complemented upon my elocution, & oratory, … … a very questionable complement. But all this is in keeping with what seems to me the degeneracy of the northern pulpit. The fact is the [Beecher, & Parking, & …] have had a most [debasing] effect upon the ministry. The essay [slective] styles of preaching, have … the manner; while aboli==tionism, spiritualism, transcendentalism have poisoned the matter of the preaching to such an extent, that the wonder is that infidelity is not more outspoken and rampant, rather than as it is, the pervading essence of such preaching. The fact is the new sentiment[sic] is but little more than a convenience to [purge] a text upon, while [Packer], and …, & [Beecher] are the great models; and popularity the great end to be achieved. Perhaps I don’t see right but I hardly ever go to church, that my spirit is not … within me, at the ... like idolatry of the worshippers. There must come a reaction, or we are a lost people. No wonder the … of … people, is an deplorable as it is. It is a comment on the practical infidelity of the age. … has been that out from the pulpit; and the people have been taught higher law, & specious… for the gospel. Religion has found new exponents, and is called in to reach human sight, & not human salvation; and the land is bathed in blood! Thus god leaves men to their own … way when they turn from him. I am [conscious] that all this is very much like … [evoking]; but it is what I can't help feel and see. and perhaps I see is the more plainly, because I have not been made the influence of the graduating … by which … … have been … [reached]. Fifteen years absence, and development, in a society the spirit of which is eminently [conservative]; make the contrast between what was, and what is, in the northern pulpit, the more …. I don’t wish to … and find fault, but it is true, that the amount of infidelity, which has overspread the land is awful. Infidelity not only in religion; but in science - social, moral, and political. Education faces but little better especially female education- the … are full of [puff], but superficial, one sided, and unnatural. As is women, at least most women, … even need to spend their whole strength upon mathematics, logic, and the principles of debate. But they are taught, & drilled in these better & … carefully, that in anything … hence the public feeling, & strong minded sisterhood. The idea of a … … being … to debate with him. Beautiful prospect for young bachelors-my paper is gone-love to my amanda … Char. A. Raymond
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Creator: Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868
Date: April 4, 1864
Text: C. A. R. to M. V. ap. 3. 1864 Paymaster General’s Office, Washington, Sunday Evening April 3 1864 M. Vassar Esqr. My dear Sir, Your of the 19th letter reached me this morning. By a slight mistake it was directed Post Maker General Office, and hall I not seen it advertised it would probably have gone to the “tomb of the capulets.” I was very sorry to hear from my amanda of the death of good Mr Booth. … will he sincerely affected by the sad news. She was very fond of fun …, and never spoke of...
Show moreC. A. R. to M. V. ap. 3. 1864 Paymaster General’s Office, Washington, Sunday Evening April 3 1864 M. Vassar Esqr. My dear Sir, Your of the 19th letter reached me this morning. By a slight mistake it was directed Post Maker General Office, and hall I not seen it advertised it would probably have gone to the “tomb of the capulets.” I was very sorry to hear from my amanda of the death of good Mr Booth. … will he sincerely affected by the sad news. She was very fond of fun …, and never spoke of her but with the greatest affection. I think I have already suggested the course of procedure which it seems to me is the only one practicable, concerning the subject matter of your request. I at … quite fully upon the subject to Ms Swan. you may not have seen that letter, I will repeat in substance my notion, though perhaps I … to add that further reflection has … modified my views rather by adding to than talking away anything thenIt does seem possible to me, while I am here in Washington, to prepare with sufficient … such a plan as … with. It is a work requiring great care and must be done in pokeepsie, in communication with yourself, and some of the leading members of the committees can be connected. See it will be work done in the clark and as shall enough of that, … unite while working for Mr Jewett, I certainly do not wish to appear that experience if I can avoid it. Nor is it necessary, nor possible, that that part of the work should be done secretly. It is not to be supposed that you will yourself originate the details, and the systematizing of the organization. You could not be expected to do it. Nor could any of your Trustees. It is wholly the work of a professional expert. and no one else can do it. But the object you wish to have accomplished, and the principles to be kept in view, may be your own. These principles, covering the ground you with occupied, I have already thrown into form, for you special guidance in expressing your wishes to whoever may be found able to work out an organization for you. and I do not see, how under the circumstances anything more is necessary. With regard to the work which you request - I have thought more fully upon my previous suggestion upon that point, and upon the subject generally, and I think candor to you and Trustee to myself, requires from me a plan statement. I have done all that it is possible for me, or any one to do, as a simple friend, and promoter of the enterprise. The work which you now require, is the legitimate work of whoever is to be your president, and so indeed is all, that I have ever done, by special request. But M Jewett is not competent, even if otherwise qualified for his position, to meet your worker. Before anything further is done then in the way of organization, let him be removed; and see if you can find a competent … within a reasonable period. If you cannot, and I can get a three months leave of absence, with a continuance of my salary, and I am formally united by your committee as your request, I will cheerfully devote the time, whom compensation to your service. But I would much prefer for the present, that you wouldtry someone else, so as to see if I am necessary. any man who aspires to the position which Mr Jewett has … much … respectable them it was ought to understand from working over the notes which you can now … up, the objects which you wish accomplished. and from the principles which I have embodied of you, he can tell, whether he can arrange a working organization for your college, to meet your views as founded upon those principles. If he cannot, you don’t want him. If he can, let him be invited to do it, with the understanding that if successful in doing so, he is to carry out his own arrangement. For it ought to be understand candidly and fairly, that as no one could practically carry out my views but myself, so even if I had the time to give all the details of a working plan of organization it would involve the … of putting it in practice myself to make it successful = (David and Saul … must be remembered) and that in a receipt which neither you the Trustees, nor myself, might under present circumstances find it agreeable to yield to. These are upon reflection my ideas and they must go for what they are worth. Very possibles the committee and the Trustees could … in that light, and ver possibly offer my three months work, it would all go for nothing, because they couldn’t select, From the point to which matter have now reached, it will be better for all, that done one, selected by the committee, should be called in to form a plan of organization upon the principles expressed by you, and in accordance with your wishes. If no one can be found, having done the … you can, and failed, you will know then where you can … look for assistance. You certainly need my assurance of that. Wish best regards to miss amanda and mr S. Your very truly Char. A. Raymond
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