Correspondence (incoming): Blodgett, Benjamin C., 1904

Lick House Geo. W. Kingbury, Prop. & Mgr. Chas. W. Penniman, Asst. Mgr.

San Francisco, Cal. May 30, 1904

Dear Mrs. Stanford

My promise to send you my address gives me the opportunity to thank you once more for one of the choicest delights of my life, in the unique spiritual atmosphere of your beautiful home, the marvelous Chapel and the whole University [idea?], with which your kind invitation favored me yesterday. I can have no hesitation whatever in saying that if in the line of your suggestion, I could serve you, and contribute even a little, to the significant work of your University; I would most gladly consider it, with all possible favor. I leave tonight for St Paul, to arrive Thursday night; expect to be there until Monday 6th, at any [rate ?] - probably a day or two longer - A letter addressesd them to care of W. J. Dyer & Bros., would

find us; or if it was sent to Seattle, Wash., No 816 Minor Avenue, it will either be forwarded to me, wherever I am, at once, or retained for me, as well ensure its earliest reception.

I had a delightful journey back to the city with General & Mrs [Haskell ?], and I hope to see them again today.

With the fragrant memory of your kind courtesy all [about?] my thoughts and feeling today, I am yours most rspectfully

Benj. C. Blodgett

Hotel Ryan Welz & Fry Hotel Co. Proprietors. A well equipped, liberally managed, first class hotel

St. Paul, Minn. June 10, 1904

Mrs Stanford, Dear Madam

Your special kindness to me on that memorable Sunday at the University is so fragrant a recollection to me that I am fearing either that my little word to you from San Francisco failed to reach you, or that, in the bewilderment of my wanderings since then, a letter from you to me has gone astray. In either case, I cannot content myself longer without a single word to you, lest I am seeming neglectful to you. Lapse of time strengthens my admiration of your splendid University. I expect very soon to be in Seattle again, and my address then is 817 Minor Avenue.

With great respect Yours sincerely Benj. C. Blodgett

Copy.

St. Paul, Minn., June 23, 1904.

My dear Mrs. Stanford:

Your kind letter of the 16th ult. has been forwarded to me here, where I have been detained much longer than I expected. Am now about ready to turn Westward again.

The kind expressions contained in your letter are very gratifying to me, and I hasten to assure you that I shall not allow mere salary to cheat me out of the privilege of serving you at the organ and in charge of that noble choir, if you elect me to it. In other words, I leave the whole matter of salary most gladly in your hands; I am only anxious to found a little home where Mrs. Blodgett and I may live in a simple way (after all these years when we have been separated by the breadth of the continent on account of her health) and to exert an influence of helpfulness with the beautiful art to which I have given my life, in some such atmosphere as that which you have created at Stanford. My work at Smith College the last twenty-five years has involved constant lecturing upon all matters connected with music, both as an art and a science, - with especial emphasis upon the relation of Art to Character and the Spiritual Life. I shall hope to be of some service to you in these directions.

If I am to go to you, the time of beginning to work can be left wholly in your hands, to be determined by the time of expiration of the present term of service.

I should be grateful for a word at your convenience, before you go abroad, concerning what my duties might be, if called to the position. If you wish it, or if it seems in any way desirable, I will gladly run down to Palo Alto, and your beautiful home for a conference with you.

Yours very faithfully

Benj. C. Blodgett.

Hotel Ryan Welz & Fry, Hotel Co. Proprietors St. Paul, Minn. June 23, 1904

My dear Mrs. Stanford

Your kind letter of the 16th ult. has been forwarded to me here, where I have been detained much longer than I expected. Am now about ready to turn Westward again. The kind expressions contained in your letter are very gratifying to me, and I hasten to assure you that I shall not allow any matter of mere salary to cheat us out of the privilege of serving you at the organ and in charge of that noble choir, if you elect me to it. In other words, I leave the whole matter of salary, most gladly in your hands; I am only anxious to find a little home where Mrs. Blodgett and I may live in a simple way, (after all these years when we have been separated by the breadth of the continent, on account of her health,) and to exert an influence of helpfulness with the beautiful best