Correspondence (outgoing) to David Starr Jordan, 1897 May-Nov

May 24, 97 43

Dr. Jordan Kind friend: -

At the time of the opening of the University Mr. Stanford urged me to write something that I would read myself to the students. I complied with his request but when the time came my heart grew faint at such an ordeal and I could not bring my mind to face such an audience and

read this address. Mr. Stanford was very much disappointed. I put the article away and did not remember that I had kept it until today on looking over a trunk of old letters I found it, and send it to you that you may read it and from it you can gather what my feelings were in regard to the work my husband and I were so much interested in.

I gave it to Mr. Stanford to read at the time, and he, as you will see, inserted a few words. Those were the only changes made in it, and I send it to you Simon pure.

Your friend Jane L. Stanford

S. F. Cal May 24, 1897.

Hotel Meurice 228, Rue de Rivoli Paris

Paris paper - an address made by Professor Lathrop favorably commenting on his advanced ideas in regard to the education of the young - and this subject reminds me to tell you I saw dear Mrs. Barnes while in London - I am very thank ful I met her. I know her better for I had a glimps [sic] into her Soul life, she has a sweet patient spirit hallowed by suffering. I am sorry indeed that a woman with her noble soul could not have been kept with us, we need such influence as she must exert among students and among all who come in contact with her. She will always hold a sacred place in my memory.

With a grateful heart for all your tender support in the past when the tempest of sorrow nearly overwhelmed me - and let me assure you I lean on you for the future of the University far more than you realize I wish the rest of my responsibilities gave me as little anxiety as does the internal working of the good work under your able management. I am only anxious to furnish you the funds to pay the needs required. I could live on bread and water to do this very part, and would feel that God and my loved ones in the life beyond this, smiled on

efforts made to ensure the future of my dear husbands work to better humanity.

Excuse the blots and careless writing, I have poor ink a poor place to write in and no blotting paper, but I found I had a leisure hour and felt it best to improve it writting [sic] a few letters home.

Ever your earnest and sincere friend Jane L. Stanford

Probate Court Judge to have his honor decide and prejudge and give a decision as to wether or not I had the right to give land in lieu of money to the Legetees who were dissenters and demanded extortionate interest from an embarressed estate that had not the income to pay out.

I felt that you would sustain me under all and every circumstance because sustaing me sustained the blessed work under our care. Mr. Wilson used his very best endeavour to persuade me to give my personal property to the Legetees and not to take the step I did in deeding it and my home in S. F. to the University , but my soul approved the course and I obeyed its dictate and did it and have never regretted it. I wish no more consultations, and no further acts in my affairs until I reach home. It has been in a passive state for the past three months and can remain so until I return.

My health has been benefitted by my three weeks in Switzerland. I return to London day after to morrow Sept 2nd and sail for America Oct 2nd. I have made business engagements in N.Y. with the R. R. Co. which may detain me two weeks, then I return home, where I ought now to be. I had a dear sweet letter from Mrs. Jordan last week. I hope you and she are strong and well and take up the cares and responsibilities with renewed love and energy. God will bless you for all you have been to me and the University. It stands out very prominent [sic] here on this side of the world. I read an article in to days