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California Parlor No 1, US[?]U and a member of the First Presbyterian Church (Dr.MacKinley) there. My [?] [mate?] object is, to center the Ministry, but I [must?] first get my education and having [nothing?] to depend upon I must find a [?] the expenses are [?] and I can nearly [support?] myself.
Ever since I have known of the University, which is to bear the name of your son and will stand forth through [succeeding?] ages as an enduring monuments [?] munificence and bereaved [affections?] have constantly kept my eyes fixed in [that?] direction, feeling that I would be one of [?] who would be permitted to enjoy its [advantages?] and provisions.
Will there be a Preparatory Department [to?] [require?] nearly another year's preparation [before?] [being?] ready for a Collegiate Classical course.
Trusting you will pardon [?] liberty I take in addressing you and the [?] of this epistle and reply, I remain,
Yours very sincerely,
[Chas?] [Dagell?], Wiota Cass Co., Iowa