Correspondence (incoming) - Sp-St

Fresno Aug 6 1889

The directors of the Leland Stanford Jr. University

Dear sirs: Having learned through the papers that several of the departments of the university were now open to students, I wish you would kindly answer the following questions for me. Is mechanical engineering taught there? If so, what is the rate of tuition, cost of board and lodging etc? What matriculation examinations is a student required to pass before admittance

How long does it take to finish the course. Is there any chance of a student supporting or partly supporting himself while at the university. If it is not taught at the university can you tell me of any place in San Francisco where I could learn it. I am 22 years of age and am working at the coopers trade; after mechanical engineering I intend to study electrical engineering. Addressed envelope enclosed. Yours truly Otto [Steinward?]

61 Worcester St. Boston, Mass. Apr. 25, '89

Senator Stanford, San Francisco, Cal., My Dear Sir:

In a recent San Francisco paper, I saw an article referring to a university you are building in California. The paper states that it will open in the fall of 1890, and that you are at present engaged in a search for aparatus and members of faculty

For some time past I have been considering the plan of opening an Art school, (Music and Elocution, principally) in the west, but have finally given it up on account of not having sufficient means to place it on a safe financial basis and have concluded to teach instead. I dislike to settle down to teaching only, because I have large executive ability and I ought to make myself more useful by operating with it, in addition to making a better salary.

I have before me various openings for teaching Elocution, Vocal Music, and one for [Preceptress?], but no one of them is quite what I wish. It seems to me that I should be able to fill a position in your faculty with profit both to myself and the University. I am a Post Graduate of the best school of Elocution in this country, the "Monroe College of [Oratory?]" and can give the best of references both here and in the west. I should be most