Rutherford B. Hayes

Spiegel Grove Freemont O. 12 Dec 1883

My Dear Governor: I yesterday read in the San Francisco "Spirit of the Times" the first full account I have seen of your matchless gift to the cause of Education. I can not resist the impulse to thank you and to congratulate you. I need not try to express the admiration felt for you and for your work by all good and thoughtful friends of free institutions. All see who read your deed of Trust that the Leland Stanford Junior University will have the amplest Endowment ever known; that it will be non-sectarian; and that it will furnish industrial education to its students. All of those features will command the approval of the intelligent and judicious. The last mentioned, viz, manual training I rejoice to

see is fundamental. Its importance in this Country, especially, cannot be overrated. No American can be regarded as well educated who can not earn his living by skilled labor either in agriculture or mechanical pursuits. But I must not tresspass on your time. Mrs. Hayes and myself will always remember gratefully your generous kindness to us in the most agreeable journey of our lives - our California trip in 1880.

We sympathized with you deeply in your great affliction and now join with all the world in appreciating what you are doing for your fellow men.

We have never met Mrs. Stanford, but venture to write in respectful and kind regards to to her as well as to yourself.

Sincerely

R.B. Hayes

Gov Leland Stanford

Washington

D. C.