Boston, December 16, 1856.
Dear Sir, —
Some time ago I requested Governor Robinson to spend some money for me in
laying the foundation of a “preparatory school” in Lawrence, but the title to
the land was imperfect, and the thing was not done. The plan of a preparatory
department must be adopted before you can have a college; unless there should
be a classical school established by the town. Nevertheless, I wish to see the
plan adopted, and to help along its completion. I have thought it over much and
it is briefly this, viz.: You shall have a college, which shall be a school of
learning, and at the same time a monument to perpetuate the memory of those
martyrs of liberty who fell during the recent struggle. Beneath it their dust
shall rest. In it shall burn the light of liberty, which shall never be
extinguished till it illumines the whole continent. It shall be called the “Free
State College,” and all the friends of freedom shall be invited to lend it a
helping hand.
Will you oblige me by conversing with Governor Robinson in
regard to this, and with any other whom you would consult, but without
publicity. I cannot furnish cash for building, but I can give what will be as
good for paying expenses after it is up. For instance, having advanced $10,000
to the university at Appleton, Wis., last year, I hold their notes on interest.
This is a good institution, and owes little or nothing except this. They have
about two hundred thousand dollars’ worth of property, and 450 students on
their catalogue. I wish I had money, but fear the time is distant when I shall
have more than enough to carry along my plans begun long ago.
With great regard,
yours truly,
A. A. L.
SOURCE: William Lawrence, Life of Amos A. Lawrence:
With Extracts from His Diary and Correspondence, p. 117-8
