Charles Bessey, Letters, 1881

Minneapolis Minn. Jan'y 17.

Prof. C. E. Bessey:

Dear Sir – Yr letter demanded a prompter reply than this. We are very glad to get a favorable response to our request for aid in the projected school in this vacation. The one thing that now causes this little delay in making the arrangements is the question of funds for its support.

We are hoping that the legislation now in sessino will give us some aid in assigning a small % of the High School fund to this purpose of instructing the teachers. If we can get that provision inserted in the bill we shall be sure of our annual [?] for this specific work. I intend to see today the Governor & State Supt. & urge upon them even more the need of this [stip?] – as it gives the University a plan with the schools.

Will you inform me what amount you will demand for your services in the summer.

What is your own personal opinion as to the time you ought to take in this course? If we cannot secure you for this whole time I tho't that this course in Botany could be concentrated into a few weeks & the other courses would occupy the other time, [in?] have [one?/our?] study the Chief for each week.

I will write again in a few days. Meanwhile I hope to hear from you upon the "salary question" that an estimate of expenses may be presented the Bd. of Regents.

Very truly Your C. W. Hall

Minneapolis Mar. 12.

Professor C. E. Bessey Dear Sir:

The Regents have at last sanctioned the expense of a summer school at this University. We can now go on at once advertise & solicit for at least a fair [?] of students.

Will you be so kind as to send us what you wish to have inserted in a circular teaching your

work in botany that we may incorporate it with the others on a single sheet.

I might say that it is the [?]s opinion [?] that we make botany the chief subject taught & the others arrange for filling up the time. In that case four weeks would be long enough for the school to hold in session.

e.g. Suppose there be 2 teachers per day & 2 or more [?] laby work: the one lect. would be in botany & the other on alternate days in Chemistry

Zoology, Geology, [&c?] which all the laby work would be in botany following daily lecture.

Of course under this plan we should not [need?] to hold ourselves in readiness to give work in any other branch besides botany that students would care to take. What is your idea of such a plan? We wish if possible to make no mistake but to have a successful school.

Very truly Yours C. W. Hall