Correspondence (incoming): Blodgett, Benjamin C., 1904

which I have given my life, in some such atmosphere as these which you have created at Stanford. My work at Smith College, the past twenty-five years, has involved constant lecturing upon all matters connected with Music, both as an art and a Science, - with especial emphasis upon the relation of Art to character with spiritual life. I should hope to be of some service to you in these directions. If I am to go to you, the time of beginning my work can be left wholly in your hands, to be determined by the time of expiration of the present term of service.

I should be grateful for a word at your convenience, before you go abroad, concerning what my duties might be, if called to the position. If you wish it, or if it seems in any way desirable, I will gladly come down to Palo Alto and your beautiful home for a conference with you.

Yours very faithfully, Benj. C. Blodgett

to which I have given my life, in some such atmosphere as that which you have created at Stanford. My work at Smith College, the past twenty-five years, has involved constant lecturing upon all matters connected with music, both as an art and as a science, with special emphasis upon the relation of Art to Character and the Spiritual Life. I should hope to be of some service to you in these directions. If I am to go to you, the time of beginning my work can be left wholly in your hands, to be determined by the time of expiration of the present term of service.

I should be grateful for a word at your convenience, before you go abroad, concerning what my duties might be if called to the position. If you wish it, or if it seems in any way desirable, I will gladly come down to Palo Alto and your beautiful home for a conference with you.

Your very faithfully

Benj C. Blodgett

Seattle Aug 8, 190 ? My dear Mrs Stanford. Your favor of the 4th inst is at hand and I hasten to reply to it. In the letter that I wrote you from St Paul I refrained from making absolute conditions as to salary. If I should be chosen to preside at the organ in your Memorial Church, because I felt, and still feel, so much more eager to engage in the service, and ask for assistance to you in your great work, than merely to be earning a large salary. I expressed myself as wholly willing to leave the matter of salary to you and to the Trustees. You wish now, however, a definite reply to the question, and I say at first, and unhesitatingly, that I will accept the position at the salary hitherto paid, ( $125. per month) and will be ready to begin my work whenever it is required. If the matter rests simply upon a financial basis, and I am willing to undertake it, I shall be inclined to propose a somewhat higher figure, - say $200. as about what I have been accustomed to receive, proportionately (as nearly as I can

go to you. I hope for early opportunity to confer with you and Pres. Jordan in regard to it. The whole plan of your University, as far as I understand it and especially its unique spiritual atmosphere, give it special fitness, as above any other institution on the Pacific Coast for the inauguration of such a department. Appreciating the favor of your continued thought of me, and awaiting decisive word at your early convenience, I am, dear Mrs Stanford, Yours very respectfully [Benj ? Bloodgate ?]

letter from Mr Blodgett dated Aug. 8, 1904