Letterhead
Jan. 19, 1904
Hon. Timothy L. Woodruff,
287 Broadway, New York.
My Dear Woodruff:-
The discussion in the Board last evening concerning the Commencement orator favored an attempt to get the services of Rev. Dr. Henry Van Dyke. The faculty has also discussed the question somewhat and is in favor of trying to get Dr. Van Dyke rather than President Wilson. As between the two, I am myself inclined to think that we have a chance to get Dr. Van Dyke and that Wilson will certainly say "No."
If you still prefer to have me make an attempt to secure Wilson, I will write to him about it. If you are favorably impressed by the nomination of Dr. Van Dyke, would it not be wise for you to extend to him the official invitation?
Yours very sincerely,
Charles H. Levermore
[marginalia] I think that with either of them it would be necessary to suggest that there is to be a honorarium - of $50. perhaps.