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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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438 History University of Jllinoi DOCUMENT NUMBER 8 Trumbull manuscripts. Library of Congress T H E GROVE West Northfield P. 0 . Cook Co. Ills, Jan 25th '58 Hon Lyman Trumbull— Can we not count on you, my dear Sir, to advocate the measure, should there be a hope that Congress may seriously entertain the proposal to grant lands to the several States for the establishment of Agricultural Colleges! I suppose you know this is "Illinois thunder", and you have a right to it. The principle has been endorsed by our Legislature—pressed on by our State society—and adopted by nearly all our associations—east and west—and has many friends in the Slave States even. I will not waste your time with arguments, but my assurance that nearly every thinking agriculturist of the Union believes in the necessity of specific education, may give you more confidence to work for us—if you see any chance, in the present. I take it for granted that you are aware of the opportunities I have had for knowing the wants and wishes of the rural brotherhood, and can therefore judge of the value of my evidence—and it may be well to add, that those who put a much higher estimate on my influence than is due to it have urged me to address you on the subject. My own opinion is, that there is no subject before Congress, of one half the National importance Slavery, south, is, I take it, dangerous only through the doughfaceism of the North, and the enlightment and and efficiency of free labor is the policy of those who would drive that out of Congress and the administration. But, pardon me, I did not intend to say more than might be necessary to call your attention to the question of aid to the paramount interest of Agriculture. Cordially and Respectfully John A. Kennicott Pres, Cook Co—Ag'l Society.
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