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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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60 History University of Illinois finance the work that was now upon them. I t was fortunate for their undertakings that Mr. Murray was a man of considerable wealth and was willing to use some of it in this cause. Time and again as shown by his correspondence with Turner he backed up the work of the league by loans, by giving his own personal checks, and by granting the use of his credit. Turner relied greatly upon the good judgment and executive ability of his friend Murray. On February 23, 1853, just after making the contract with Rutherford, Turner wrote Murray on the-subject of finances as follows: "You mentioned that I could draw on the funds of the Chicago Convention for a certain amount—I forget how much—and whom besides yourself. I would like now to make the draft if I could, so as to get Stephens hold of the work for the league as this cannot be done without money and my own business and collections have been so much neglected this year that I shall not be able either to collect or advance anything of my own in all probability till after payment for next sales commission in full—nor then if I neglect it as much as I have been obliged to neglect it for the past months. A line from Dr. Kennicott shows him to be in good heart still—same of other friends." The statements above indicate something of the sacrifice, of |j money and property, of time and comfort that these farmers were making in the interests of a great educational movement. While organizing the league these men were keeping a wary eye upon the activities of the legislature, which, although it had shown itself friendly, might at any moment do something to upset all their well laid plans. Early in February, Turner thought something of this kind had occurred. I n alarm he wrote to Murray: " I am in distress again—I was just exulting in our complete triumph when I heard, through Lumsden, that a bill was pending for a Charter for the University!! " I do not know but he and others may have alluded to this before—to me, but if so I always supposed they referred to a charter for the league. " I have written Lumsden to know something more of the facts and to have him suspend it if possible." 4 Turner went on in his letter to explain how dangerous it was at that time to proburner to Murray, February 5, 1853, Turner manuscripts.
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