Title	1892-04-11: Gould, Jay, to Henry MacCracken
Creator	Gould, Jay
Date Created	1892-04-11
Decade	1890s
Index Terms	Jay Gould Russell Sage, Character New York University (history)
Commentary	Russell Sage had been Jay Gould's financial and banking partner since the 1870s. Now seriously ill with tuberculosis, Gould writes from El Paso to encourage New York University Chancellor Henry MacCracken to press on with his fund-raising efforts and "extend the usefulness of the University of New York." "I hope that Mr. Sage can be induced to make a liberal contribution to aid you. To me, Mr. Sage is one of the most lovable of men." Gould's description of the famous financier and miser strongly contrasts those of contemporaries and attests to the men's long and close partnership. Gould would die later that same year. Russell Sage never gave a penny to New York University despite MacCracken's urging. But his widow Olivia would give it an enormous donation, just months after his death. [Commentary written by Dr. Ruth Crocker]
Item Description	This image is a handwritten letter from financier Jay Gould to Henry MacCracken. The writer expresses his hope that Mr. Sage will make a donation to New York University and praises Mr. Sage for his good qualities. [Item Description created by Auburn University Libraries]
Transcription	El Paso April 11, 1898 Henry M. MacCracken, Esq. Dear Sir I am still at El Paso breathing this wonderful pure dry air - the best place in the world for bronchial troubles. I am glad to note you are making good progress in your plan to extend the usefulness of the University of New York. I hope Mr. Sage can be induced to make a liberal contribution to aid you. To me Mr. Sage is one of the most lovable of men, his simple manner, his pure & just life, his industry in looking after & protecting the various interests with which he is identified is the story of his life. With my best wishes for your success I remain Yours truly Jay Gould
Language	eng
File Name	128.jpg
Collection	MacCracken Records
Repository	New York University Archives, New York, New York
Rights	This image is not the property of the Auburn University Libraries. Anyone wishing to use this image must contact the repository listed above for permission.
Digital Publisher	Auburn University Libraries
Mini-Collections	Russell Sage Marriage New York University Helen Miller Gould