| Title |
Material relating to the Chair of American History at Cambridge |
| Reference |
D |
| Covering Dates |
1942–1949 |
| Extent and Medium |
38 items; paper |
|
| St John's Library/Benians/D contains: |
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D1
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Typescript letter signed from C.W. Crawley, Secretary of Faculty of History, to Benians. Faculty Board asked General Board to authorise invitation to an American Professor for 3 terms of 1943-4 and proposed he receive stipend corresponding to that of Professor of American History at Oxford and to professorial stipends here - £1200, or £1000 with hospitality, and travelling expenses. Proposed that selection be made by American committee formed in US with help of Commager who returning to US in February. Faculty Board agreed possibility of more permanent arrangement should be considered now not after war - agreed to ask B, Master of Trinity, Prof. Walker, Mr Kitson Clark and Chairman of Board to serve on committee to consider promotion of permanent endowment of Chair of American History in Cambridge. If committee's proposals practicable it's report to Faculty Board might be followed by report of Faculty Board to University. Secretary General of Faculties being informed that Faculty Board forming this committee - Kitson Clark agreed to act as Secretary of committee. Other members of proposed committee agreed to act - hopes B also consent to act.
1p; paper. |
12 Nov. 1942 |
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D2
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Typescript letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. Hopes B accepted membership of committee. K trying to organise committee for next week. Possible for B to come to committee 3pm next Friday in dining room of Trinity Lodge? Time convenient for Master of Trinity - K writing to other members to see if it possible for them.
1p; paper. |
13 Nov. 1942 |
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D3
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Typsecript letter from Benians to C.W. Crawley. Thanks C for letter of 12 November. B be delighted to serve on committee.
1p; paper. |
14 Nov. 1942 |
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D4
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Typescript letter from Benians to G. Kitson Clark. B pleased to become member of committee. B has meeting in London on Friday 20 November so cannot attend committee meeting.
1p; paper. |
14 Nov. 1942 |
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D5
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Typescript letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. Committee met yesterday and decided to write to Dr Nicholas Murray Butler. K prepared letter which Board approved and told K to submit to B, Commager and Saunders. It rather long because it more flattering to Murray Butler to make general statement than simple plea for money - K gathers Murray Butler not unsusceptible to flattery. Could B look through letter, suggest alterations, then return it. K then seek Commager's opinion. Promised Saunders that nothing go to America without his seeing it. General Board agreed to provide £1000 and travelling expenses for American Professor for next academic year. Welbourne offered hospitality in name of Emmanuel.
1p; paper. |
21 Nov. 1942 |
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D6
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Typescript letter from Benians to G. Kitson Clark. Thanks K for letter and copy of letter to Murray Butler - letter explains position very well. Hopes it will secure end in view, sure it good first step. B pencilled few suggestions on text. Glad K show letter to Saunders. B would also show it to Knox-Shaw as it deals with financial matters.
1p; paper. |
23 Nov. 1942 |
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D7
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Typescript letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. Encloses letter 'which gives the answer which you feared'. Doesn't know what next step be. Did Crawley send B letter which K got about proposed American visitor for next year? Time come to ask Appeal Committee to meet again?.
1p; paper. |
12 Feb. 1943 |
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D8
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Typescript letter from Benians to G. Kitson Clark. Thanks K for letting him see Mr Wilkie's letter which he returns. It can only do good to make known as widely as possible what they want - approaches to Carnegie Foundations help do this though can expect no help from them. Thinks next step for Appeal Committee to meet. Crawley sent letter and B bring it to meeting of Historical Board tomorrow. Evearts Greene is historian of reputation though B prefer younger man. Thinks they should wait for Commager's suggestions before acting.
1p; paper. |
15 Feb. 1943 |
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D9
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Typescript letter from Benians to G. Kitson Clark. Thanks K for letters about American History project which he returns. Agrees next step to write to Pilgrim Trust - good thing to make needs known to them. Doubtful about applying to Commonwealth Fund as their money from US sources so unlikely to consider endowing Chair of American History here. In favour of K writing to Moberley to tell him what they doing - might be able to give advice.
1p; paper. |
20 Mar. 1943 |
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D10
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Autograph letter signed from G. Kitson Clark to Benians. Sends B notes on Chair of American History with MS corrections and additions by Crawley - thinks it passes muster though would like B's comments. K not sure about starting with claim that chair be primarily attached to History Faculty - doesn't want them to look greedy. K type up draft embodying B's suggestions and submit it to Grierson and Salter.
2p; paper. |
1943 |
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D11
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'Cambridge Chair of American History £44,000 endowment'. Cuttings from 'The Times', 27 July 1943.
paper. |
27 July 1943 |
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D12
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Typescript letter from Benians to G. Kiston Clark. Thanks K for notes on Chair of American History. Thinks it best to see complete draft before finally pass it. Doesn't think proposed American Committee should appear in any regulations - should be informal. Having suggested way in which think Professor should be elected should add that Board propose to consult with American scholars and believe that they be willing to serve on informal committee to advise them. Council of Senate rightly want to know how they going to proceed but University shouldn't legislate about matter. Would put provision assigning Professorship primarily to History Faculty towards end of notes. Wise not to suggest attaching name to Chair as no name seemed appropriate? If no name attached, Chair probably be known in American as 'Cambridge Professorship of American History' which quite satisfactory. No difficulty in putting regulation into statutes to limit scope to US though B rather say nothing. Like to see draft of suggestions in case he overlooked anything.
2p; paper. |
25 Oct. 1943 |
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D13
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Autograph letter signed from C.W. Crawley, Trinity Hall Cambridge, to Benians. Sends B draft report (drafted by Master of Caius and the Registrary in light of General Board's comments on Faculty Board's first letter). This draft considered by Council last Monday and given general approval. It to come up again next Monday. Also encloses copy of letter from C to Master of Caius and his reply. C anxious to know whether B thinks report likely to provoke any public criticism in discussion and if so if anything could be done to avoid this.
2p; paper. |
3 Dec. 1943 |
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D14
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Typescript report headed 'The Chair of American History', signed G.N.C. (G.N. Clark). Present arrangement by which appointments to Chair made by Council of Senate to be reviewed during next academic year. After 4 years experience of this system C thinks it should be given up as soon as possible and regular Board of Electors constituted. Proved difficult to conduct preliminary enquiries and correspondence regularly and satisfactorily, thinks it should be more formal and dealt with by body not concerned with any other business. Sometimes said that constitution of Board of Electors prejudge type of appointment to Chair. University should by this time be in position to decide this question for considerable period. So far professors appointed been Americans who held office for short time so that their influence stimulating but not continuous - doesn't think strong school of American history can be built up this way. Sometimes suggested that University lecturers supply necessary continuity while visiting professors appointed to bring expertise in various fields. More satisfactory if continuity provided by professor and encouragement for special studies comes from more junior people. This mean that Englishmen be appointed to Chair and this be highly desirable. Chair of American History at Oxford restricted to Americans so Oxford cannot build up independent school of American history in which English critical methods applied to American materials. Be great advantage for study of American history if it pursued by greater number of professors whose methods been formed outside US since they alone could make kind of contribution which been made by American and continental scholars in study of English history. Hopes regular Board of Electors be constituted and that it not think it necessary to draw up conditions for holding Chair in such a way as to make sacrifices to continuity in order to open way for American candidates.
2p; paper. |
28 July 1947 |
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D15
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Typescript letter signed from A.B. Steel, Christ's College Cambridge, to Benians. Faculty Board of History today decided to appoint ad hoc committee to urgently discuss arrangements for appointment of Professor of American History. Other members of committee: Professors Brogan and Knowles, Crawley (Chairman), Kitson Clark and S. It hoped that B will serve. Committee to discuss arrangements for appointment of permanent Professor of American History when existing scheme for visiting professors expires, and suggest names of possible visiting professors for 1949-50. Decided not to invite Commager to serve on committee but to consult him. Would Monday, Thursday or Friday afternoon next week be suitable for B for committee meeting, if he agrees to serve?.
1p; paper. |
21 Oct. 1947 |
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D16
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Typescript letter from Benians to A.B. Steel. B pleased to serve on committee about Professor of American History. Thursday 30 October 2.15 be convenient for meeting.
1p; paper. |
22 Oct. 1947 |
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D17
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Autograph letter from M. Oakeshott (Secretary of the Faculty of History), Gonville & Caius College Cambridge, to Benians. Faculty Board of History appointed small committee to consider conditions of appointment to Chair of History of USA and to suggest names of possible candidates for 1949-50. Hopes that B willing to be member. Present arrangements regarding the Chair soon to be reconsidered by University and Board wishes to be ready with it's recommendations.
1p; paper. |
23 Oct. 1947 |
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D18
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Autograph note signed on card from A.B. Steel, Christ's College Cambridge, to Benians. S convening meeting on Thursday 30 October 2.15 in his rooms at Christ's. Glad B willing to serve on committee.
1p; paper. |
23 Oct. 1947 |
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D19
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Typescript letter from Benians to M. Oakeshott. B happy to serve on committee about Chair of American History. Steel already told him about it.
1p; paper. |
24 Oct. 1947 |
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D20
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Typescript letter signed from C.W. Crawley, Trinity Hall Cambridge, to Benians. Faculty Board had long discussion yesterday about future of Chair of American History. Agreed to adjourn question to meeting on 20 January when decide whether to recommend that Board of Electors for permanent tenure of Chair be established as soon as convenient, and whether to recommend that steps be taken at once to look for one more visiting Professor for year 1949-50, after Professor Nicholls. C not think there much support for committee's original proposal to look for 2 more visiting Professors. Board hope that B be able to be present on 20 January. It agreed to circulate to Colleges substance of Professor Dexter Perkins' offer pointing out that grants would not cover expenditure in dollars but not at present to advertise it in the Reporter.
1p; paper. |
26 Nov. 1947 |
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D21
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Typescript letter from Benians to C.W. Crawley. B happy to come to meeting of Historical Board on 20 January for discussion on American Chair. Probable that report of their committee been different if they been able to take all possibilities into account.
1p; paper. |
28 Nov. 1947 |
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D22
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Typescript 'Report of the Committee on the Chair of American History and Institutions'. Signed E.A.B., A.B.S., G.K.C., D.W.B., M.C.K. Committee carefully considered Provost of Oriel's memorandum of 28 July 1947 and reply sent by Secretary-General of Faculties. They recognise force of many of G.N. Clark's arguments and would add difficulty in persuading American historians to accept Chair in view of financial sacrifice entailed. None the less committee recommend: that present regulations remain in force for 2 more years since there been insufficient experience of existing scheme. Clark suggests there will have been 4 years experience by end of academic year but for various reasons scheme did not work as intended in 1944-5 or 1946-7. Therefore feel that appointment of visiting professor under existing arrangements should be made for 1949-50 and 1950-51. Committee recommend that when present regulations come up for reconsideration by Council of Senate and General Board in 1948 these bodies should be invited to sanction appointments under existing scheme as far as 1951, but to defer reconsideration of permanent settlement by not more than 1 year. Felt by committee that longer period of consideration be required than 8-9 months particularly if substantial action to be taken, and that Faculty Board should reconsider position in 1 year's time. Committee concluded that primary need is for an Economic Historian and believe Walter Rostow, formerly Professor at Harvard, now working in Geneva, is available. Rostow originally a Rhodes Scholar and held Chair of American History at Oxford, has no present academic appointment and if approached immediately likely to be available for 1949-50. Failing Rostow committee recommend Professor A.M. Schlesinger Jr., Associate Professor at Harvard, then Professor Allan Nevins. Schlesinger a Peterhouse man and recent winner of Pulitzer prize. Nevins already known to Board. Believe that both be willing to come but Professor Schlesinger might find it easier to be released by his University. Should Rostow accept for 1949-50 committee recommend that other 2 be approached for 1950-51 and that approaches should be made as soon as possible after Rostow's decision known.
1p; paper. |
1947 |
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D23
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Typescript letter from Benians to C.W. Guillebaud. Returns Dexter Perkins' letter. B spoke to Crawley who thought it possible to arrange for Perkins to lecture here some time in Easter term. B said he understood that question of payment did not arise and that it probably a matter of only 2 or 3 lectures. C said it best if Perkins write to him suggesting time and what lectures he has in mind. As regards Oxford B heard nothing from G.N. Clark. Regarding other universities, London School of Economics occurred to B, but thinks it likely that Perkins made some contacts while he was here which he could renew.
1p; paper. |
7 Jan. 1948 |
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D24
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Autograph letter signed from C.W. Crawley, Trinity Hall Cambridge, to Benians. Encloses letter from Jim Butler(?) regarding Dexter Perkins' intended visit. Shall C ask secretary to put this matter on agenda for Board meeting on 20 January as Lectures Committee not meet before this? Case for 1 or 3 lectures? At usual rate of pay for distinguished visitor?.
1p; paper. |
12 Jan. 1948 |
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D25
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Typescript letter from Benians to C.W. Crawley. Good idea to put question of Dexter Perkins' lectures on agenda for meeting of History Board. B advised Guillebaud to write encouragingly to Perkins and suggest that he write to C saying when he likely to come and what lectures he has in mind, but it much nicer if Board invite him. Returns Jim Butler(?)'s letter - glad to see visit likely to happen.
1p; paper. |
13 Jan. 1948 |
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D26
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Typescript letter from M. Oakeshott (Secretary of the Faculty of History), Gonville & Ciaus College Cambridge, to Benians. Faculty Board of History intend to decide upon their recommendations regarding future of Chair of American History and Institutions at meeting on 20 January. They be grateful if B attend the meeting and give them benefit of his advice - it be at 2.15 in Syndicate Room. With MS notes by Benians on the back.
1p; paper. |
14 Jan. 1948 |
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D27
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Autograph letter signed from C.W. Crawley, Trinity Hall Cambridge, to Benians. Thanks B for letter about Dexter Perkins. C had letter from him today suggesting visit in May to give up to 3 lectures on: American foreign policy, America and Europe, America and the W. Hemisphere.
1p; paper. |
17 Jan. 1948 |
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D28
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Typescript letter signed from Prof. Henry Commager, Rye New York, to Benians. C and his wife's thoughts and affections never far from Cambridge. C writing about Pitt Chair - may be that it decided to give Chair permanently to English scholar, which C would regret. C went to annual meeting of American historians in Washington and talked with several people about American history in England. Sounded out 2 of most distinguished scholars in country about Cambridge and Oxford and both eager to go over. First is John D. Hicks, whose Populist Revolt B may know, one of 8 or 10 outstanding American historians in country, leading Turner disciple, with long and brilliant academic record. He dean of graduate faculties at Wisconsin then Professor of History and dean of graduate school at California. He now writing - finishing book on California, then do volume for C's history series. As professor and author of perhaps most widely used text book in country Hicks has no financial worries. Still in fifties, vigorous, delightful companion, man of great intellectual integrity. He free 1950-51 and be happy to go to Cambridge. Second is Dixon Wecter, director of research at Huntingdon Institution - author of more books than you could read in a month and few hundred articles, tremendous worker. Rhodes scholar in 20s, author of book on Burke, on American society, the hero in America, Depression decade, problems of demobilisation, editor of Mark Twain papers, biographer to be of Twain and Howells. He's the man C and Nevins wanted at Columbia. He an Anglophile and happy to go to Cambridge or Oxford. He's going to California so he and Hicks couldn't both leave at same time - could get Wecter for 1951-52. C almost willing to offer himself as candidate for 1952-53. C thinking of sending his son Steele to Cambridge then, and C has sabbatical that year. Hopes B's wife feeling fit again - Evan (C's wife) misses her. They be back to see them - B knows C can't stay away from Cambridge for long and he'll find some excuse to visit in year or so.
2p; paper. |
30 Jan. 1949 |
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D29
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Typescript letter from Benians to Professor Henry Commager. Glad to have C's views about Chair. Future of Chair still under discussion and B not sure what decision will be. B entirely of C's way of thinking. Thinks he met Hicks in Madison - he had considerable reputation then and it be nice to get him over for year. Hopes to see C before long. Doesn't know Dixon Wecter - he not at Huntingdon Library when B there. B's wife making good progress. They often think of C and his wife and look forward to seeing them again.
1p; paper. |
8 Feb. 1949 |
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D30
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Typescript letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. Marked confidential. K writing about question of American history - things not going particularly well. General Board agreed to make change in Chair but it have to come before University as report. K not seen report. May be chance of debating it at Regent House but may be unlikely that they be able to stop change. Matter which then of greatest importance to secure who should be on appointments committee for non-recurrent new professorship when it comes into existence. K feels one particular appointment would not be reliable and with such a professor couldn't guarantee adequate course of lectures every year. K originally hoped that if professorship made inoperative for general teaching of subject, as he afraid might happen, could fall back on Thistlethwaite as centre of school. Thistlethwaite, however, accepted lectureship under Economics faculty - quite disastrous. Work on American history which Economics faculty want done not be full account of history of US and shall not be able to fall back on course of lectures from Thistlethwaite to supply kind of course which they getting from him now. Doesn't know Thistlethwaite's motives in accepting lectureship, thought he happy in History faculty, and lectureship in this faculty about to be or already offered to him. Doesn't know how to secure continuance of what seemed successful experiment. Like to know B's view.
1p; paper. |
8 Mar. 1949 |
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D31
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Typescript letter from Benians to Kitson Clark. B heard about Thistlethwaite. Doesn't know if he give lectures useful to both faculties - if not Historical Board hopefully look for someone else to give general course. Steel be disposed to do it? Thinks right arrangement of teaching is for lecturer to do outline course leaving professor free in choice of what he lectures on. Regarding proposed change in regulations for Chair, H.S. Bennett told B that Council not decided what they going to propose to University. B hopes, like K, they not change present arrangement. To get American of mark each year is valuable thing for them to give school distinctive character and give them friends in American universities who be invaluable to their research students. To work well needs planning and foresight. B waiting to see report of Council and hopes it be discussed in Regent House.
1p; paper. |
12 Mar. 1949 |
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D32
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Autograph letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. B no doubt noticed that Council of Senate reported against change in US Professorships and heard there to be discussion on Tuesday. K learnt today that Chairman of History Board to be put up to oppose report and speak for establishment of permanent resident chair. Knows Holland going to speak in favour of report and has got Master of Trinity to speak for it. K can't decide if he should speak - like to know what B do. K doesn't want to speak because: it means speaking in opposition to large majority of board on which he sits and having fought the matter there he doesn't want to carry on battle before University; it in middle of Tripos - K chairman of part I and has 280 papers to read and doesn't want to add responsibility at such a time; recent months K had slight doubts about policy of visiting professors, caused first by relative failure of Nichols as lecturer - his class deserted him. K wondered whether visiting professor can get length of English audience. Part of problem that they set Nichols to do outline course which ought not to be job of visiting professor. But now Thistlethwaite deserted them don't know who to do outline course unless get someone from outside. Steel immersed in special periods and K not sure if he has the personality. Report from Council of Senate suggests that visiting professor be attached sometimes to Law sometimes to Economics which mean that post not do work in building up school of US history that K and B desired. Can't help feeling that danger of Brogan, which probably one reason why K disliked resident professor scheme, is diminishing. K always thought Brogan not do work properly but now his reputation for negligence such that he might not be appointed. In spite of all this K still thinks should have permanent University lecturer/reader and visiting professor to give them knowledge of this or that side of US life and keep them in touch with US. Like to know what B intends to do and would advise - be grateful if B could see him in next few days. Thistlethwaite determined upon resident professor. K wishes Thistlethwaite not entered Economics faculty.
4p; paper. |
1949 |
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D33
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Typescript letter from Benians to Kitson Clark. Hopes to be able to attend discussion on Tuesday 31 May. Very glad to see that Council recommending continuance of present regulations. There arguments for change but balance of advantage strongly in favour of present arrangement. As report opposed by historians it clearly an advantage that Council's view be supported by someone in administration of the school. Better if it appears to be only conflict of faculties and that the only historians who favoured Council's policy were those who now ceased to have anything to do with administration. B dining in Trinity tonight - might get word or two with K.
1p; paper. |
26 May 1949 |
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D34
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Typescript letter signed from Kitson Clark to Benians. K thinks he ought to speak in debate on Tuesday. Crawley will put forward view of board and K will try to follow him to put minority view. Gathers Holland will speak and has got Master of Trinity to come and give support. Hopes B give support to Council's proposal sometime in debate - project for American professorship came very largely from B, originally from speech he made as Vice Chancellor, and he was great ally and assistant in agitation for it, so it important that University knows B not changed his opinion. Psychologically might be some advantage if B prepared to come in towards end of proceedings when likely that History Board put up second debater to answer K's arguments. Salter, who would have supported them, can't be present. Salter feels that there may be a non placet and if so may be necessary to produce second fly sheet in answer to one supporting the non placet. If so K hopes it not appear in last portion of this term - with 280 exam papers and chairmanship of Part I, K not anxious to take on anything else.
1p; paper. |
30 May 1949 |
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D35
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Autograph letter signed from G. Kitson Clark, Trinity College Cambridge, to Benians. Thanks B for letter about Nichols. Does B have reference work which gives Nichols' initials, title etc. to complete case for College Council? K extracted some information from Commager but not enough as he doesn't have Nichols' initials. Will write to Oakeshott to see what he got. Be grateful if B has kind of information which appears in Who's Who.
2p; paper. |
1949 |
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D36
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MS notes by Benians on a report on the Chair of American history (?). What faculty Chair be assigned to? What studies Chair be associated with? Should mention: national need for persons adequately instructed in American history to increase knowledge in the subject, attempt of History Board to assist in supplying this need by introducing subject into Tripos and to provide proper teaching of it. Suggests changes to text of report. Council seem not so much to want to establish on sound basis teaching of American history here as to promote general interest in things American. B feels Chair not have great reputation among historians in America if it filled at times by non-historians - it become Chair for almost any visiting American scholar.
1p; paper. |
1949 |
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D37
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MS notes by Benians on Chair of American history.
1p; paper. |
1949 |
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D38
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Scribblings by Benians. On back of envelope and on scrap of paper.
2p; paper. |
1949 |
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