For Scholars

"As a memorial to my father, the late J. Pierpont Morgan, and for the use of scholars I have conveyed the library created by him, its contents and the land upon which it stands, to a board of trustees, together with an endowment sufficient for its permanent maintenance. It has been designated as the Pierpont Morgan Library and its character and purpose are set forth by my letter to the trustees, and by extracts from the deed of conveyance, copies of which are attached to this statement."

This was John P. Morgan's way of making it known that he had donated $1,500,000 plus his father's library (conservatively valued at $7,000,000) to the public for the use of scholars.

In a letter to the board of trustees, Mr. Morgan expressed the hope that they would elect, when a vacancy occurred among them, a "direct descendant of my father in the male line. . . . provided that he is, in the opinion of the remaining Trustees, a suitable person to be so chosen."

In extracts from the deed of conveyance the Pierpont Morgan Library is described as "A public library, for reference only, without any circulation or withdrawal privileges ... to encourage and develop study and research and generally to conduct an institution of educational value to the public." The general public is excluded, however, and only that part of it who are students, "persons engaged in the work of research" and those interested in literature and kindred subjects are to be admitted "under suitable rules and regulations."

Thus it must be noticed that the object of the library remains unchanged. What is changed is that the ownership passed from Mr. Morgan to the Trustees, of whom he, his wife, two sons and two other persons* closely connected with him, are members. Mr. Morgan's object in transferring the ownership is patent. Presumably Mr. Morgan's heir might have been left free to 'disperse the entire collection at his pleasure. By conveying the library to a Board of Trustees, its present nature will be kept for at least 100 years. All studentdom has reason to be duly grateful to Mr. Morgan's munificence.

The entire library building situated at No. 33 East 36th street, Manhattan, is built of white marble with a magnificently sculptured frieze on the outside. In the hall, the walls of white marble and mosaic form an exquisite setting for the bronze doors, which are masterpieces of Italian cire perdue work of the 16th Century, said to be as fine as those of the Baptistry of Florence. The most conspicuous object in the hall is a bronze bust of the Marquis of Pescara, wearing the Golden Fleece, ascribed to Benvenuto Cellini. In the rooms, which will form the happy hunt-ing-ground of bibliophiles living and bibliophiles yet to be born, are some of the choicest books in existence, ranging from the rare incunabula (books printed before 1500) to autograph copies of books by famous authors and statesmen. Mr. Morgan's collection of Coptic manuscripts is said to be the finest in existence. To do justice to the wonders of this book paradise would take more than a volume; to attempt to catalog them is impossible. But one document, a letter from General Cornwallis to George Washington must be given, if for no other reason than that it has never before been published:

York, Virginia.

17th October, 1781.

Sir:

I propose a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours and that two officers may be appointed by each side to meet at Mr. Moore's house to settle terms for the surrender of the ports of York and Gloucester. I have the honor to be, sir,

Your most obedient and most humble servant

Cornwallis.

His Excellency,

General Washington.

It was the first time he had ever condescended to call George Washington "His Excellency."

The collection of original manuscripts includes:

Benvenuto Cellini--Letters.

Marie Antoinette -- Letters written during the last years of her life.

Victor Hugo--Journal de l'Exile.

Alexandre Dumas--portions of Le Vicomte de Bragelonne.

Charles Dickens--The Cricket on the Hearth and The Christmas Carol.

Nelson--Draft of a will made in December, 1802.

Edgar Allan Poe--Annabel Lee, Ul-alume and portions of other poems.

George Washington--Volumes of his correspondence, including letters to James Madison and to the King of Prussia and Germany, asking for the release of Lafayette.

Byron- The Corsair.*

Other treasures are: Oliver Cromwell's prayer-book, which is kept in a small silver box with silver filigree on a gold back. The only existing perfect copy of the first book printed in English (William Caxton's press).

Original etchings by Rembrandt and his school.

* James Gore King and Lewis Cass Ledyard, lawyers.

* Mr. Morgan's father's yacht was called the Corsair.