President Grover Cleveland Writes the President of Williams College That He Will Attend the College’s 100th Anniversary

On March 4, 1893, Grover Cleveland commenced his second term as President. Founded in 1793, Williams College is a noted private, liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Mass. Franklin Carter, President of Williams College, invited Cleveland to attend its centennial ceremonies.

Autograph letter signed, on Executive Mansion letterhead, June 19, 1893, to Franklin Carter, President of Williams College. “I accept with pleasure the courteous invitation of the President and Trustees of Williams College to attend the one hundredth anniversary of the College; subject however to the demands of public duty should they be inexorable. It will be impossible for Mrs. Cleveland to accompany me; and I can only hope to remain with you from Monday afternoon and evening October ninth, until the evening of Tuesday the tenth. I expect to have a session of Congress on my hands at that time. Your exceedingly kind invitation to be a guest at your home during my stay at Williamstown is fully appreciated; and it will afford me very great pleasure to accept your hospitality.”